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Anthony SalernoDirector of KIPP Forward
Anthony is currently the Director of KIPP Forward at KIPP Texas Public Schools in Austin. In his role as Director, Anthony has built out college access and persistence programming to support all KIPP Austin students, alumni, and families on the pathway to and through college. During his tenure at KIPP Texas Austin, Anthony also had the opportunity to teach 8th grade American History at KIPP Austin College Prep during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years. Prior to his arriving at KIPP Austin, Anthony worked at New York City College of Technology at the City University of New York where he was the lead academic advisor and career counselor for a Title V program that helped place incoming freshman, the majority of whom were low-income and/or first generation students, into career-based learning communities to increase persistence and graduation. Anthony received a B.A. in English with a minor in Secondary Education from Brooklyn College. Outside of school, when he’s not running around the backyard with his three kids and border collie, Anthony can be found working in his garden or tackling woodworking projects in his garage. -
KIPP Northeast College PreparatoryGerman Aparicio
Director of College Counseling
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 In his spare time, he loves to play soccer and watch historical documents.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. -
Janet BonnerDirector of College Counselling, KMSA
Janet Bonner has a long history with KIPP: first as a mother of four KIPP alumni and then as a founding staff member of KIPP Polaris, the first single-gender school within the KIPP network. She is now the Director of College Counselor, KMSA (KIPP Middle School Alumni), where she works with KIPPsters not attending a KIPP high school. Her team provide resources, guidance and support to those students as they navigate through the college process. Ms. Bonner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Maryland, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree (EdD) at the University of Houston. She believes that the most valuable gift any counselor can give to her students is the ability to make good choices for their life’s path. -
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. -
Jesse HendrixDirector of Persistence
Jesse leads the college retention and completion efforts for the KIPP Texas – Houston region’s KIPP Through College department. Jesse is in his 3rd year at KIPP as the director of college persistence. It is Jesse’s responsibility to identify the high impact levers to drive KIPP’s matriculation, persistence and graduation outcomes as well as early career outcomes for KIPP alumni. As a part of this effort, Jesse cultivates and stewards relationships with senior administrators at colleges and universities with a sole focus on improving retention and graduation rates for KIPPsters at these institutions. Jesse comes to KIPP from Rice University where he served as the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs and as an Associate in residence on the College leadership team. At Rice, he advised cohorts of students in applying leadership principles to decision making, taught leadership courses, and facilitated developmental workshops and programs around creating positive change. Jesse also led and assisted in special University projects over his tenure, most notably helping to lay the foundation for Rice’s first ever Multicultural Center on campus. -
Ariana MooreKTC Managing Director
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KIPP Generations CollegiateSandra Ramirez
Director of College Counseling
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. -
Ruben RodriguezDirector-KIPP Forward
Ruben Rodriguez was born in Mexico and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. During his freshman year, his family moved to Houston, TX where he finished high school and met his future wife, Chris. They both attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work. Growing up as an undocumented student, Ruben is passionate about access to resources and information for all students regarding college. He has created, worked in and managed programs that help students and families learn about college for the last 15 years. After teaching Social Work at Stephen F. Austin University, Ruben worked at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund as Director of College Partnerships. He has worked for KIPP since 2011 and is starting his seventh year in San Antonio as Director of KIPP Forward. -
Elizabeth Rubalcava
Director of College & Career Services
Elizabeth RubalcavaDirector of College & Career Services
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Hope YoungDirector of College Counselling
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Cindy AguasAlumni Counselor (2 yr and non-enrolled)
Cindy Aguas is beginning her 5th year as an Alumni Counselor on the KIPP Through College team. Born and raised in Brownsville, TX, she earned her B.S. from Texas A&M University in 2011. After graduation, she served as a College Adviser with Advise TX at Rio Hondo High School for two years. Prior to KIPP, Cindy was a Grant Coordinator for the Del Valle High School Upward Bound Program at Texas State University. As a first-generation college graduate, Cindy loves having the opportunity to help students uncover their potential. -
KIPP Brave
Charisse Bersamina
Junior Seminar Counselor
Charisse BersaminaJunior Seminar Counselor
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Tifani BlakesPersistence Counselor (4 yr)
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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. -
Antonio CerdaCollege Alumni Advisor
Tony Cerda serves as an Alumni Advisor for the KIPP Through College team supporting Middle School Alums and the most recent KIPP UPrep High School graduates. Tony is a native of San Antonio and is in his second year at KIPP. Prior to working for KIPP, Tony worked at Café College as an advisor for students and families that need college application support. Tony is a First Generation College student who attended UTSA and received his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and, most recently, completed his Master’s in Business Administration at Texas A&M University, San Antonio. -
Melissa ChavarriaCareer Integration Specialist
Melissa Chavarria was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in San Juan, TX. She attended St. Edward’s University and majored in Political Science and Sociology. Upon completing her Undergraduate program where she gained multiple years of career counseling experience, mentoring, and legal aid, she moved to Bridgeport, CT to complete a year of service with Americorps. Once she returned to Texas, she joined the KTC Austin team as their Career Integration Specialist and completed her Master in Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. -
Lizeth ChavezCollege Match Counselor
Lizeth Chavez serves as the 12th grade college counselor and college prep teacher at KIPP University Prep High School. She was previously a middle school math teacher with KIPP Bay Area. Lizeth was born and raised in Northern California before moving to San Antonio this past summer. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a prep for teaching from San Jose University. -
Omar ChaviraCollege Match Counselor
