Mrs. Meskheniten serves as Good Counsel’s Director of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, a role that places her at the center of shaping school culture, community, and student experience. With a background in education, equity-focused work, and leadership across multiple school systems, she brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to her work at Good Counsel. In this conversation, Mrs. Meskheniten shares her journey, her values, and what she hopes students take with them this year.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to Good Counsel? 
A: After college, I joined Teach for America and taught third grade in Houston. From there, I worked in charter schools and education organizations in Washington, D.C., eventually focusing on equity and inclusion work. After some time outside of education, I realized I wanted to return to schools. When I saw the opportunity at Good Counsel, it felt like the right place to continue that work.

Q: What core values guide your leadership?
A: Two values that really guide me are representation and solidarity. It’s important that the many cultures within the Good Counsel community are reflected in how we teach, learn, and connect. Equity work only moves forward when people feel united around a shared purpose.

Q: How do you define student success beyond grades?
A: Success means students feel supported and empowered to define what success looks like for themselves. Schools should help students become self-determining, grounded in strong values, and connected to a greater purpose.

Q: How do Xaverian values shape your leadership?
A: Leadership is service, which requires humility. Trust comes from communication and follow-through, and passion and zeal naturally follow when you care deeply about the work. Simplicity is also important—real change starts with where you are.

Q: How do you stay connected with students and staff?
A: Names matter to me. Remembering and using someone’s name is a simple way to show care. I also connect best through working alongside others. Building trust happens through shared effort and consistency.

Q: What do you hope students feel when they walk into Good Counsel each day?
A: I hope there’s something they’re excited about—whether it’s a class, a person, or a moment in the day that makes them happy to be here.

Q: What message would you like to share with students this year?
A: Create space to be with yourself. Life moves fast, and it’s important to pause, reflect, and stay connected to who you are.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style in three words?
A: Purposeful, fun, and resourceful.

Q: What kind of environment do you want students to feel they are a part of at Good Counsel?
A: A place where students can be who they are while also exploring who they want to become—and feel safe doing both.

Mrs. Meskheniten’s leadership centers on intention, connection, and community, offering students not just guidance, but space to grow.