My name is Karen Kruger, and I am the Lead Counselor. I grew up in Indiana and obtained my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from Ball State University. I have lived in the Houston area for over 20 years, and Texas has become my home. Although this will be my 20th year in education and my 18th year as a counselor, it will be my first year at Porter High School. I am honored and excited to be a part of the Spartan family!

I believe that school counselors play an integral role in the educational, career, personal, and social development of students. Our counseling team values the unique differences in our students and strives to provide a welcoming, safe, and mutually respectful environment. I look forward to guiding students in reaching their fullest potential as they prepare for life after high school.

My name is Liliana Rodriguez, and I am the Counselor for the House of Business and Criminal Justice. I am beginning my 11th year in education and my 3rd year as a High School Counselor. During my career in education, I taught Family and Consumer Science, focusing on Fashion Design. This year will be my 2nd year being a part of the Spartan family and New Caney ISD. I was born and raised in Houston and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and my Master’s degree from Lamar University.

My high school counselor was my inspiration in becoming a counselor. She provided me resources, advocated post-secondary education, and most importantly, instilled confidence in a first-generation college-bound student like myself. As a school counselor,I will provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that allows students to maximize their learning potential as they pursue a purposeful and promising future.

I am honored and enthusiastic in supporting students reach their academic goals at Porter High school.

Hello Spartan Family! 
 
My name is Ms. Renee Blakeney. This is my third year at Porter High School, and my first year as a counselor. I have over 15 years of education experience in New Caney ISD. I come from a background of teaching, coaching, and mentoring. As a former World Cultures, Texas History, and US History teacher, history and cultures are important to me.  I am an avid sports fan and I love spending time in the natural outdoors. I also appreciate the arts, love to read, and am an amateur photographer. 
 
I will be the Criminal Justice counselor as well as the freshman transition counselor this year. Transitioning to high school and beyond is an exciting time and an essential part of planning for success in the future. Together we will work to ensure that you have the avenues to pursue your passions and interests while planning for your academic, vocational, college, and career goals. I am here to support you academically, socially, and emotionally as you transition through this new phase of your life. There are many exciting opportunities here at Porter High School. 
 
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve Porter HS students this year and am looking forward to helping make this a successful year in high school. Welcome Back Criminal Justice Spartans! Welcome Class of 2026! 

My name is Pearl Bankston, and I am the counselor for the House of Arts. I am beginning my 13th year in education and my 5th year as a school counselor. I began my career in education as a teacher in US History. This year will be my first year being a part of the Spartan family and New Caney ISD. I was raised in a small community, Channelview, Texas and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Education from University of Houston-Downtown and my Master’s degree in School Counseling from University of St. Thomas.

As a school counselor, it has always been my goal to support my students with every aspect of their educational journey and help them in any way possible. I believe that every child needs a community of encouragement to help them achieve their goals and it is my mission to be part of that support system for every student.
I am honored to be joining the Porter High school family and I look forward to a great upcoming school year.

My name is Kelly McDonald Dworaczyk, and I am the Counselor for the House of Engineering and Industry. I am beginning my 27th year in education and my 9th year as a high school counselor. I earned my associate degree from Navarro College, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, and earned my Master of Arts in School Counseling from Amberton University. I grew up in Richardson, TX, but I have lived in Corsicana, Denton, Frisco, and Kingwood.

I am so excited to become a Spartan!  I believe in providing students a safe place to discuss and strategize the next step to take to ensure their dreams become their future. I enjoy helping students  plan for life after high school, including college, trade school or finding a job using the skills they acquired right here at Porter High School.I will also address social and emotional skills, problem solving and ways to become more resilient when faced with life challenges. I am excited to support your students as they grow and develop into confident, happy, and thriving adults in this ever changing world.