Tomball ISD Recognizes Lashelle Nix and Brenda Becerril as Counselors of the Year

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD is proud to recognize the exceptional dedication and impact of its 2024-2025 School Counselors of the Year. Being honored in the inaugural year of this recognition are Canyon Pointe Elementary counselor Brenda Becerril and Tomball Memorial High School lead counselor Lashelle Nix.

“Tomball ISD is proud to launch our first-ever Counselor of the Year recognition—an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of school counselors who embody the mission and vision of our district and comprehensive school counseling program,” said Steve Shiels, Tomball ISD Director of Counseling.

These outstanding professionals have gone above and beyond in guiding students toward academic success, emotional well-being, and future readiness. Their unwavering commitment to student achievement exemplifies the vital role school counselors play in shaping thriving school communities like the ones in Tomball ISD.

“Both Lashelle and Brenda have demonstrated a strong commitment to fully implementing their comprehensive campus counseling programs, aligned with TISD’s priorities. They are both strong student advocates, consistently working to remove barriers to success and promoting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all their students. This recognition honors Brenda and Lashelle who go above and beyond to ensure every student is prepared for a future of endless possibilities.”

Brenda Becerril
Elementary/Intermediate Counselor of the Year
Canyon Pointe Elementary

Brenda Becerril has dedicated 28 years to education, 24 proudly serving Tomball ISD. She spent her first 18 years in Tomball ISD as a bilingual teacher and bilingual reading specialist, educating children at Tomball Elementary, Decker Prairie Elementary, and Canyon Pointe Elementary.

She has served her current role as school counselor at Canyon Pointe Elementary for the last six years. 

What makes being a school counselor rewarding?
“What makes my work deeply fulfilling is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives - supporting them in overcoming challenges and witnessing their personal and academic growth. As a counselor, I strive to foster a safe and supportive environment in which students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.”

What inspired you to pursue counseling as a career?
“My journey into education and counseling was inspired by Ms. Paula Casas, my high school counselor, who went above and beyond to ensure every student had the resources and encouragement needed to persevere and achieve their goals. Today, it is my own students who continue to inspire me. Their resilience and enthusiasm motivate me to approach each day with purpose and leave each day with a full heart.”

What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
“Receiving this award is both personally and professionally meaningful. Personally, it brings immense joy to be recognized by my colleagues - an honor that affirms the value of our shared commitment. Professionally, it serves as a reminder to remain a lifelong learner, continually growing to better support and guide our students.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“Tomball ISD has been not only my professional home for over two decades but also the educational foundation for my own children. I am grateful to see them grow into independent, compassionate leaders and exemplary citizens.”

Lashelle Nix
Junior High/High School Counselor of the Year
Tomball Memorial High School

Lashelle Nix has served as a school counselor for 21 years, 16 of which have been in Tomball ISD. She spent her first two years at Tomball High School before opening Tomball Memorial High School where she has been ever since. She currently is the lead counselor for TMHS.

What makes being a school counselor rewarding?
“I love being a school counselor because of the students! I love helping students to find success in high school while planning for their post-secondary goals. That looks different for every single student, and I love that I have the opportunity to help students find their way.”

What inspired you to pursue counseling as a career?
“As a teacher and dropout prevention specialist, I spent most of my time counseling students, so the transition to a school counselor was a natural progression. Whether it is academic or social emotional challenges, students need to be heard and seen. It is a privilege to be able to be that person to so many students.”

What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
“Being a school counselor in Tomball ISD is not just a job for me. It is a passion. To have that love and passion recognized by my peers is the greatest gift I could be given professionally.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“Tomball ISD is not just where I work. It is where I live and where my children go to school. This is home to me, and I love the Tomball ISD community. I am grateful that I get to go to work every day with colleagues who are family to me. Serving this community is truly a privilege.”

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 24 campuses. West Intermediate will open in August 2025 as the District’s 25th campus.