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Roechelle CroskeyCollege Match Counselor
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Rochelle CroskeyJunior College Counselor
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KIPP Houston High SchoolJennifer Dewhirst
College Transition Specialist
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
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Roy FelicianoPersistence Program Manager
Roy Feliciano serves as the Persistence Manager and College Alumni Adviser on the KIPP Through College (KTC) team, primarily supporting alumni at 4-year colleges and universities. He joined the KTC team in 2016. From 2005 to 2016 Mr. Feliciano served at KIPP Aspire Academy in San Antonio as a Non-Fiction Studies teacher, Assistant School Leader and School leader. Prior to coming to KIPP San Antonio, Mr. Feliciano served 11 years as a History teacher at the Episcopal Cathedral School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is originally from both Brooklyn, New York, and Middletown, Connecticut, which explains his obsession with all New York sports teams, especially the Yankees. -
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. -
Ingrid FragosoSenior Seminar Counselor
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Racquel GarzaSenior College Counselor
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Stephanie GonzalezMatch Program Manager
Stephanie is a San Antonio native, first generation college student who started at KIPP in 2013. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2011, and went on to join the National College Advising Corp, serving in the San Antonio School District. At KIPP, she was the Senior Seminar teacher serving the Classes 2014-2017. She then moved into the role of supporting college freshmen before becoming the Program Manager for the High School College Counseling team. She is married to another Big KIPPster, Travion Ambus, the Assistant School Leader of KIPP UPrep High School, and are currently learning how to be parents to a baby boy named Jaxson -
Rosa Gutierrez
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Claudea HernandezRetention and Completion Specialist
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Mayra Flores JaimesAlumni Counselor (2yr)
Mayra Flores is an Alumni Counselor supporting alumni attending 2-year colleges. She joined the KTC team in 2017 and is a KIPP Austin Alumni from the Class of 2011. Being a first-generation college student, she is proud to give back to her community. In 2015, she graduated from Texas State with her Bachelor of Social Work and in 2017 with her Master of Social Work. Previously, she interned with the YWCA providing individual and couple counseling to Austin residents. -
Karissa JobmaCollege Counseling Manager
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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. -
Hannah-Elyse KonyecsniCollege Advisor
Hannah-Elyse graduated from Trinity University in 2019 with a degree in geology and a dream to teach. After interning with the Office of Admissions for a few years, she discovered a passion for college access. Joining the Trinity University College Advising Corps was the perfect bridge between the two. She will serve at KIPP University Prep for the whole year as the Advising Corp Advisor and is already loving working with the students and staff! -
KIPP Sunnyside High SchoolAnthony Kwak
College Transition Specialist
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! -
Caroline Kerley-MeynigCollege Match Counselor
Caroline was born in Atlanta, grew up in Austin, and has called San Antonio home since 2014. She graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor’s in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and a minor in history. Caroline has been with KIPP since the 2018-2019 school year as a member of the Trinity University College Advising Corps. She is very excited to be a full-time employee of KTC as the new 11th grade College Seminar Teacher at UPrep High School. -
Camille McCallumCollege Match Counselor
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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. -
Rosa MuñozJunior Seminar Counselor
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KIPP Generations CollegiateBonisile Ntlemeza
Junior College Counselor
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
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KIPP Austin Collegiate
Christopher Pérez
College Counseling Manager
Christopher PérezCollege Counseling Manager
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Robert PerezKMSA Counselor (KIPP Middle School Alumni)
Robert hails from McAllen, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. After graduating with a degree in Psychology from Brown University, he served as a college advisor to high school students around Providence, Rhode Island. He eventually found his way back to Texas and into the classroom, most recently co-teaching seniors at KIPP Austin Collegiate. Recognizing the importance of post-secondary education, Robert jumped at the chance to join the KIPP Through College Team as an Alumni Counselor. He currently advises KIPP Texas Middle School Alumni at various high schools in the greater Austin area, ensuring all KIPP students have what they need to make it To and Through College! -
KIPP Austin CollegiateSarah Rebollar Jackson
Junior Seminar Lead Counselor
Sarah Rebollar JacksonJunior Seminar Lead Counselor
Sarah has worked with the KIPP family for the last 5 years. She started off as a writing teacher for the 6th grade at KIPP Austin College Prep before making her way to the KIPP Through College team. While with KTC, she has worked on the persistence side at KIPP Austin Collegiate. Sarah is extremely excited and thankful to be starting a new year with a passionate team like KTC. -
Ashley RiveraSenior Seminar Counselor
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KIPP Brave
Katey Rickert
Junior Seminar Counselor
Katey RickertJunior Seminar Counselor
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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. -
Perla SalazarCollege Alumni Advisor
Perla Salazar serves as an Alumni Advisor for the KIPP Through College team supporting alumni attending 2-year colleges. Perla is a Houston Native that has lived here in San Antonio for 11 years. This will be her 67h year with KIPP San Antonio. Perla graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and Psychology. In her spare time Perla loves traveling, cooking new recipes, watching sports and spending quality time with friends & family. -
Saja ShabazzSenior College Counselor
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Jay SobhaniUFCS Manager of Research, Data and Innovation
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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. -
Valencia SpencerRetention and Completion Specialist
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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. -
Cynthia TorresCollege Access Manager
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Ja’Maine TurnerCollege Match Counselor
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YaMinco VarnerCollege Services Manager
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Gerald WarrenSenior College Counselor
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KIPP Generations CollegiateOnjheney Warren
College Transition Specialist
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).