Guidance and Counseling
Through our service, example, discipleship, encouragement, prayer and accountability, we are called to honor Our Lord, help strengthen the Kingdom, guide each student toward the fulfillment of the Portrait of a PCA Graduate and, as colleagues, impacting where possible, the institution's academic and spiritual culture.
Guidance Office Mission Statement
Guidance
Our experienced and knowledgeable guidance counselor works with students throughout the Upper School experience guiding families through the college admission process, including the academic path for courses during their time in Upper School. With a wealth of college options available to our students, our counselor works diligently to know the students and to equip our families with the knowledge and tools necessary to find the right college fit, academically, socially and spiritually.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Counseling
Young adults live in a time of increasing opportunity, with multiple false truths vying for their attention and hearts. To help ensure they are prepared and shepherded to become the next generation of disciples, leaders, parents and citizens, every student needs support, direction, accountability and avenues to discover and develop their gifts in the process of discerning who and whose they are. It is our desire for students to come of age in a supportive, spiritual environment in partnering with us.
They are searching for a place to belong, at times relying too heavily on peer acceptance, affirmation and feedback. They face increased pressures regarding risk behaviors while exploring the boundaries and tenets of more selfless behavior and mature, meaningful relationships and decision making. They must learn to manage academic pressures as they face the challenges of college admissions and entrance into a competitive job market, while also wrestling with the importance and challenges of claiming their faith as their own. It is at this point of intersecting life experiences our staff of educators and paraprofessionals has positioned itself to serve our students and families.
The Counseling Department does not work in isolation; rather they partner with others involved in a student’s development of heart and mind, including parents, the Campus Ministries Team, teaching faculty, athletic and artistic coaches and others. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services critical to student mental, academic, spiritual, social and professional success in school.
Meet our Staff
Jodi Benavidez
Director of Guidance and Counseling
PCA Plano Upper School
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Jodi joined our office in June 2017. She feels thankful to join the PCA family. She has been serving as a College Counselor, Registrar, and Assistant High School Principal for the previous ten years at a sister Christian school. Prior to entering service in the secondary school, she worked at Collin College for six years specializing in assisting college readiness for the county in addition to college orientation and dual credit programs. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, minor in Religion at Austin College followed by a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration at Dallas Baptist University. Jodi is married to Paul and they have two Lions, Gavin, Class of 2023 and Charis, Class of 2025.
Kristin Dysart
PCA North Guidance Counselor
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Kristin Dysart has been in education for over 11 years and has served at PCA North since it was established in 2014. As an educator she has instructed students from preschool through high school, both in the public and private school sector. With a sincere heart for students, Kristin desires to see them flourish in all aspects - academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Kristin earned her Undergraduate from Dallas Baptist University and continued her education at Lamar University, graduating with her Master’s in School Counseling. When she is not at school, you can find her busy with her three sons, all of whom are proud students at PCA North.