Meet our First-Year Students: 2025-2027 Cohort

My name is Tyler Williams, and I’m from Bowie, Maryland. I am passionate about school counseling because I want to be a positive role model and help students feel seen, heard, and understood. I have been a camp counselor since I was 15 and have also volunteered to help kids with special needs learn basketball. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing video games and writing poetry, which allow me to stay creative and balanced

Hi everyone! My name is Natalie Bowen. I’m joining the School Counseling Program from Muskegon, Michigan. I’m looking forward to championing students as they work toward their personal, academic, and career goals. Previously, I was a high school science teacher, which inspired me to follow my passion of working directly with students in the school counseling field. In my free time I love to be outside, spend time with my cat and my friends, and cook and bake fun recipes. I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life at UMD.

A first-generation Costa Rican-American raised in Prince George’s County, Franco has always been passionate about social justice and serving his community. While in college, he founded the Latino Student Union at the UMBC–Shady Grove campus and served as president of the Latino Student Union at Montgomery College–Takoma Park. He later joined CASA as part of the communications team, where he helped mobilize community members to protest injustices on both local and national levels. Today, Franco works as a College and Career Counselor at a high school with a predominantly immigrant student population, where he uplifts students and families through education, guidance, and mental health awareness to ensure future generations thrive. He holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey Donley and I am from Hagerstown, Maryland. I just graduated from UMD with my bachelors degree in the spring of 2025, and I am so excited to be staying here for my masters degree! I am passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for students in schools to help close the achievement gap. I also hope one day to blend my passion for public policy with my school counseling profession. I have worked at Girls Inc. of Washington County the last three years, and have had the amazing opportunity to build incredible relationships with so many young girls in my community! Outside of school, I love to workout and go for walks with family and friends. I look forward to two more years as a Terp!

Hello Everyone! I am a first-generation college student originally from Hartford, CT. I hold degrees from Dartmouth College and Beijing Normal University. I have worked as an educator in the United States, South Korea, China, and Thailand. I believe in the power of human connection to heal, grow, and transform lives. I've seen how guidance, empathy, and a safe space to be heard can shift someone's trajectory—and I want to be part of that process as a school counselor. Whether helping students navigate college admissions, community engagement, or supporting individuals through emotional struggles, I’m drawn to the idea of walking alongside others during pivotal moments.

Hi everyone, my name is Olivia Lippincott, and I'm from Leesburg, VA! I recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. I am pursuing my master’s in School Counseling to help advocate for students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Serving as a mentor at Vescent, an organization that provides young women and teens with mental health strategies that promote healthy interactions and coping skills, truly solidified my passion to pursue this field. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, knitting, and reading a good mystery novel!
 

Hello! My name is Senia Manson (she/her) and I am from Baraga in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I am moving to Maryland from Providence, RI where I recently graduated from Brown University with my degree in Education Studies. Within the education field, I'm especially interested in increasing equitable access to career and post-secondary education resources, social influences on child development, and the inclusion of community resources within schools. When I can, I love spending my time outdoors looking for geocaches and swimming!

Hi, my name is Shaniya (she/her). I am from Bowie, MD and received my Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with a minor in Psychology from Bowie State University. I have always been interested in child development and mental health in the school system, which is why i chose school counseling. Most of my work experience is with preschool and elementary students, but I wish to work with middle and high school students eventually. I enjoy exploring new places, listening to music, staying active, and watching sports. 

Francis Munoz (she/her) is originally from Orlando, Florida. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Florida State University, majoring in psychology. Shortly after, she moved to Maryland to begin helping children with autism. Through this work experience, Francis found her passion for children and wanting to be their advocate in a school setting. She looks forward to learning more and more about school counseling every week. Some of her hobbies outside of school include watching football, cooking/baking, traveling, going to the gym, and trying new restaurants!

Hi! My name is Jessica Nguyen, and I’m from Silver Spring, Maryland. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. My passion for becoming a school counselor comes from my commitment to providing student-centered support, helping to close opportunity gaps, and empowering students to pursue their goals. Outside of school and work, I enjoy reading romance novels, shopping, and attending concerts.
 

Hello, my name is Abira Nor, and I am from Takoma Park, Maryland. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in human development. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work closely with children through various volunteer opportunities and internships. These experiences helped me discover my passion for education and child development, which ultimately led to my interest in school counseling. In my free time, I enjoy painting and reading.

Hey everyone! I’m Jesse Spencer and I’m from Richmond, Virginia! I graduated from Christopher Newport University where I got my degree in Sociology and double minored in History and African American studies! I recently completed my AmeriCorps service term with College Possible Chicago, and that solidified my love of working directly with the community, and helping students from underrepresented communities find their postsecondary path and access to higher education! Outside of my academic life, I love to read (especially fantasy books), watch TV (Abbott Elementary is one of my current obsessions), and play with my cat Stormy. I am so, so excited to be joining this community at UMD and continuing to work towards equity and social justice in the school counseling field.