My career in education began as a teacher in the classroom for 5 years, then to the state level by co- writing and being awarded a grant by the State Board of Education to open a public charter school in Texas. As an acting founder of a PK-12 public charter school, I have learned what is required to run a school strategically and tactically. Upon opening a school serving 640 students PK-8 to now serving 1200 students PK-12, it was essential to establish a comprehensive school counseling program applying best practices from ASCA and CASEL. My counseling program led the way for a SEL focused school climate, including an early-model house system, which we call Leagues and Crew, for all students. After serving as the school counselor for 5 years, I have worked at the district level since 2017 to influence strategic planning, initiatives, and training for the school and our educators to improve students’ outcomes.