CIS Site Coordinator
Mariah Lopez holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is currently under supervision as she works toward obtaining her clinical licensure. She has been a dedicated team member with Communities In Schools (CIS) and Clemens for over three and a half years, providing compassionate support and services to students and families. Ms. Lopez is passionate about empowering individuals, promoting resilience, and fostering positive community connections.
Communities in Schools
Mariah Lopez, LMSW
Cassandra Jackson, LPCA
CIS Site Coordinator
Cassandra Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate who has been with Communities In Schools and Clemens High School since 2022.
Ms. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Passionate about mental health, Ms. Jackson is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting open conversations around mental health. She believes in the power of a support system and its crucial role in students’ success. Ms. Jackson's approach focuses on fostering resilience, emotional well-being and healthy coping strategies for students to thrive both academically and personally.
Outside of her professional work, Ms. Jackson enjoys spending quality time with her family and finds joy in music.
Communities In Schools (CIS) started at Samuel Clemens High School during the 2024–25 school year and is available to help teachers and students. The CIS office in the upstairs D wing suite, room D202.
The goal of CIS is to work with the students to decrease the barriers they face so they can focus on class work and be able to learn each day.
So what does that mean? Some of the things that CIS focuses on:
Counseling services and emotional support
Tutoring and Homework assistance
Career awareness and college prep
Dropout prevention
A place to feel support, receive assistance, and work on life’s dreams
School supplies, clothing needs, and other referrals as needed
How does this work at Clemens High School?
Students are referred by teachers, counselors, administration, bus drivers, friends, parents, self-referrals… anyone who things that CIS can help that student so they can become successful and achieve goals.
You can send the student to the D Wing
Students will be given a consent form that must be signed by the parent/guardian for on-going service needs (if a student is 18, they can sign own consent).
Students are allowed to come to the CIS office, when needed, as long as they have permission from their teacher.
Phone calls and emails will also be a great way to keep the communication open between CIS, students and teachers.
CIS will not be a hang out; however, it will be a safe place for student to address needs (both academically and emotionally).