Counseling Department

Deonna Benton, Lead Counselor

Mrs. Deonna Benton is a native Houstonian who has provided education to students for over 20 years. Her journey in education began at Prairie A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in Elementary Education. She continued her studies in Teaching and Learning in Human Services at Nova Southeastern University, where she obtained her Master of Science. Her goal as an educator and school counselor is to be a positive example for students. She believes that if she can overcome statistical challenges, then every child can as well. The only thing that stops a student from succeeding is the belief that they cannot achieve their goals. As the school counselor lead for The Varnett Public School, Mrs. Benton is an advocate for appropriate student to counselor ratio, community partnerships, college and career readiness, and collective collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the well being of the whole child. She continues to work alongside TEA, Region IV and TSCA to ensure compliance for the counseling program and ongoing professional development for the school counseling team.

Ms. Gonzalez is a Bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas. She holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling and marriage and family therapy from Hardin Simmons University. She is also certified in TGCT and Premarital Counseling.  Believing that counseling is not one-size-fits-all, Ms. Gonzalez draws from the Person-Centered theoretical approach while incorporating Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy frameworks to create a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual student. As a school Counselor at the Varnett Public School Southwest campus, she is thrilled to provide the tools students need to achieve their academic, social, and emotional success.

Anavelia Smart, Counselor

As part of of the outstanding district counseling team, Ms. Smart proudly serves The Varnett Public School as campus McKinney-Vento liaison, campus foster care liaison, and student support developmental guidance program. Her primary student support services are located The Varnett East and Northeast campuses, where she serves as part of the Leadership team.