Great Hearts is committed to an individualized approach to college counseling that focuses on finding the right fit for each student. The emphasis of the program is on helping students discover who they are as learners and emerging adults. Throughout their years at Great Hearts Irving, our students learn to be comfortable in the worlds of both ideas and practicality, understanding the relationship between the two. This serves our students particularly well when selecting a college experience.
Meet Our College Counselors
Mrs. Mayne has a proven track record of success as an Independent College Consultant for more than 15 years and holds the prestigious College Advising Program Certificate from Columbia University. She’s served as Director of Intermediate School at a private classical academy and also as an English and humanities teacher. As an Independent College Consultant, Mrs. Mayne has guided students through every step of the college application and financial aid process.
Mrs. Gamez previously worked as a Director of College & Academic Counseling in a private school in Fort Worth where she helped high school scholars succeed academically and pursue their college and career goals after graduation. In 2020, she transitioned to the role of School Counselor, implementing an SEL program (Social & Emotional Learning) on campus and providing school counseling to students.
Mrs. Gamez is excited about returning to her passion of helping high school scholars make wise decisions as they figure out their next steps and determine their best-fit colleges and careers. Her blend of experience in both college counseling and social & emotional counseling establishes an empathetic and calming atmosphere through the college application process, which can be a stressful time in the lives of both scholars and their families.
Her education and certifications include:
- B.A. Guidance and Counseling
- M.Ed. School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University
- ACSI School Counselor Certification
- NACCAP College Counselor Certification
- CSCDA (Certified School Career Development Advisor) – a certification to help prepare students for meaningful work and managing their careers by the NCDA (National Career Development Association).
After over a decade of experience in the college, academic and counseling fields, Mrs. Gamez is happy to call Great Hearts home.
Upcoming Events
Sophomores
PSAT-10
All Sophomores will be taking the PSAT-10 on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Great Hearts Irving. Other than getting a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast the morning of the test, no preparation is required for sophomores because this test is used to give a baseline score in Reading and Math.
Once students receive their scores in November, they can do targeted practice over the next twelve months to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in their junior year.
The school takes care of the registration and fees for the PSAT-10 for sophomores and the PSAT/NMSQT for juniors.
Juniors
PSAT-NMSQT NATIONAL MERIT QUALIFYING TEST
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 8:00 AM – 12 PM
WHERE: GREAT HEARTS UPPER SCHOOL
Great Hearts takes care of the registrations and fees for this test.
Seniors
The College Counselors are available to help seniors with their college applications. Seniors can come to the College and Career Center during Lyceum, or they can make an appointment using the sign-up slips on the clipboards outside the College and Career Center. Appointments are available throughout the school day, during carline and on early release Fridays. Deadlines are quickly approaching, so please reach out if you need help!
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS
Contact College Counseling
Please feel welcome to reach out to our GHI College Counselors:
Mrs. Cheryl Mayne, at cheryl.mayne@greatheartstxschools.org
Mrs. Stacey Gamez, at stacey.gamez@greatheartstxschools.org
A College Planning Tool for GHI Families
Naviance is our state-of-the-art college counseling portal that allows students to search for colleges, keep a college list, sign up for college information sessions, build a resume, research careers, study for the SAT and ACT, and much more. All high school students have an account on Naviance. Please contact Mrs. Cheryl Mayne for assistance with your username or password.
College Resources
Helpful links for SAT/ACT registration, interesting articles, etc.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Useful resources for determining financial aid options and scholarship opportunities.
Helpful Links
RepVisits | Naviance Login | Juniors | Seniors | College Bound Tips
College Resources | Financial Aid & Scholarships | Summer Programs