Chilton counselor recognized by Region 12 Service Center
WACO, TX – Education Service Center Region 12 announced the 2025 Regional Counselors of the Year at the 12th Annual Counselor Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 31.
A total of 12 counselors were nominated by their principals, campus leaders, or superintendents. Of those nominated, one was selected as Elementary Counselor of the Year, one was selected as Secondary Counselor of the Year, and two were selected as Lone Ranger Counselors of the Year.
“The positive energy in the room was powerful to witness,” said Jeni Janek, the counseling services coordinator at ESC Region 12. “This event is our favorite one of the year from ESC Region 12 Counseling Services. Our school counselors in Region 12 support students, staff, parents, and their greater communities in so many selfless ways. It’s really our privilege to honor them and to let them know that their efforts are truly appreciated.”
The 2025 Region 12 Elementary Counselor of the Year is Melissa Wells of Thomas Arnold Elementary School in Salado ISD. Wells has served as a school counselor for eight years, all with Salado ISD.
“Through her work, Mrs. Wells helps students feel valued and supported while teaching them how to be good citizens and leaders,” said Tish Ptomey, principal of Thomas Arnold Elementary School. “Her efforts make a big impact on our school, helping us create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.”
The 2025 Region 12 Secondary Counselor of the Year is Meghan Harvey of China Spring High School and China Spring Alternative Education Center in China Spring ISD. Harvey has served as a school counselor for 11 years, eight of which have been with China Spring ISD.
“Mrs. Harvey has an exceptional ability to connect with students, understanding their unique needs and challenges,” said Jennifer Sharp, principal of China Spring Alternative Education Center. “Her proactive approach to counseling has contributed significantly to improving student outcomes, mental health awareness and academic achievement.”
The 2025 Region 12 Lone Ranger Counselors of the Year are Donna Thompson of Chilton ISD and Meli Villesca of Morgan ISD. The Lone Ranger Counselor of the Year award recognizes school counselors who support an entire K-12 district.
Thompson has served as a school counselor for a total of 12 years, three of which have been with Chilton ISD.
“Dr. Thompson has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and more throughout her career, and Chilton has benefited from each of her prior roles with the input she provides as the district counselor,” said Dr. Brandon Hubbard, superintendent of Chilton ISD. “Her impact is felt every day both by the success of students and the development of staff.”
Villesca has served as a school counselor for a total of five years, two of which have been with Morgan ISD.
“Ms. Villesca has built a comprehensive counseling department serving students from Pre-K through 12, and in doing so, she has become an integral part of our school’s culture and success,” said Dr. John Bullion, superintendent of Morgan ISD. “She sees her role here as a calling, and she fulfills her increasingly demanding schedule with a sense of joy and optimism.”
Platinum sponsors Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center and Daybreak Health, along with gold sponsors H-E-B and Texas State Technical College and partner Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, helped the service center honor the Counselors of the Year and other regional counselors at the luncheon. Additional recognitions included School Crisis Response Counselors, Counselor Advisory Board Members, New Counselors, and Elite School Counselors.