At YES Prep, our school counselors are mentors, advocates and supporters, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. This National School Counseling Week, we are proud to highlight the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to student success.
We asked our counselors to share why they chose this profession and the impact their role has on our students and families. Here’s what they had to say.
Nicholas Terrell – YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary
For Nicholas Terrell, the journey into education was shaped by the mentors who instilled confidence, leadership, and discipline in him. Growing up, his high school anatomy teacher and ROTC instructors played a crucial role in developing his skills as a speaker, leader, and mentor. Their patience and relatability inspired him to dedicate his career to working with high school students, ensuring they have the guidance and support they need to achieve their dreams.
Now serving as a college counselor at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary, Terrell is committed to helping students navigate the complexities of the college application process. He understands firsthand how challenging it can be for students who may not have had access to college counseling in their own families. His goal is to serve as a foundation for his students’ postsecondary aspirations, ensuring they are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
For Terrell, the most rewarding part of his role is witnessing students transform their aspirations into reality, knowing he has played a small but significant role in their journey.
“I do my best to listen to what they are passionate about and use that information to connect them to various possibilities that piques their interests and results in leading to a successful and fulfilling life.”
Gavino Portales – YES Prep Northline Secondary
A proud YES Prep alum, Gavino Portales knows firsthand the impact a strong support system can have on a student's success. As a former student at YES Prep Southwest Secondary, he experienced the encouragement and guidance that helped him reach his own academic goals. That experience fueled his desire to return to YES Prep—not just as an educator, but as a mentor who could give back to the community that shaped him.
As a college counselor at YES Prep Northline Secondary, Portales is passionate about helping students discover opportunities they never knew existed. He works tirelessly to foster a college-going culture, encouraging students to push past self-imposed limitations and dream big. Beyond academics, he focuses on building deep, meaningful relationships with his students, ensuring they know they always have someone in their corner. His dedication has helped establish long-standing traditions at Northline, instilling a mindset of success for generations of students to come.
"I think that the experience my advisees have had with me is that they have someone that is always in their corner and will always advocate for them.”
Marisol Tovar – YES Prep East End Elementary
Marisol Tovar's journey into counseling was driven by a deeply personal mission—to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive. Growing up, she saw firsthand how important it was for students and families to have access to support systems, and she knew she wanted to dedicate her career to breaking down barriers for young learners. Her family and culture played a significant role in shaping her passion for advocacy, leading her to pursue a career in social work and counseling.
As a student support counselor at YES Prep East End Elementary, Tovar focuses on connecting students and families with essential resources that can make a real difference in their lives. She believes that success starts with having a strong foundation—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her role goes beyond providing mental health support; she ensures that students feel valued and heard in their academic environment.
Tovar has witnessed remarkable growth in her students, watching them develop resilience and confidence as they overcome challenges. To her, counseling is about more than just academic success—it’s about creating a safe and supportive space where
students can thrive.
“One of best parts of my job is being able to give students and families the resources that can help eliminate barriers in their life.”
Aaron Harrison – YES Prep Southwest Secondary
For Aaron Harrison, education runs in the family. Coming from a long line of teachers, counselors, and administrators, he always knew that his calling was to make a lasting impact on students' lives. Though he initially pursued a degree in radio, TV, and film, his experiences working in various educational roles—from elementary physical education coach to AP English teacher—ultimately led him to the field of college counseling. He also spent time working in alumni relations in higher education, giving him valuable insight into the postsecondary world that he now shares with his students.
As a college counselor at YES Prep Southwest Secondary, Harrison prides himself on building strong, unbreakable bonds with his students. He knows that trust is the foundation of effective advising, and he works hard to ensure his students feel seen and supported throughout their college application journey. Many of the families he serves are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of college applications, scholarships, and financial aid, and he takes great care in guiding them through the process.
"My greatest strength is building bonds with my seniors so I can provide them with honest, authentic advising."
Jada Ceasar – YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary
For Jada Ceasar, becoming a counselor was about giving back to the community that shaped her. A former YES Prep Brays Oaks
Secondary student, she was deeply influenced by the educators who invested in her success—mentors like Courtney Bell, Krissy Watson, Sarah Straub, and Stephanie Gounder. Their dedication inspired her to join Teach for America and return to support the next generation of students.
Ceasar attended Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in psychology with a minor in biology and sociology. She is currently a second-year law student at South Texas College of Law. Her background allows her to bring a unique perspective to her role, particularly in breaking down barriers to college access.
As a college counselor at Brays Oaks, Ceasar works to expand students’ understanding of their own potential. She knows that sometimes students have a narrow view of their opportunities, and she sees her role as a source of encouragement—and sometimes a persistent reminder—to keep pushing forward.
“I serve as a reminder of their hopes and dreams and sometimes as an annoyance for them to persist through hard things”
Marceta Shorter – YES Prep Northwest Secondary
For Marceta Shorter, becoming a college counselor is a way to give back. Born and raised in Houston, she was the first in her family to earn a professional degree, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Education in higher education from Dallas Baptist University. During college, a mentor pushed her beyond her comfort zone, setting high expectations that she later grew to appreciate. Now, as a college counselor at YES Prep Northwest Secondary, she strives to do the same for her students—challenging them to embrace opportunities that can transform their futures.
Shorter believes her role is more than just guiding students through the college process—it’s about mentorship, advocacy, and empowerment. She finds the most fulfillment in seeing students achieve their goals, whether that be attending college, enlisting in the military, or pursuing a certification program. Their victories are her victories, and she takes great pride in helping students and families navigate the path ahead.
Outside of work, Shorter is a proud Guyanese American, newly engaged to her fiancé of four years and an avid NFL fan! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, binge-watching popular shows, and spending time with family and friends.
"Their future is my purpose and guiding them to make well-informed decisions about their next steps gives me an incredible sense of fulfillment.”
Celebrating the Impact of Our Counselors
As National School Counseling Week comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated counselors who work tirelessly to support our students. Their passion, advocacy, and commitment help shape the future of every student they serve. From offering guidance on college applications to ensuring students feel seen and heard, their impact is immeasurable.
Their work doesn't end with this celebration—it continues every day, shaping futures, breaking barriers, and empowering students to reach new heights. Let’s continue to celebrate and support the counselors who help shape our students’ success!
Join Our Team
Are you ready to make an impact in students' lives? At YES Prep, we are always looking for passionate counselors and educators who are dedicated to shaping the future. Spark your career with us and become part of a team that is transforming education. Learn more and apply today.
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YES Prep’s 2024-2025 student enrollment lottery is now open! Our schools provide students with access to a high-quality, college-ready education in a supportive environment. Apply today and give your child the opportunity to thrive. Submit your application here.