6th Grade Counselor

Mrs. Chapman Room 103

heather.b.chapman@austinisd.org

Mrs. Heather Chapman | Counselor for Students A-E

Hello, Kealing Hornets! I am excited to serve as the counselor for students with last names A–E. I grew up in a small town northeast of Houston and have proudly served as a Texas public educator for 25 years. Most recently, I worked at Baldwin Elementary here in Austin ISD.

I am married and have two sons—one in high school and one in fifth grade—as well as a sweet doodle named Millie. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on the Texas Longhorns. Hook ’em!

I look forward to getting to know our students and families and supporting them throughout the school year!

Raquel Hernandez | Counselor for Students F–L

Hello, Kealing Hornets! I am a proud Austin native and a product of Austin ISD. I am honored to serve as the school counselor for students with last names F–L at Austin ISD’s premier middle school.

I cherish spending time with my family and friends, believe in the power of laughter, and strive to bring positivity to each day. I lead with gratitude and consider it a true privilege to be part of the Kealing community. I look forward to supporting our students and families throughout the school year!

8th Grade Counselor

Christopher Aparicio

christopher.aparacio@austinisd.org

Mr. Christopher Aparicio | Counselor for Students M-R

Hello, Kealing Hornets! I am excited to serve as the school counselor for students with last names M–R. My role is to support students’ academic success while also helping meet their social and emotional needs. I provide classroom guidance, individual counseling, and connections to additional resources when needed. Most importantly, I am here for our students—ready to listen, offer encouragement, and help make their day a little brighter.

Originally from El Paso, I moved to Austin in 1992. After working for the City of Austin/Travis County Health Department, I joined Austin ISD and taught eighth-grade science at Murchison Middle School for 17 years. During that time, I earned a master’s degree in Science Education from The University of Texas at Austin—Hook ’em!—and achieved National Board Certification. I later served as an AISD REACH Mentor Teacher, supporting novice educators at Martin, Pearce, and Webb Middle Schools.

After earning my school counseling certification, I was thrilled to join the Kealing community. I retired in December 2022, enjoyed a “gap year” in 2023, and am now delighted to be back! This is my 31st year in Austin ISD and my 32nd year in Texas public education—all at the middle school level. I truly love Kealing’s wonderful students, faculty, and administration, and I look forward to supporting our Hornet community!

7th Grade Counselor

sharon.c.franklin@austinisd.org

Room 103

Ms. Sharon Franklin | Counselor for Students S–Z

Hello, Kealing Hornets! I am proud to serve as the school counselor for students with last names S–Z. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University and two master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University in Counseling and Administration.

I am a Texas-certified teacher and school counselor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I bring 10 years of experience in public and private Texas schools and more than five years of clinical experience supporting students and families from diverse backgrounds.

My passion is building meaningful relationships with students and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to partnering with our Kealing students and families throughout the school year!