Counselors
Office Hours
Counseling Request Form
Parents, students and staff may use this form to make a referral for a student to see a school counselor.
Bullying Prevention Resources
Find resources on bullying prevention from Here for Texas.
Suicide Prevention Resources
In emergency situations, always call 911!
Find resources on suicidal warning signs from Here for Texas.
Find resources on suicide prevention from the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
Find resources on suicide prevention from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. For immediate after hours support, call 1-800-273-TALK
Find resources on suicide prevention from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Online suicide support and intervention 24 hours a day.
Social / Emotional Resources
Play it Safe
Play It Safe! is a prevention education program designed to reduce children's risk for becoming victims of physcial and sexual abuse. This program was created by the Women's Center of Tarrant County and helps children "recognize, respond to, and report" a potentially abusive situation. They now have a parent program that can be used at home as well.
Parent Social and Emotional Resources CASEL
Mental Health Information for Parents
Learn about anxiety and anxiety disorders from the American Psychiatric Association and Here for Texas.
Learn about depression from the American Psychiatric Association.
Expand your knowledge about mental health and what it can mean for you or your children from Here for Texas.
Find resources for helping your child with mental illness from Here for Texas.
Drug Prevention Resources
Read articles for parents and students about drug abuse, its effects on the body, and watch Interactive videos and lessons that teach factual information about drug abuse from the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Find resources on drug prevention from Red Ribbon Week.
Learn about teen vaping and the effects vaping has on the body from the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston.
College & Career Resources
Texas Match the Promise Foundation
Texas Match the Promise Foundation is an opportunity for 5th-9th graders with a Texas Tuition Promise Fund account to apply for a scholarship. The Promise Fund beneficiary must have a family income of $100,000 or less. Students must write a career essay and meet residency and other requirements. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 31.
7th Grade and 8th Grade (A-L) Counselor, Mrs. Trisha Huffman
Welcome Bearcats! I am the 8th (A-K) & 7th grade counselor at McAnally Middle School for the 2024-25 school year! This is my 20th year in education and 11th year in Aledo ISD. I have a Masters of Science in school counseling from Texas Wesleyan University and attended Texas A&M (whoop!) for my undergraduate degree. My husband and I have twin boys who will be juniors at Aledo High School and a daughter who will be a senior at Texas A&M University. I enjoy all things sports-related, animals, Aggies, and being outdoors. I look forward to building relationships with and helping our students develop skills to navigate social interactions, develop healthy relationships, and reach their full academic potential. My philosophy is student-centered, and solution focused. I believe in building a comprehensive counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with our MMS families, students, and staff. Please reach out if you need anything.
6th Grade and 8th Grade (M-Z) Counselor, Mrs. Rebecca Ponder
My name is Rebecca Ponder, and I'm thrilled to be serving as one of McAnally Middle School counselors! With 13 years of experience in education, I bring a deep passion for supporting students in their academic, social-emotional, and personal development. I hold a Bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Midwestern State University and a Master's degree in Counseling from Angelo State University. Throughout my career, I've worked as a teacher and a school counselor at both the elementary and secondary levels, gaining valuable experience and insights into the specific needs of students at different stages of their education. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, and photography. I'm looking forward to the upcoming school year and am excited to continue being part of the McAnally family and Aledo community!
This year, Mrs. Ponder will serve 6th-grade students and 8th-grade students with last names beginning with letters L-Z.
Mission Statement:
The Aledo ISD Counseling Program provides a comprehensive school counseling program that fosters academic success, college and career readiness, and personal and social development.
Counselor Commitment:
The Aledo ISD counselors will intentionally consult and collaborate with students, parents, staff and community members to advocate on behalf of all students