KIPP Forward Team – Houston

German AparicioDirector of College Counseling

German joined the KNCP family in 2016 as the 11th-grade college counselor. He then transitioned to the 12th grade College counselor. This fall - 2019, he will be serving as the Director of College Counseling. German was born in Panama and came to the states when he was 7 years old. He is a first-generation college student and earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Houston where he majored in History and minored in Spanish. In his spare time, he loves to play soccer and watch historical documents. German loves sports and is a huge fan of Houston sports. He is ecstatic to be part of the leadership team this year.

Ashely BennetDirector of College Counselling

Ashley Bennett serves as the Director of College Counseling at KIPP Sunnyside High School. Ms. Bennett is excited about her work at KSHS because she has the opportunity to connect deserving students with postsecondary opportunities that will help them live choice filled lives. Prior to her time at KSHS, Ms. Bennett spent five years at St. Agnes Academy on the College Counseling Team. During her time at St. Agnes, Ms. Bennett managed equity and inclusion efforts including, sponsoring the Voices of Black Youth student organization, advocating for the institution’s participation in the People of Color Conference, managing the College Counseling Team’s multicultural college efforts, and so on. Ms. Bennett received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Oklahoma, her master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and she is currently working on her doctorate degree in Ethical Leadership at The University of St. Thomas.

Bonnie Casson-DeweeseDirector of College Match

With over 13 years of experience in higher education admissions and college counseling, Bonnie Casson-Deweese currently serves KIPP Texas Public Schools-Houston as the Director of College Match for KIPP through College. Here she manages KIPP Texas-Houston’s college counseling programs at all of their high schools as well as outreach to their KIPP middle school alumni. Bonnie is a proud graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and the University of Texas at Austin, where she received her Master’s. Prior to coming to KIPP, Bonnie served as an Admissions Counselor for both the University of Oklahoma in Norman and the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Her KIPP journey began in 2012 as the Founding Director of College Counseling for KIPP Generations Collegiate in Houston. She is honored to continue helping to provide KIPPsters with the tools they need to lead fulfilling and choice-filled lives. In addition to her passion for access and equity in education, Bonnie is an avid traveler, reader, and language learner. She shares these loves with her husband and son.

Yvonne EypeUFCS Program Director

Yvonne Eype serves as the Program Manager for the United for College of Success coalition, an organization developed through the KIPP Through College department. As a non-traditional student, Yvonne earned her B.A. in Communication Studies and her M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Houston (Downtown and Central).  Yvonne has been an educator and program director for the past 15 years. The majority of her teaching experience occurred within Title I schools. In addition to developing curriculum and effective instructional strategies that were adopted throughout the districts she worked in,  Yvonne worked to raise funds and awareness for student leadership programs that empowered underserved students to pursue postsecondary credentialing and take leadership seats within their communities. Yvonne holds a principal certification in administration and four teaching certifications. Yvonne also has over ten years of experience in training teachers in areas of leadership, communication, college and career readiness, and technology.

Sandra RamirezDirector of College Counseling

Sandra Ramirez’s journey with KIPP through College started in 2015 as an intern during her senior year at Stephen F. Austin State University.  Now in her two years of leadership as the Director of College Counseling at KIPP Generations Collegiate she has provided new opportunities to students through intentionally crafted college trips and leading Houston’s KTC first award winning Beyond Z Systems Grant. She is passionate about equipping all learners with choice filled lives, building a better tomorrow, and is driven by the difference informed decisions can make knowing that one person can change the trajectory of his/her family. Sandra is proud to be part of the KIPP community and call KGC her family.

