Long before Veronica Luna became a counselor, she experienced the impact of one.
After losing her father while she was in elementary school, Luna said her school counselor became a consistent source of support — an experience that stayed with her.
“During that time, my counselor provided understanding and care that made a lasting impact on me,” she said. helped shape my path and motivated me to be that source of support for students and families.”
Now in her third year as a school counselor and her 15th year in education with Dallas ISD, Luna serves alongside fellow counselor Krystal Sanchez at Eduardo Mata Montessori School.
For Sanchez, the role represents both professional growth and a return to her roots. She grew up in the neighborhood surrounding Mata, attended Woodrow Wilson High School, and later enrolled her son at the Mata campus before it transitioned into a Montessori school.
When a counseling position opened at Mata this school year, the opportunity felt personal.
Together, they support students’ academic, social, and emotional needs as part of the campus’s administrative team.
No two days look the same for Sanchez and Luna.
Their responsibilities include classroom lessons, individual and group counseling, academic progress monitoring, parent meetings, and planning schoolwide events. They are also present during morning arrival, lunch, and after-school duty—moments they view as opportunities to build relationships.
They often describe themselves as the campus’s emotional first responders, supporting students during moments of crisis while also helping them develop long-term coping and social skills.
Both counselors credit the district’s School Counselor Excellence Initiative with helping to clarify their role and allowing them to focus more intentionally on core counseling responsibilities.
“We are involved in many behind the scenes situations, so our contributions aren’t always recognized,” Sanchez said. “I believe the rubric can be beneficial in clarifying these misconceptions and provide clear indicators to identify and communicate our strengths and areas for improvement.”
For her, the most rewarding moments are when she sees students carry those lessons beyond her office using strategies from guidance, improving behavior, and gaining confidence over time.
As Dallas ISD focuses on legacy this year, Sanchez hopes hers at Eduardo Mata reflects both care and consistency.
“I want to be remembered as someone reliable and trustworthy,” she said, “Someone who creates a safe space for students to experience their feelings, express themselves effectively, and grow.”
As for Luna, she hopes to be known as someone who helped her students feel seen and safe.
“I want to be remembered as someone who truly listened, advocated for them, and helped them grow into confident individuals who believed in themselves, their futures, and their ability to reach their goals despite obstacles,” she said. Being a consistent, safe presence is a big part of the work.”
