Aldine ISD Names 2026 School Counselors of the Year

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Every student has a story.

Every student has a story. Some begin with academic challenges. Others involve navigating friendships, family circumstances, college plans, or personal setbacks. In each case, school counselors help students write the next chapter with confidence, support, and hope.

To recognize that commitment, Aldine ISD recently honored five outstanding counselors, naming them the district’s 2026 School Counselors of the Year during a recognition ceremony held May 22 at the Bamberg Professional Development and Resource Center.

The honorees are:

• Primary Counselor of the Year: Romonna Tillman, Kujawa EC/PreK/K School
• Elementary Counselor of the Year: Chezzadi Keelen, Carter Academy
• Middle School Counselor of the Year: Tameshia Adams, Jones Middle School
• Ninth Grade Counselor of the Year: Bianca Honoré, Victory Early College High School
• High School Counselor of the Year: Lilliana Rodríguez, La Promesa

The five counselors were selected from Aldine ISD’s team of 155 for their dedication to student achievement, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness.

“The 2026 Counselors of the Year are extraordinary professionals who consistently place students at the heart of everything they do,” said D’Shanna Moss, program director of secondary counseling. “They understand that every student has a unique story, and they take the time to listen, encourage, and advocate for those in their care.”

Moss said the honorees exemplify the best of the counseling profession by building meaningful relationships, supporting students through challenges, and creating environments where students feel valued and empowered.

“Whether helping students overcome barriers, navigate personal hardships, or prepare for their futures, these counselors inspire hope and foster confidence,” Moss said. “Their impact can be seen not only in student success but also in the positive culture they help create on their campuses.”

Primary Counselor of the Year: Romonna Tillman

Tillman has dedicated 25 years to education, including 24 years in Aldine ISD. During her career, she has served as a fourth-grade teacher and math skills specialist at Thompson Elementary before becoming a school counselor. She has worked at Mendel Elementary, Smith Elementary, and now Kujawa EC/PreK/K School.

“The best part of serving as a school counselor has been collaborating with students, families, teachers, and administrators to create a supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” Tillman said.

Elementary Counselor of the Year: Chezzadi Keelen

Keelen has spent all 17 years of her education career serving Aldine ISD. In addition to her current role at Carter Academy, she has served as a first-, third-, and fourth-grade teacher, math skills specialist, and summer camp administrator. She has also supported students and staff at Sammons Elementary, Impact Leadership Academy, and Spence Elementary.

“I want students to remember me as someone who genuinely cared about them, believed in their potential, and made them feel seen, heard, and valued,” Keelen said.

Middle School Counselor of the Year: Tameshia Adams

Adams has worked in education for 17 years, including 13 years in Aldine ISD. She currently serves at Jones Middle School and previously helped open Mead Middle School as a counselor. Her Aldine career began at Marcella Elementary, where she was first given the opportunity to serve as a school counselor.

Before entering counseling, Adams taught high school physics and chemistry and later taught sixth-grade reading in Aldine ISD.

One message she frequently shares with students is simple but powerful: “You don’t have to believe everything you think.”

Ninth Grade Counselor of the Year: Bianca Honoré

Honoré has spent all 12 years of her education career in Aldine ISD. Before joining Victory Early College High School, she worked at Reed Academy, Hambrick Middle School, Houston Academy, and Drew Academy.

Before becoming a counselor, Honoré served as a programming and coding teacher from 2014 to 2020.

“We must be the change that we want to see in the world,” Honoré said.

High School Counselor of the Year: Lilliana Rodríguez

Rodríguez has worked in education for 15 years, including 13 years in Aldine ISD. She has served students at Aldine High School and La Promesa.

Before becoming a counselor, Rodríguez was a highly effective career and technical education fashion design teacher.

“What we give doesn’t always return, but what we give is always what we are,” Rodríguez said.

Together, these five counselors represent the compassion, dedication, and student-centered leadership found across Aldine ISD. Their work reminds us that behind every achievement, challenge, and milestone is a student with a unique journey — and often a counselor guiding the way.

As Aldine ISD begins the 2025-2026 school year, these honorees exemplify the heart of #AldineStory by helping students discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and write successful futures of their own.