Yesenia Aviles Esteves
ILTexas Aggieland
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Aviles!
Yesenia Aviles is ecstatic to serve as the Dean of College Advising at International Leadership of Texas – Aggieland High School. She was born and raised in Austin, TX and is a graduate from Texas A&M University – College Station, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology. While earning her degree, she volunteered with the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network assisting with citizenship classes and English classes.
As a first generation student, Yesenia is looking forward to meeting with all of the students and helping them realize their true potential and achieve their dreams. She wants to make the process of applying to colleges and scholarships as easy and stress-free as possible.
In her free time, she spends her time with her niece, reading, spending time with her dog, Lila, and crocheting.
Cailyn Byrd
ILTexas Arlington-Grand Prairie
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Byrd!
Cailyn Byrd is the Dean of College Advising at International Leadership Texas Arlington-Grand Prairie High School. She went to Abilene Christian University where she received her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. This will be her 6th year on the ASP Team. She worked as our ASP Alumni Coordinator for a year, before getting to do work with our students on the high school level.
She remembers feeling very isolated and limited in knowledge during her own college application journey. She loves that she gets to be in a place to help students and families avoid those feelings. Ms. Byrd’s loves that we all get to work through this process together, and create the best solutions for the next generation of college students. Finding success and hope in every student’s story is what she looks forward to most.
Bryan Pham
ILTexas Garland
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Mr. Pham!
Bryan Pham is extremely excited to be a part of the ASP team ILTexas Garland. Bryan recently graduated from Colgate University with a double major in Asian Studies and Chinese. He is a first-generation college student, and is a product of ASP!
Bryan believes a college education is a golden ticket for every student, and is committed to providing the tool needed for students.
When he isn’t helping his students, Bryan loves traveling the world on short notice, working out, or gaming in the comfort of his home!
Katheryne Laqua
ILTexas Katy-Westpark
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Laqua!
Katheryne Laqua is excited to serve as a Dean of College Advising at International Leadership of Texas – Katy-Westpark High School! She was born and raised in Victoria, Texas and earned her BA in English with minors in Communication and Sociology from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). She went on to complete her MA in English and earn a graduate certificate in Museum Studies at the University of Oregon.
Before joining ASP, she worked closely with first-year students as a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Oregon, where she saw firsthand the pressures and questions new college students face. That experience fuels her commitment to helping high schoolers feel supported, confident, and prepared as they navigate college admissions. Her goal is to make the process as clear, low-stress, and affordable as possible so students can focus on their futures and enjoy the journey.
Outside of her advising role, she enjoys reading, visiting museums, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her friends and family.
Garienne Stiggers-Salone
ILTexas Keller-Saginaw
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Mrs. Salone!
Garienne Salone is the Dean of College Advising at The International Leadership of Texas Keller-Saginaw. She is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and The University of Texas at Arlington with her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work. While at PVAMU, Mrs. Salone was apart of many organizations; PVAMU PALS( Freshmen Mentorship), Campus Activity Board, PVAMU Purple Jackets(Women’s Empowerment group), the Social Work Action Club(SWAC), and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Mrs. Salone is a Fort Worth, Texas, and is no stranger to college advising. As someone who was brought up in a household that placed a strong importance on education, she is excited to help the next generation fulfill their academic goals. Mrs. Salone wants students to understand that higher education will not only be the dream, it will be the standard and they deserve the opportunity to take full advantage of all higher education has to offer.
In her spare time Mrs. Salone loves to spend time making memories with her family, husband and son.
Landon Finley
ILTexas Lancaster-Desoto
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Mr. Finley!
Landon Finley is excited to serve as the Dean of College Advising at International Leadership of Texas Lancaster-DeSoto High. As a Dallas ISD and ASP alumnus, a first-generation college student, and a former Gates Millennium Scholar, Landon understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Analytics & Consulting from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Creative and Innovative Education with a focus on Educational Entrepreneurship and Business from Georgia State University.
Landon has been a dedicated advocate for students since his high school days, contributing to a reform movement that resulted in significant renovations of several Dallas ISD high schools, including his own alma mater. Before he joined ASP, he worked as an Administrative Assistant at Drew Charter School and served as a substitute teacher in the Atlanta School City District. Passionate about helping students reach their full potential, Landon is eager to return to ASP and make a positive impact on the next generation.
Jena Manning
ILTexas Windmill Lakes-Orem
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Manning!
Jena Manning is a Spanish-speaking Jamaican-American professional who’s passionate about helping youth from all backgrounds recognize the educational opportunities available to them—and feel confident pursuing them. Originally from the vibrant, multicultural hub of South Florida, Jena has always been drawn to community-centered work, from researching inclusive development in Ecuador to organizing DEI events on her university campus.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Managerial Economics and Organizational Sciences from Rice University, with a minor in Spanish, and brings work experiences across the nonprofit, research, and education sectors. As Dean of College Advising at ASP, she aims to lead with an approach rooted in storytelling, connection, and curiosity when advising students. She looks forward to truly getting to know students and empowering them to chart their own path in finding a college that feels like the “right fit.”
Outside of work, you can catch Jena playing pick-up soccer, trying out new recipes, or taking long walks to clear her mind.
Brian Vera
ILTexas Liberty
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Mr. Vera!
Brian Vera is thrilled to serve as the Dean of College Advising at International Leadership of Texas Liberty High School. Originally from nearby New Caney, Texas, he is excited about the opportunity to give back to another rural community close to home.
A recent graduate of Colby College, Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, where he cultivated strong critical thinking skills and developed an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. During his time at Colby, he spearheaded the First-Generation Low-Income Student Program and served as a fellow for three years, advocating for equity and inclusion on campus.
At ILTexas, Brian is passionate about motivating all students to pursue higher education, regardless of preconceived notions or perceived limitations. He believes education is essential not only for personal growth but also for deepening our understanding of the world. His local roots inspire him to approach his work with authenticity and empathy, forging meaningful connections with students through shared experience and genuine care.