Meet Our Counselors - Conozcan A Nuestra Consejeras

Zamora doggie

Ms. Zamora, M.A.

Primary Counselor

I am Sylvia Zamora, one of the counselors here at Blazier Primary. This is my second year as a full-time school counselor.

I'm originally from Nicaragua, and I moved to Austin 13 years ago. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Education. I also have a Master’s in Counseling Education from the University of Texas. I have taught 3rd and 5th grade bilingual.

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling, and trying new restaurants. I also like staying active by going to indoor cycling, barre, or pilates classes. I have a dog named Figo, and I love going on hikes with him.

Contact Information:

sylvia.zamora@austinisd.edu

512-841-8800 ext. 21285

Meet Ms. Guerra

Hi my name is Dianira Guerra I am a counselor at Blazier Intermediate.

I am excited to be starting my 7th year at Blazier and my 18th year in Education. I have both my Bachelors and Masters from Texas State University. I have taught Pre-k, Kinder, 1st and 5th grade bilingual.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with my dog, Duncan, theatre performances, concerts, comedy shows, going to the Alamo Drafthouse and trying all the Pan Dulce!

Meet Duncan

Hi! My name is Duncan! I am 4 years old and have been at Blazier for 4 years. I love working and supporting ALL our Blue Jays all year long. I have degrees in Pawlitical Science, Zoomiology, Barketing, Lickerature and Wagriculture.

I love going out to play fetch, cuddling, and treats. Belly scratches and head pats are always welcome. See you soon!

Meet Mrs. Kendall

Hello! I am starting my 4th year as one of the Counselors at Blazier Intermediate. I was a teacher for 20 years and taught everything from Kindergarten to 4th grade.

I was born and raised in Austin and went to AISD schools. I got my undergrad degree in Psychology at Texas State University and my Master’s in School Counseling from Lamar University. I have been married for 22 years and we have an 18-year-old son and a 17-year-old son. We also have 3 cats and 2 dogs.

In my free time I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, watching football, spending time with friends and family, and I’m definitely a foodie!

Meet Mr. Magaña

I have 32 years of experience in education. I taught 3rd grade for the first 5 years of my career. The last 27 years have been spent serving students from PK-12 as a school counselor. This will be my 4th year at Blazier Elementary. I have a blended family consisting of 7 children and 13 grandchildren.

Favorites: Read, walks in the park and playing golf.

PARENT RESOURCES- RECURSOS PARA PADRES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What services does the counselor provide?
Elementary School Counselors provide preventive and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Counselors provide appropriate tools for communicating, making decisions, and developing friendships and coping skills. Counselors provide services by developing and delivering classroom presentations that teach skills for achieving success, facilitating small group counseling, providing immediate short-term counseling when needed, and providing support during personal crisis. In addition, School Counselors work collaboratively with parents to connect them to community resources if needed and to help their student succeed in their academic, career, personal and social development.

Why would my child see you?
Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns, may include, but are not limited to: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.

How does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see their Elementary School Counselors via self-referral, parental request, request of an off-campus counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral. Parental referral forms are available by phone or through email.

How do parents contact the counselor?
Parents are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child. We can discuss your concerns over the phone or you can come in to meet with us. Parents are welcome to call or email the School Counselors to set-up a conference.

For how long does the school counselor see the student?
Sessions may be held on a regular, ongoing basis or simply as needed. The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed here at school and to do so the student must be in his/her classroom as much as possible. Therefore the counselor will not remove the student from his/her class for extended periods of time unless absolutely necessary.

If a student is getting outside services, what is the school counselor’s role?
The school counselor can collaborate with the outside service providers if needed. There is a form that the school counselor might give you titled "Consent for Release of Information" which will allow communication between providers.

Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. If a counselor will be seeing a student on an on-going basis, the counselor will then notify the parent and seek parental consent for school counseling.