Meet the Team

Tamara Abke graduated from Splendora High School in 1995. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1999 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, she began teaching at Leon ISD as a Kindergarten Reading Intervention teacher. Abke then moved on to teach 4th grade and later taught Pre-K at a private Christian school. She moved back home to Splendora in 2008, taught Reading RTI at Splendora Junior High, and later taught 6th-grade Math at both Greenleaf and SJH. After 13 years of teaching, Abke graduated from Texas A&M with a Master of Education in Educational Psychology. She served as a professional school counselor at Tarkington High School for four years before returning to serve the Peach Creek Elementary students and staff for two years. Abke served as an Assistant Principal at Timber Lakes Elementary and, most recently, as Coordinator for Counseling and Wellness.

Abke is married to Shaun. They have two daughters, Gracie and Allie, who graduated from Splendora High School. They also have a son, Aaron,  who will attend Splendora Junior High next year. In her spare time, Abke loves to cook, read books, and spend time with her family.

Abke is honored to serve the staff and students of Splendora ISD as the Director of Counseling and Wellness. This role provides a valuable opportunity to positively impact the social, emotional, and academic success of all students while collaborating with dedicated educators, families, and community partners throughout the district. She is passionate about cultivating a supportive and collaborative environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and equipped for future success. She is honored to serve in a district that emphasizes student wellness and whole-child development and looks forward to continuing to learn, lead, and grow alongside this outstanding community. 

Andrinee Martinez holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Arts. She began her career in corporate America, spending nearly nine years as a Network Engineer for Fox Sports Network's Houston Operations Center while also serving as an adjunct college professor.

Martinez entered the field of education in 2002, where her passion for student growth led her to teach Career & Technical Education and Business courses for eight years while serving in multiple campus leadership roles. In 2009, she transitioned into school counseling after completing graduate coursework in school counseling at the University of St. Thomas–Houston and earning her certification as a Texas Professional School Counselor.

Martinez brings experience serving as a district counseling coordinator, school counselor, and recovery support services. She brings extensive expertise in academic, career, and college readiness, as well as social-emotional development. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). 

Martinez is married to David, the head boys' basketball coach at Atascocita High School. Together, they have a son, Miles, and a daughter, Cami. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and crafting.

Martinez is deeply committed to supporting student mental health and wellness through counseling, prevention, and districtwide wellness initiatives. Martinez is proud to serve the Splendora ISD community and values partnering with students, families, and staff to promote wellness, resilience, and lifelong success. 

Kathryn Snider began her career in education as an Adapted Physical Education Specialist before transitioning into school counseling and student mental health services. She joined Splendora ISD as the Mental Health & Wellness Specialist in 2025.

Snider earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a focus in Adapted Physical Education from Texas Woman's University. She also earned a Master of Education in Counseling from Lamar University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Advanced Level 2 Solution-Focused Practitioner.

Throughout her career, Snider has supported students from elementary through high school in traditional and alternative education settings. Her experience includes individual and group counseling, crisis response, prevention programming, and collaboration with students, families, school staff, and community partners. She has also provided professional development and student programming related to anxiety, suicide awareness and prevention, substance use and vaping, healthy relationships, coping skills, and student wellness.

In addition to her work in public education, Snider maintains a private counseling practice, where she enjoys supporting adolescents and adults as they navigate personal challenges, relationships, and life transitions. This experience continues to enrich her work with students, families, and school communities.

Her counseling approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. She believes every student has individual strengths that can be developed to navigate challenges, build resilience, and experience success. Her future professional goals include earning the highest level of certification in Solution-Focused practice and pursuing doctoral studies related to counseling and mental health.

Outside of work, Snider enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the lake, reading, and traveling. She is proud to serve Splendora ISD and support mental wellness and student success throughout the district.

Apryl Ott is excited to serve the Greenleaf Elementary community as the campus counselor. She has proudly served the students and families of Greenleaf Elementary since 2009, beginning as a math intervention teacher, then teaching first grade for 8 years and kindergarten for 8 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Houston–Downtown and recently completed her Master of Education in School Counseling at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Mrs. Ott is passionate about helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She is committed to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported while building the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive both in school and in life. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, James, and their three children, Jacob, Allison, and Avaree.

Ms. Bennett began her educational journey at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She went on to receive her master’s degree in School Counseling from Lamar University. With nearly a decade of experience in education, Ms. Bennett has taught special education in grades 4–8 across various settings, including resource, co-teach, applied skills, and inclusion.

She is deeply passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every child she works with. Her work is driven by the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Bennett is excited to continue her journey at Peach Creek Elementary, where she looks forward to partnering with staff, students, and families to help every child thrive.

Jessica Brent began her career in education in 2015 and joined Splendora ISD, Piney Woods Elementary in 2022. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University and later completed a Master's degree in School Counseling there.

Over the years, Brent has worked in 5th grade and 6th grade, and is now the Piney Woods Elementary School counselor. She is passionate about making sure that students feel seen and that their emotions are valued.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their many fur babies. She is proud to be part of the Piney Woods Elementary team and looks forward to continuing to help students become well-rounded individuals.
 

Sandra Meekins is a proud graduate of Tarkington High School, Class of 1992. Following graduation, she married her husband, Bubba, who was serving in the United States Air Force. Their military journey took them across the country, providing Sandra with valuable personal and professional experiences while raising their family.

While stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Sandra began her college education.  In 1994, the family relocated to Fairfield, California, where they welcomed their two sons, Nick and Wyatt. During her time in California, Sandra earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences, completed her teaching certification, and began her career in education.

