AINEC Executive Team

When I was in the 10th grade, I realized that I was not on target to graduate from high  school.  My  single mom worked and was attending school to get her GED and I was not doing my best academically.  My grade report was “decent” at best.  When I did get called into the office, it was always for disciplinary action. I never wanted to talk to my counselor because I always thought I'd be in trouble. 

I find that to often, counselors are being used for the purpose of discipline, class scheduling, supervising, testing and other administrative duties.  They don't function in their essential role as a counselor guiding students to become successful academically, socially, and personally.  At the time, my bestfriend who received good grades, was called into the counselor’s office several times during the year.  I asked why she was going to the counseling office so much.  My friend told me that the counselor was talking to her, individually, about college and other post-secondary options.  I remember thinking, “I want to go to college, why isn't anyone talking to me about going to college!” 

As a counselor starting in September 2000 through 2011, approximately 900 to 1,000 students enrolled in high school in the 9th grade.  By the 12th grade, in the same school, only 250 to 300 seniors graduated.  These are stifling numbers.

Fast forward to today, my experience as a school counselor has been much like the above scenario, as far as how students feel about counselors. I once had a student whose parent was concerned about his grades and requested that I meet with him to discuss his situation. I requested that the teacher send the student to my office. After five request, and student did not show up, I confirmed with the teacher that the student received the summons. I contacted the parent again and the parent had no idea that the student was not showing up to my office. The next day the student came into my office, reluctantly. I introduced myself and joked a little about trying to get him to come to my office. I could literally see the "stress relief" when he realized that I was not going to "punish" him. As a result, his perspective about counselors changed and he opened up and expressed his desire to attend college and to plan his future post-secondary career opportunities. Following up with his mom, I learned that he was very happy to finally meet his counselor and that he was looking forward to our next meeting. This inspired me to create an atmosphere for students to be inspired, motivated and challenged all while feeling supported to accomplish their dreams.  

I’ve worked in education for 30+ years.   I received my bachelor’s degree and started teaching in 1996.   I have a master’s degree in Counseling and my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American School Counselors Association (ASCA), and California Association of School Counselors (CASC).  I continue my involvement in education through attending various workshops, conferences, school advisory councils and student advocacy. I have a daughter and  three wonderful grandchildren.

Stephanie L. Kendall, Founder/CEO

Knowledge is not only power, it is also a great confidence builder!  As a young mother desiring an excellent education for her children, I was smacked into the harsh reality of the public school system.  A system that held great promise and potential but in practice, Compton Unified School District, was not delivering in the area of providing a quality education and safe learning environment for my children.

 Imagine being the school PTA President, member of the School Site Council, assisting with the candy sales, walking children to and from school and one day being told by a teacher that you don’t care about the education of your child.  That was my wake-up call to action.  If this was the mindset of educators entrusted with the education of our children, we were in a crisis.  At this point I knew that I must take the lead in ensuring that my children’s education was closely monitored, and I was in charge of guiding their educational journey.  I enthusiastically accepted the assignment, made a conscious decision to be of benefit to all students as I was advocating for my own children.

From Parent to Principal, I’ve been an educator for 30+ years serving students and their families.  As an educator  I have seen firsthand the vital role that advising, counseling, and supporting students and their families can play in the academic achievement and social-emotional wellness of students and families.  Providing students and families with empowering knowledge and information to positively impact our community is my commitment and passion. I have been a classroom teacher, a curriculum specialist, elementary and middle school assistant principal and elementary school principal. My current work is directed towards enhancing family engagement in schools with a focus on college and career readiness.  As a California Department of Education certified trainer of trainers since the 1990’s, I have facilitated numerous efforts to construct productive partnerships among families, educators, and communities that generate positive outcomes for students.

Nabeehah Brumfield, President