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.
Bryan Pham
ILTexas Arlington-Grand Prairie
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Mr Pham!
Bryan Pham is extremely excited to be a part of the ASP team ILTexas Arlington-Grand Prairie. 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!
Marie Concepcion
ILTexas Garland
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Concepcion!
Marie Concepcion is excited to be a Dead of College Advising at ILTexas Garland High School. She grew up in Queens, NY, and graduated from The Scholars’ Academy. She is a first-generation graduate from Barnard College of Columbia University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Ms. Concepcion was privileged enough to be in spaces that pushed her to succeed and grow at every turn, but she is personally attuned to the unique challenges of being historically underrepresented in education. She is determined to increase opportunities for these populations to enter higher education and access future career and educational development.
Ms. Concepcion wants as many students as possible to experience the novelty, challenge, and opportunity she encountered in college and beyond, making it her mission to fit future students to the best colleges for their long-term goals, not just for the next 4 years.
In her free time, Ms. Concepcion is the biggest reader, running through at least one book a week, and is a lifelong dancer and cheerleader who still occasionally sits in on a ballet class. Don’t be afraid to ask for a book recommendation — she’s always excited to talk about reading!
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 from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). She went on to complete her MA at the University of Oregon.
Before joining ASP, she worked closely with first-year writing 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.
Jena Manning
ILTexas Windmill Lakes-Orem
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Manning!
Jena Manning is a proud Spanish-speaking Jamaican-American currently living in Houston, Texas. She’s passionate about interacting with the stories of young individuals from all backgrounds and empowering them to make sense of themselves and the world around them.
At her current consulting role with Academic Success Program (ASP), Jena leads college advising at a local high school that several historically underrepresented and first generation students attend. She guides students and their families in learning about the college application process and charting their own path towards “right fit” colleges, including affordable and highly selective colleges. She uses a strengths-based approach focused on students’ unique skills, talents, and interests to help them build confidence and construct strong college applications. Jena’s dedication and impact in college advising are evident in her promotion to Master College Advising Consultant after just one year in the field.
Outside of her professional life, Jena enjoys playing football, cooking, drinking coffee and matcha, and going on walks with family and friends.
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.