Counseling

Connect with Liza Knight Mendonca
Counselor (6th-8th A-L)

Mrs. Liza Knight Mendonça hails from Houston, Texas. A firm believer in education, she is the first person in her family to have graduated from college. She attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, and earned her Master of Arts in Education from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She started her teaching career in Houston Independent School District, teaching 9^th and 10^th grade English, Pre AP English, and English as a Second Language at Austin High School. She also sponsored UIL Journalism and Ready Writing, helping guide several students to district and regional awards. Through her efforts, many students had the opportunity to compete at the state competition. Later she moved to Fort Bend ISD, teaching English II and English II Pre-AP at Travis High School and Willowridge High School.  During this time, she earned her Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of St. Thomas and pursued additional counseling courses at Houston Baptist University towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas.  When she’s not at work, she enjoys reading, coloring, watching soccer and basketball, attending food events, and sharing her culinary experiences with the community. After having spent her first year at SMSD at Stafford Elementary, Mrs. Mendonça is excited to be part of the middle school team.  She looks forward to helping each student become their best self.