The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson
About Your Counselors Marjan Amiri Counselor Welcome Parents and Students! I am so excited to be serving our Caraway community as your school counselor. This will be my 11th year at Caraway. I started here as a Kindergarten and first grade teacher where I worked with the youngest and most eager children in our school community. I got the sweetest smiles, the brightest eyes, and the best hugs each day for seven years. These years were also a time for me to reflect back on my experiences as a teacher and realize how social interaction, building friendship, coping skills and having emotional support are critical to mental and physical health of our children especially the younger ones. We live in a time where children face many challenges and go through rough times in their daily lives and therefore the presence of a supporting adult whom they can trust and build a positive relationship with is crucial to their academic, social and emotional success. I decided to continue my career in education as a counselor to be that anchor and support for all students at Caraway. I have been in this role for the past 4 years at Caraway and I absolutely love every minute of working, educating, listening, guiding, and helping my students. My degrees and certifications are in the field of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Development, and School Counseling. On a more personal note, I also have two beautiful children who are both former Owls. My son Nima is a senior at Westwood High School and my daughter Hannah is a freshman. I am looking forward to collaborating with all members of our community to ensure that all of our students can develop the skills necessary for academic success, personal growth, positive interpersonal relationships, and healthy choices. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Phone: (512) 464-5505 Email: [email protected]
Tania U-Valdez Counselor Hello Caraway Family! My name is Tania Ugarte-Valdez and I am so excited to be part of this great community and to join Ms. Amiri in the Counseling Department as a part time School Counselor. I attended the University of Texas at El Paso, were I earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work & Psychology, and later on a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. I have taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Fourth grade for over nine years and I have been a High School Counselor for over four years. I am the proud mom of three boys ages 15, 10 and 4. Like many of my colleagues, I felt the desire and responsibility to make a difference in people's lives early in my life. What a better way to impact and help others through our humbling profession of teaching and counseling. It is in this profession that we help create, nurture and form our future leaders. I wish to be a positive influence in the lives of our students, parents and my colleagues at Caraway. I am a true believer that children, with unconditional love, support, guidance and nurture are capable of reaching their full potential and beyond. This vision is possible because of the talented, caring and committed adults working together to empower and guide them. I am looking forward to provide meaningful educational opportunities that develop the whole child and build on the rich tradition at Caraway Elementary. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I will be at Caraway on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Phone (512)464-5578 Email: [email protected]