Counseling
Lead Counselor – Jordan Jackson
My name is Jordan Jackson and I am serving as your lead counselor for the 20-21 school year, I will be working with all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders with the last name beginning with E - Le. During my tenure at RLT, I have worked with the METSA academy and STEM students but I look forward to working with all students this school year. I come from a family of educators; both my parents were high school counselors in CFBISD so it is fair to say education and counseling is in my blood.
I have served in all levels of education. I began my career as an elementary teacher in DISD where I taught second grade. I served as an Academic Advisor at University of North Texas Dallas working with all levels of college students, and now I am beginning my 7th year as a high school counselor. I look forward to getting to know my new students and learning more about all the pathways RL Turner can offer you!
My goal is to advocate for my students and do my best to ensure you have the classes you need and want! I look forward to working with each of you.
Counselor for 10th- 12th grade students who's last names start with E-LE.
Counselor – Suzanne Serris
Hello Lion Country!
My name is Suzanne Serris, and I have the pleasure of serving students in grades 10th through 12th whose last names begin with Li - P. I am from the Dallas area and am a proud graduate of the University of North Texas. Go Mean Green!! As well as being a certified school counselor, I also have my administrative certification. I have been in the education field for 27 years and have been a counselor at RL Turner for the past 15 years. I enjoy traveling, sailing, spending quality time with family and friends, and I am an advocate of life-long learning.
I am passionate about helping our students realize their potential, experience success, and achieve their goals. I am committed to providing the support necessary to ensure that all of our students graduate and are prepared for the next step in their journey. I look forward to working with the wonderful Turner community this year. Go Lions!!
Counselor for 10th- 12th grade students who's last names start with LI-P.
Counselor – Sarah Sumpter
Sarah Sumpter is the counselor 10th- 12th grade students with last names Q-Z. She grew up in Garland, TX and attended University of North Texas, where she majored in psychology and minored in French. After being a secondary French teacher for 3 years, she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas to study counseling. She lived in Austin for 10 years, before relocating to the Dallas area and coming to Turner. She has been married 9 years, and has two sons, Eli (9) and Ben(7). She also has a geriatric dog named Chase who is 15. She enjoys reading, music, travel, being out in nature, and of course helping students visualize and plan for a great future. Always striving to be a happy helper and active listener, Ms. Sumpter is here for you. Go Lions!
Counselor for 10th- 12th grade students who's last names start with Q-Z.
Counselor – Ellen Underwood
Hello!
My name is Ellen Underwood, I am the counselor for students in grades 10-12 who have last names starting with A-D. What an interesting and exciting year this is going to be!
I have lived in CFB for almost 30 years, and all three of my children have graduated from Turner. They went on to Tech, UT, and Texas A&M - From RLT, anything is Possible! I have seen students go on to have every conceivable career.
Seeing students take steps toward adult lives is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a counselor. This is going to be a year like no other, and we want that to be true in the best way! This will call for patience on everyone's part as we navigate uncharted territory.
I hear "We are building the plane as we are flying it." That makes me nervous! I prefer to think of this year as "We are venturing into untraveled waters" - going where we have not gone before. The great news is, we are not on the journey alone! The Turner Family is here.
Counselor for 10th- 12th grade students who's last names start with A-D.
Counselor – Ricky Vargas
Hi!
My name is Richard Vargas and I am the freshmen counselor at R.L. Turner High School. I am originally from Salinas, California, the land of lettuce, fresh strawberries, and artichokes. I spent my early adulthood living and working in Latin America for a non-profit focused on community development. Afterwards, I returned to the states to get my bachelor’s degree in counseling and then my master’s degree from Southern Methodist University in psychotherapy and school counseling. I taught at Grimes for three years and am now a brand new school counselor on the amazing Turner counseling team.
I believe that all students have a unique passion, story, and personality to contribute to making the world a better place. I look forward to supporting and working alongside students, parents, and the Turner faculty. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need my assistance.
Counselor for 9th grade students.
Crisis Counselor – Kim Rangel
Hi,
I am Kim Rangel and I am honored to serve as the support and crisis counselor for RLT this year! This is my 25th year as a counselor in the district. I grew up here in Famers Branch and love serving my community. High school can be an exciting time in a students life, but there are times it can also be overwhelming. Please know I am here to support you in your journey as a lion.
Crisis counselor for all students.