NCWIT, National Center for Women & Information Technology
TSTA, Texas State Teachers Association
TCA, Texas Counseling Association
PEO, Philanthropic Education Organization (a nationwide women’s organization dedicated to supporting women and girls through scholarships and grants)
PFLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
2025 Employee of
the Third Quarter
Julie Gooden, M.Ed.
College Consultant Director
Julie Gooden, M.Ed., brings three decades of experience in public education and college advising to her role as College Consultant Director with Access College America. She specializes in guiding students and families through highly selective admissions processes, with deep expertise in academic planning, AP strategy, and college readiness.
Education
-
Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development – The University of Texas at Austin
-
Master of Education in Psychology and School Counseling – The University of Texas at Austin
Professional Certifications
-
Texas Educator Certificate, School Counselor
State Board for Educator Certification -
School Principal Certificate
Texas Education Agency
Professional Experience & Impact
Over her 29-year career, Julie has served in a wide range of leadership roles including Lead Counselor, AP Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also brings valuable admissions-side perspective from her time as an Academic Counselor at Austin Community College.
Julie has supported students across a wide range of academic pathways, from those exploring interests to those pursuing highly selective universities. Her students have earned admission to top institutions including Princeton, Harvard, UCLA, Rice University, Colorado School of Mines, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.
She is especially skilled in helping students maximize academic rigor through AP and advanced coursework while aligning their academic and extracurricular profiles with long-term college and career goals.
Leadership, Memberships & Professional Engagement
-
Member, Texas Counseling Association (TCA)
-
Presenter, WeTeach_CS Summit (multiple sessions)
-
Former College Board Presenter at AP Conferences and National Trainings
-
Presenter, Austin Counselor Institute (serving counselors across Texas)
-
Founding Member, NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C)
-
Contributor, Texas Computer Science Task Force
Professional Engagement (Student-Facing)
-
Presenter at Austin-area high schools on Common Application main essay strategy, including Westlake, LASA, and Westwood High School
-
Additional professional affiliations available on the Access College America bio page
Julie is widely recognized for her work in expanding access to STEM and computer science pathways, equipping students and educators with the tools to pursue high-demand, future-focused careers.
Recognition
-
2025 Third Quarter Employee Award
Personal
A proud Longhorn and Life Member of the Texas Exes, Julie values both family and community deeply. She enjoys time with her large blended family, including her grandchildren, and embraces travel, bike riding, and quiet hobbies like reading, puzzles, Legos, and reformer Pilates. She and her husband, Allen, enjoy life alongside their dogs, Butter Bean and Riggs.
Julie is also active in community service through organizations such as PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) and PFLAG, supporting initiatives that expand opportunity and inclusion.
“Julie motivated my son to complete the tasks the colleges required and I didn't have to harp on him!"
Susan H. (parent)