Chelette Stephenson
Director of Counseling
St. Thomas High School (TX)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
In 2007, my principal asked if I would be willing to create a College and Career Center in Magnolia ISD, and I didn’t hesitate. What started as a mission to help students figure out how to pay for college quickly grew into something much bigger. I realized that affordability was only one piece of a much more complex journey. Helping students discover their options, their strengths, and their future paths hooked me — and I’ve never looked back.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Hands down, it’s the lightbulb moment — the instant when it all clicks for a student. Maybe they discover a college after a rep visit during lunch, find a career path through our mentor program, or finally win that scholarship after months of applications. Watching confidence replace uncertainty is the best part of my day, and it never gets old.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NETWORKING: My Rolodex (yes, I’m that old!) is full of people I’ve met through NACAC over the past 17 years — people I can call to ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, or bounce around new ideas, all in the name of supporting students. The best part? Many of those professional connections have turned into real friendships.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: As I complete my seventh year of helping lead a NACAC preconference session, supporting fellow counselors and directors has become a true passion of mine. I love helping teams streamline their work through practical playbooks so they can focus on what matters most: making sure every student finds their best path after high school.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Counselor burnout. Between tight deadlines, growing caseloads, and increasing expectations, counselors need more support to stay in the profession. I firmly believe that when we take care of the adults guiding students, they can continue doing this work longer — and that’s a win for students, schools, and communities.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
If I’m not on a cross-country course cheering on my son or sitting courtside at my daughter’s volleyball games, you can usually find me on the water or rummaging through antique stores in search of old letterman letters and hidden treasures.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Mary Poppins, because I believe big decisions are easier when you mix practical resources with a little encouragement and JOY.
Published Feb. 16, 2026