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
Julie Gooden, M.Ed.
College Consultant Associate
Julie Gooden, M.Ed, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as College Consultant Associate with Access College America. With an impressive 29-year career in public education, Julie's journey has evolved from the elementary school classroom to various impactful roles, including Lead Counselor, AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also spent many years working in the admissions office of Austin Community College and an Academic Counselor.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development, as well as a Master’s in Education with a focus on Psychology/School Counseling, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin, where she proudly holds a Life Membership with the Texas-Exes. Her certifications span Elementary School Teaching, School Counseling, and Principal/Administration.
Beyond her local contributions, Julie served as a College Board endorsed Consultant, traveling the United States to deliver insightful presentations on "How to Build Your AP Program" and "How to Organize Your AP Exam Administration." As a founding member of the NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) Counselors for Computing (C4C) program, she provides professional development to fellow counselors, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in STEM, Computer Science, and other Technical Career Paths.
Julie's advocacy extends to her role as a member of the Texas Computer Science Task Force, occasionally presenting for The University of Texas STEM WeTeach-Computer Science program. She passionately educates educators, parents, and students on the significance and demand for Technology Careers, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.
Guiding students and families through the college application process, Julie has witnessed their success with admissions to esteemed institutions worldwide, including Princeton, Harvard, Colorado School of Mines, UCLA, Rice University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University. Her own son is a proud graduate of Rice University.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Julie finds joy in her beautifully blended family of 6 adult children and their significant others. Family gatherings are loud and so much fun! She cherishes moments with her grandson, River, and grandbaby girl Madison, with a new grandson expected in August of this year. Julie and her husband, Allen, embrace the empty nest, accompanied by their beloved dogs, Butter Bean and Riggs. Their shared interests include traveling, bike riding, and watching Dateline. Julie's personal hobbies include reading, Legos, puzzles of all kinds, and practicing reformer Pilates.
Julie actively engages in community service as a member of the Buda chapter of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), a nationwide women’s organization dedicated to supporting women and girls through scholarships and grants. Additionally, she has been involved in the San Marcos local chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
In her role as a College Consultant Associate, Julie possesses a unique gift for working with individual scholars, helping them discover their passion and forge a path toward a productive and independent future within the community.