The Meekins family continued to serve and travel with the Air Force, relocating to North Carolina in 2003 and Georgia in 2005. In 2006, they returned to their hometown of Tarkington, where Sandra continued her passion for education and student success.  She pursued a Master of Education degree, which she earned in 2010.

Following the completion of her graduate studies, Sandra transitioned into educational leadership as an Assistant Principal and later served as a campus Principal.  

She later added her Counseling Certification and began working as a Guidance Counselor. In this role, she is dedicated to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them prepare for future success.  She is committed to making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of others.

Norvia Read is excited to join the Wildcat team at Coleman 6th Grade Campus as the school counselor. She grew up in the Kingwood/East Montgomery County area and raised her daughter there, making it especially meaningful to serve the community she calls home.

With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Norvia is passionate about supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. While she may be short in stature, she is big on energy, creativity, and building connections. Her goal is for every student to feel seen, heard, and valued as they transition into middle school.

Outside of school, Norvia enjoys gardening, spending time with family, and relaxing with her dogs, Nugget and Zeldi. She is a devoted Auburn University fan, especially when it comes to football and basketball. Norvia believes strong relationships make all the difference and is excited to connect with staff, students, and families as part of the Coleman Wildcat family.

Trisha Beck brings a diverse background in education, behavioral health, and social work with over two decades of experience supporting students and families. She previously served as a Student Success Liaison with Splendora ISD, where she advocated for students' academic, emotional, and behavioral needs and connected families with vital community resources. With a Master's in Education from the American University of Dubai and current studies at Lamar University toward a dual licensure as a School Counselor and LPC-Associate, she is deeply committed to holistic, student-centered support. In addition, she has served as the freshman volleyball coach at Splendora High School, mentoring student-athletes, promoting teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

Having lived overseas and worked internationally in Dubai, Beck brings a culturally inclusive perspective, a strong passion for mental health, and the ability to empower students to succeed. She is deeply committed to servant leadership and believes in empowering others by fostering strong relationships, supporting growth, and helping individuals reach their full potential. Beck views each student as a whole person—not just a number—and brings a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to her work.

Outside of school, Beck enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children—Dylan, who is graduating this May, while the other two, Addison and Kaliann, proudly attend schools within the district. Her children are active in rodeo, sports, and FFA. She remains actively involved in her local church, FCA, and volunteers in the community wherever there is a need. Mrs. Beck is excited to join the SJH team and looks forward to building strong relationships and empowering students to thrive.

Mona Getz brings more than 27 years of educational experience to her role as a counselor at Splendora High School. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, she holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree and has served elementary and middle school students throughout her career. Most recently, she served as the counselor at Greenleaf Elementary, where she was dedicated to supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth.

Mrs. Getz began her career in Splendora ISD at Splendora High School in 2007 and is excited to return to the campus for the 2026–2027 school year. Her experiences as an educator, counselor, parent, and soon-to-be grandmother have strengthened her commitment to building meaningful relationships with students and families and helping every student achieve success.

Splendora ISD is excited to welcome Ms. Watkins and Mrs. Getz to the SHS counseling team and looks forward to the care, experience, and leadership they will bring to the campus.

Becky Boles is a proud graduate of Splendora High School and began her career in education in 2009. She joined Splendora ISD in 2022 and currently serves as the Early College High School Counselor at SHS.

Boles holds a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Lamar University. Over the years, she has worked in Special Education, School Counseling, and Academic Advising.

She is passionate about supporting high school students in their academic and personal development, helping them define and achieve their postsecondary goals.

Outside of school, Boles enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. She is proud to be a member of the SHS Counseling Team and looks forward to continuing to guide and inspire students on their journey toward the future.
 

Suzanne Cotton began their career in education in 2009 and joined Splendora ISD in 2019. She earned a BA  degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University and later completed an MS in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. She earned her Counseling Certification through Region 4. 

Over the years, Suzanne has worked in Elementary and Junior High and is passionate about ensuring students have a trusted adult and a safe space to go to when needed.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and hunting. She is proud to be part of the Splendora Junior High team and looks forward to enjoying a new campus with our amazing students. 
 

Skye Howell brings more than 20 years of experience serving students in public education. Throughout her career, she has worked as a School Counselor, College and Career Counselor, Director of Post-Secondary Education, and GEAR UP Grant Coordinator.

Howell earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and her master's degree in Counseling from Lamar University. She is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and confidently pursue their goals after high school.

She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of student success and strives to ensure that every student feels welcome, valued, and supported. Howell is excited to join the Splendora High School counseling team and serve the students, families, and staff of Splendora ISD.

Stevie Martinez began her journey in education in 2008, joining Splendora ISD as a substitute teacher. She later served as a paraprofessional while pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Education from Sam Houston State University. She went on to earn her Master's degree in School Counseling from Lamar University.

Over the years, Martinez has taught science at Piney Woods Elementary and Splendora Junior High School before transitioning into her current role as a school counselor in 2022. A proud Splendora native, she is passionate about fostering student growth through strong community ties and meaningful relationships.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, close friends, and her French bulldogs. Martinez is proud to serve on the Splendora High School team and remains committed to supporting students' academic, emotional, and social success.
 

Sheena Watkins has worked in education for 13 years and has been a school counselor for eight years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Bachelor's in Social Welfare and African American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master's in School Counseling, and a Certification in Contemporary Mental Health Issues from Capella University.

Ms. Watkins has 20 years of experience working as a mentor, a teacher, and providing guidance to youth. Foundationally, Ms. Watkins is a person-centered counselor who believes that humans have a natural desire for personal growth and change. Therefore, her focus is on supporting and guiding her students as they meet their individual goals. Additionally, Ms. Watkins employs Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused techniques with students, honoring their strengths and providing concrete steps toward reaching student objectives. She is thrilled to join the Splendora family and support the community.