About
Vida Pascual
Freshman Seminar Teacher
My name is Vida Pascual and I am a 2nd year Special Education teacher at a college prep charter school, YES Prep West. I consider myself privileged to be able to work with some of the most dedicated, hard-working, ambitious students everyday. As a teacher, I believe that beyond providing my students with a quality education, I am also responsible for empowering them to become global citizens who contribute to their community. Here is some information about our school population to give you a better idea of my work: 90% of our students are first-generation college bound 80% of our students are economically disadvantaged 95% of our students are Hispanic or African American
Kevin Hritz
8th Grade Math Instructor
//YES Prep Gulfton //Houston, TX //8th Grade Math Instructor //High School Varsity Rap Coach //YES Prep Gulfton: FEEL the FORCE Concert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCXfuz5mmxU //TEDxYouth: Superhero Rap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxk1SZwSOUo
Jennifer Connatser
Student Support Counselor
Student Support Counselor YES Prep Gulfton
Laura Villafranca
Director of College Counseling
After working for 11 years at a highly selective university, I decided to jump to the other side of the desk and help students get into a variety of colleges. As a first-generation college student myself, I know the struggles that my students and their families face daily in their pursuit of higher education. My job is to help them navigate the college application process and financial aid systems so that they can be as successful as possible in getting to, and through, college.
Arlene Ford
Athletic Director
My name is Arlene F. Ford and I am the Athletic Director at YES Prep Gulfton in Houston, Texas. At YES Prep, we are redefining possible by creating life-changing opportunities for students from low-income communities. We provide our kids with a high-quality, college-preparatory education that prepares them to compete in the global marketplace and give back to their communities. Through enrichment opportunities and extracurricular activities, we educate the entire child, teaching more than just the textbook. Whether inside or outside the classroom, we push each other to be great and give 100% every day
Benito Aranda-Comer
8th grade English Language Arts
I am beginning my first year teaching 8th grade English Language Arts at YES Prep Gulfton, a community in Houston not far from where I grew up. I am determined to instill a love of reading, develop critical thinking, and help my young scholars actualize their dreams. Gulfton is a special place in Houston, reflecting its incredibly diverse and densely populated community. The students that attend YES Prep Gulfton are highly motivated and are all aiming to graduate college, not just high school. I want to help my students learn in every capacity as an educator and I cannot do this without some amount of financial assistance to provide the materials that are necessary for student excellence.