Sonya RamirezManaging Director

Sonya Ramirez serves as Managing Director for KIPP Through College: Houston, creating opportunities for college access and success for students.. Before joining KIPP, Ms. Ramirez was involved in the design and implementation of educator professional development and student enrichment programs in college readiness at Rice University, as well as serving as an adjunct faculty member at Lone Star College. Her efforts also included directing Generation College, a student organization for first generation college students at Rice. As a former first gen, she has a B.A. from Texas A & M University and has an M.A. from the University of Houston. Ms. Ramirez has formerly worked as a high school teacher in the Houston Independent School District and as a student recruiter at Houston Community College. She continues to serve as an online instructor for Rice University’s Center for College Readiness.

Hope YoungDirector of College Counselling

Jose BolivarSenior College Counselor

Jose C. Bolivar joined education as a Teach for America 2014 Denver Corps member. He started his career teaching 2nd grade in Montebello, east side of Denver. After Teach for America, Jose continued his career by joining KIPP Houston High School. At KIPP he has taught Composition 10, Composition 11, Minority Studies and now at his current role of College Counselor and Grade Level Chair.  He has served as a Cycling Team Coach, Chess Club Advisor, Gay-Straight Club Advisor, LGBTQ Faculty Liaison, and Summer School Coordinator.  

Claire Casuyon-HalaneRe-Engagement Specialist

As KTC’s Re-Engagement Specialist, Claire advises KIPP middle school alumni persisting through college and develops creative ways to keep alumni engaged through career exploration and internship opportunities. She previously worked with City Year New York, leading teams of AmeriCorps members through their year of civic engagement in underserved schools and communities. She then led academic, mentoring and recruitment/admissions initiatives for SEO Scholars, a to-and-through college program for low-income students in NYC. In Houston, Claire has worked with Alliance and Catholic Charities, coordinating academic and cultural adjustment programming for resettled-refugee students. She holds a BA in English and Political Science from Houston Baptist University and an M.S.Ed in Leadership in Community-Based Learning from Bank Street College. She is working toward her Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Houston.

Roechelle CroskeyCollege Match Counselor

Rochelle CroskeyJunior College Counselor

Jennifer DewhirstCollege Transition Specialist

Jennifer Dewhirst began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps Member in Houston in 1994 after graduating with a B.S. in Psychology from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. She taught for 6 years in HISD before transitioning to KIPP, first as a teacher, then as the high school placement advisor before landing in her current role on the KIPP through College team. As a college transition specialist working with KIPP Houston HS students and alumni, she is able to support students as they develop their self-advocacy skills, as well as help with resources to assist them on their journey. She is currently in her last semester at the University of Houston, where she is working towards her Masters in Spanish Literature and Linguistics. In her free time, she enjoys watching soccer with her son

Shannette EllisSophomore Seminar Teacher

Emily FoleyCollege Access Advisor, KMSA

Emily Thompson – Foley serves as a College Access Advisor for KIPP Through College: Houston. In this role, she is responsible for mentoring students, explaining career and course paths, and identifying at-risk students. Before joining KIPP Texas Public Schools, Ms. Thompson – Foley was involved in the implementation of student caseloads for academic departments via proprietary for academic advising software. Also, she advised first-year and transfer students based on their academic audits and career pursuits at the University of New Mexico. As former first-gen, she has earned a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from the University of New Mexico as well.

Racquel GarzaSenior College Counselor

Claudea HernandezRetention and Completion Specialist

Jarod JohnsonJunior College Counselor

Jarod Johnson serves as the Junior Seminar Teacher at KIPP Sunnyside High School. Mr. Johnson works every day to help change the narrative for his students and push them to expand their thinking and push themselves to become better. He is responsible for preparing students with the knowledge about college and the resources to set the students up for success in their upcoming senior year. Mr. Johnson is excited for the opportunity to be able to come back to the high school that he graduated from and work in the same community that he grew up in to impact the future. He is very passionate about his position, his students, and wants to leave his mark on the world by impacting the students and ensuring that they have a choice filled life. Mr. Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is very proud to be able to be a part of the KTC and KSHS team.

