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. 

Kathryn Snider began her career in education as an Adapted Physical Education Specialist before transitioning into school counseling. She joined Splendora ISD as the Mental Health Specialist in 2025. Snider earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Texas Woman's University, a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a focus in Adapted Physical Education from Texas Woman's University, and a Master of Education in Counseling from Lamar University.

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Snider is also a Certified Advanced Level 2 Solution-Focused Practitioner and is currently working toward Level 3 certification, the highest level in this counseling approach. She plans to pursue her doctoral degree and is currently researching programs to find the best fit for her professional goals.

Over the years, Snider has worked with students and clients from elementary through high school, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and prevention programs. She has delivered professional development presentations on topics such as anxiety in schools, suicide awareness and protocol, vaping awareness, teen dating violence, and test anxiety. Her counseling philosophy is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, with the belief that all students have unique strengths that can be developed to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Outside of school, Snider enjoys spending time with her family on their property outside of College Station, going to the lake, reading a good book, traveling, and laughing with friends. She is proud to be part of the Splendora ISD team and looks forward to continuing to promote mental wellness and student success across the district.

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.
 

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.

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. 
 

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.