As a school counselor at Sherwood Elementary (SWE) in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), Kala McKnight is part of a strong network of supports designed to help every student thrive.

“To me, being a school counselor in SBISD means I am a vital part of shaping a child’s future,” she said. “I am a core member of their school family and someone who helps ensure the whole child is supported so that when they leave SBISD, they are successful in all forms of life.”

In SBISD, school counselors are not working in isolation. They are part of a coordinated system of care that prioritizes students’ academic growth, emotional well-being and long-term success.

That system was evident in a moment McKnight will never forget.

Earlier this year, a student who was struggling in class became overwhelmed and ran from the room. But when he saw McKnight, he stopped.

“He came straight to me, hugged me and cried,” she said. “In that moment, he felt safe. He didn’t need to be reprimanded. He needed a space to express what he was feeling. As soon as he saw me, he knew we would be able to work through it.”

That trust does not happen by accident. It is built intentionally through daily check-ins, classroom lessons, campus-wide supports and collaboration with teachers and families.

McKnight works with students on emotional regulation and anxiety management, equipping them with tools they can use both in school and beyond. She also delivers classroom lessons aligned to the district’s Core Characteristics, helping students develop communication skills, resilience and problem-solving strategies early in life.

“These are skills students will use in every area of their lives,” she said. “We are preparing them for more than the next test. We are preparing them for life.”

SBISD’s commitment to future readiness also begins long before high school. McKnight runs the campus broadcast studio and leads “College Wednesdays,” where staff members share their college journeys and career paths.

“Students get to see that there isn’t just one way to reach your goals,” she said. “It helps them understand that different pathways can all lead to success.”

Each year, she also partners with fifth-grade teachers to coordinate a trip to BizTown, where students operate a simulated town for the day. Through hands-on experiences, they explore career opportunities, financial literacy and teamwork, reinforcing the district’s focus on early career awareness.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of SBISD’s approach. McKnight maintains open communication with teachers, administrators and families to ensure students receive consistent support across settings. Through the campus newsletter, she shares practical strategies families can use at home to reinforce emotional and academic growth.

This year, through a Spring Branch Education Foundation grant, she provided each teacher with materials to create calming corners in their classrooms, along with guidance on how to use them effectively. These tools expand student support beyond the counseling office and into every classroom.

“I’m always just a call away when someone needs support,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure no student falls through the cracks.”

McKnight believes one misconception about school counselors is that the work is simple.

“We manage and support the emotional needs of every part of the school family while helping maintain a positive school environment,” she said. “It takes coordination, consistency and care. But when it works, you see the impact in students who feel safe, confident and ready to learn.”

If she had to describe the impact of school counselors in SBISD in one word, her answer is clear: profound.

“Counselors are the heart of the school,” she said. “We support students, staff and families in so many ways. Sometimes the work happens quietly, but it is essential. Those daily supports are what help our schools stay strong and successful.”

Through intentional systems, strong partnerships and trusted relationships, SBISD ensures students have the comprehensive support they need to grow, achieve and succeed.

#EveryChild