Anthony KwakCollege Transition Specialist

Anthony Kwak is the College Transition Specialist for KIPP Thru College in Houston. He primarily works with KIPP Sunnyside High School by counseling and advising current seniors on post-secondary decisions after graduation. He also specializes in persistence with students in college to make sure they are receiving the guidance and support from their counselors. That can range from breaking down financial aid gaps, conversations with families and students on academic, mental, and emotional factors as well.

Moises MendozaCollege Transition Specialist, KNCP

Moises Mendoza is a College Transition Specialist on the KTC Persistence team, supporting our KIPP Northeast College Prep alums with their transition to college and throughout their first year of post-secondary education. Moises is also a KIPP alum himself, part of the founding class for KIPP Sharpstown middle school and graduating from KIPP Houston High School in 2015. He recently graduated from the University of Virginia as a POSSE Scholar with a B.S. in Education, focusing his studies on Youth and Social Innovations. As an undergrad at UVA he worked for the Housing & Residence Life department, managing the largest student-agency organization on campus. During his time in this role he was able to work with administration at the university to create opportunities for incoming students to have a successful college transition. Moises is extremely excited to be back as a Big KIPPster and to have the opportunity to give back to the team & family!

Natalya MiltonSenior College Counselor

Natalya Milton serves as the Senior Seminar College Counselor at KIPP Sunnyside High School. Mrs. Milton has been with KIPP for 4 years now and is extremely excited to be able to assist each student when they need it as it pertains to post-secondary choices. Prior to her time at KIPP she was a Mental Health Counselor at the Menninger Clinic, a psychiatric rehabilitation center here in Houston for 5 years. With her expertise in psychology and working at Menninger Clinic she uses her innate skills to help her students every day in the classroom. Mrs. Milton received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Interpersonal Communications at the University of Houston, and her master’s degree in Organizational Management at Ashford University. During her free time she loves to scrapbook, watch cooking shows, practice yoga, and Zumba on Saturdays. In addition, Natalya is a new mom so now most of her time goes to her beautiful daughter Mecca.

Jenifer MoratayaUFCS Program Coordinator

Jenifer Morataya has 10 years of experience working with students on their path to college. Jenifer is determined to improve student success in higher education and is committed to taking action to improve persistence rates for underserved students. She is currently the Project Coordinator on the KTC department. Jenifer is a former first-generation student, she has a B.A. from The University of Texas and has an M.Ed. from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Bonisile NtlemezaJunior College Counselor

Born and raised in Apartheid, South Africa, Bonisile beat the odds and earned a BA in Culture and Society from the University of the Western Cape.  He then completed his honors degree in Psychology at the Stellenbosch University.  Bonisile began his career with the LEAP Science and Mathematics Schools Network in South Africa. He launched his career with LEAP as the Life Orientation teacher, a class/course designed to give kids from underserved communities the socio-emotional skills needed to equip them for College and Life after graduating.  Later, his work evolved into the roles of International Liaison and School Leader at the original campus in Cape Town where he advocated for equal access to quality education for all children. In the fall of 2013 (after 8 years at LEAP), Bonisile moved to the U.S. to join the KIPP Texas, Houston team and family as a Sociology and Psychology teacher at KIPP Generations. For 2019/20 school year, Bonisile has joined the KTC team at Generations and feels honored to be given the opportunity to serve a part of the team. Educational empowerment of communities is the one way of achieving the real transformation that is sustainable.

Sophia PenaSenior College Counselor

Amy RoblesJunior College Counselor

Amy Robles serves as a 11th grade College Counselor for KIPP Northeast College Preparatory in Houston, Texas. Before joining the KIPP TX Public Schools, Mrs. Robles served as a College Advisor for Advise TX in Navasota and Alief, helping students achieve their career and academic goals. As a former first generation student, she has a B.S. from Texas A&M University and a M.Ed. from Houston Baptist University. She is currently working on her Doctoral program from Lamar University.

Saja ShabazzSenior College Counselor

Carlos SoteloRetention and Completion Specialist

Carlos Sotelo serves as a Retention & Completion Specialist for KIPP Through College: Houston, connecting college students with the support and resources they need to persist in school and obtain career success. Before joining KIPP Texas Public Schools, Mr. Sotelo helped guide the senior class at Sharpstown High School in Houston ISD through the college admissions and financial aid process. A fierce advocate for undocumented students, Mr. Sotelo served on a planning committee for the HISD DREAM Summit, a college readiness empowering over 350 immigrant families and students in 2018. As a first-gen graduate of Princeton University, Carlos is passionate about ensuring equity of opportunity for students of marginalized backgrounds and changing systems to better serve all students.

Candice TerryRetention and Completion Specialist

Candice Terry is a Retention and Completion Specialist for the KIPP through College program in Houston, Texas. She has worked for KTC for the past twelve years and is very proud of the strong relationships she has developed with alumni. Candice assist alums specifically in their sophomore year in college, helping them navigate obstacles by providing support with financial aid, internships, scholarships, academic and career counseling. She also collaborates with KIPP college partners and supports KIPPsters who attend institutions with a college completion rate below 50%. Candice was the founding Middle School Principal at Milwaukee College Preparatory School (formerly Marva Collins Preparatory School) in Milwaukee, WI. She holds a BA in Psychology and an M.S. Ed in Administration Leadership from The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Candice adamantly believe through education and strong relationships communities can be transformed.

Dinah TibbsJunior College Counselor

Dinah Gray serves as College Match Counselor for KIPP Through College at KIPP Houston High School.  Before joining KIPP TX Public Schools, Mrs. Gray served as an Algebra I Instructor (2 years), Freshman & Sophomore Seminar Instructor (4 years), and Grade Level Chair (5 years) for YES Prep Public Schools.   She is passionate about assisting students in their discovery of self and providing guidance to help students on their journey to a choice filled life.  Mrs. Gray’s educational background has a foundation in the field of Psychology with a B.S. in Psychology from Texas Christian University and a M.A.P. in Psychology from Houston Baptist University.  Dinah is excited to be a part of the KIPP family and looks forward to celebrating the success of current and future students.

Gerald WarrenSenior College Counselor

Onjheney WarrenCollege Transition Specialist

Onjheney Warren is the College Transition Specialist for KIPP Generations Collegiate, providing resources and support for recent high school graduates during their first year of college or in the workforce. Before joining KIPP through College, Onjheney received a B.A. from Texas A&M University and Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. While attending Texas A&M, Onjheney devoted 3 years to Aggies Reaching Out (ARO), a student organization that facilitated college access programming for middle school students across Texas. Additionally, she has worked as a social work intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and the Wyman Center’s Teen Leadership Program. Onjheney is passionate about working with first generation college students and students of color, and being able to provide equitable opportunities for their academic and career success.

Danny ZendejasManager of Career Integration

Daniel Zendejas is the Manager of Career Integration for KIPP Through College in Houston.  He has worked for more than two decades in progressive roles in Human Resources, Recruiting, Training, Workforce Development and Planning, and most recently in large-scale strategy as the lead for P-16 Education initiatives for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.  Daniel’s role at KIPP was born from a national strategic commitment to integrate career future planning into the strong College Match and Persistence work so that KIPPsters could find competitive work in an increasingly mobile and global economy.  Since his start in 2018, Mr. Zendejas has increased Work Based Learning opportunities for high school and alumni KIPPsters, developed a high school scope and sequence for high school career curricula and in-school alumni outreach, and formed stronger and new relationships with community partners, post-secondary training organizations, and the best 2-year college programs to help provide more options toward choice filled lives for our students.  Most recently, Daniel earned a substantive grant to both expand opportunities for alumni who are currently disengaged from school and work and to also begin to construct a statewide framework for career readiness.  He loves his KTC team and family and is very happy to be at KIPP.  Daniel is a graduate of Trinity University (’98) and The University of Houston (’04).