Meet the Counseling Staff
BRANDI JUST- COUNSELOR A-de
Brandi Just is currently in her sixth year as a school counselor at Heritage High School and brings 20 years of experience in education. She began her career at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, where she served for four years as a teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach.
In 2010, Brandi transitioned into school counseling at Life High School in Waxahachie, where she served students and families for 10 years. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about supporting students in their academic, college, and career journeys.
Brandi earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mid-America Christian University and her Master of Education in School Counseling from Southwestern Assembly of God University.
She is married to her husband, Jeff, and together they have three children. Outside of work, Brandi enjoys watching her children play sports, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
(469)856-5413
CAMILLE BRENING - COUNSELOR di-hp
I'm Camille Brening, and I've spent the last 8 years in counseling, building meaningful connections and supporting individuals in their journeys. Before that, I enjoyed 15 wonderful years in education, where I developed a passion for guiding students toward their potential. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and my Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University.
I'm married to my incredibly supportive husband, Michael, and together we're raising our three amazing kids. Our eldest daughter graduated from Heritage High School in 2019, while our two younger daughters are currently thriving there, and our son is making his mark at WGMS.
Outside of work and family life, I enjoy practicing and teaching yoga, exploring nature through hiking, nurturing my garden, and traveling to new places. I believe in the power of balance and mindfulness, both in life and in my professional practice.
(469)856-5501
dr. demetria burleson - counselor hu-ms
I’m Dr. Demetria Burleson, and I am honored to serve as one of the school counselors at Heritage High School. I bring more than 15 years of experience in education and counseling, having worked across public school, university, and private practice settings. Before joining Heritage, I served as a Counselor Specialist and Outreach Coordinator at The University of Texas at Arlington, where I provided clinical services, coordinated outreach programs, and supported student well-being through prevention, education and mental health initiatives. I taught general music and choir for 10 years before becoming a counselor.
In addition to counseling, I teach clinical mental health and school counseling courses, helping prepare the next generation of counselors to serve with compassion, cultural awareness, and professional excellence. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Langston University, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University.
Outside of work, I enjoy listening to live music, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. My greatest joy is making meaningful connections with students and families, while guiding them toward opportunities that lead to growth, wellness, and lifelong success!
(469)856-5414
demetria.burleson@midlothianisd.org
STACIE BAILEY- LEAD COUNSELOR mt-sc
My name is Stacie Bailey and this is my fourth year as a counselor at Heritage High School. I have been in education for 21 years. I was a teacher in Duncanville ISD and have been a school counselor in Mesquite and Desoto ISD. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in interdisciplinary Studies degree from Texas A&M Commerce and my Master’s of School Counseling degree from Dallas Baptist University.
I am married to Michael Bailey and we have three children. Brittany Bailey who graduated from Midlothian High School in 2015, Jasmine Bailey who graduated from Midlothian Heritage in 2019, and Brenden Bailey who is currently a senior at Midlothian Heritage. In my free time I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family!!
(469)856-5414
LORI HUFF-COUNSELOR se-z
Mrs. Huff is excited to continue her 3rd year as Counselor at Heritage High School, 14th year as School Counselor, and 25th year in Midlothian ISD. She graduated from Tarleton State University with her bachelor's in education and from Dallas Baptist University with her masters in School Counseling. She and her husband are empty nesters for the first time this year while commuting to Heritage from their forever lakehouse on Lake Richland Chambers in Streetman, TX. Both of their children are Heritage Graduates, Triston in 2020, and Kora in 2023. Triston works in HVAC as a General Manager and lives with his wife, Andrea, and their daughter, Kouver, in Stephenville, TX; they are expecting a new addition to their family this February, a son, Dalton. Mrs. Huff loves being a Grammy! Kora transferred from Colorado Christian to Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX this year, continuing to play basketball as a Lion during her Junior year studying psychology. Mrs. Huff is passionate about supporting her Heritage Jaguars to have a positive and successful high school experience and help them find their passion and purpose to pursue beyond high school as well!
(469)856-5412anette hernandez- COLLEGE AND CAREER LIAISON
My name is Anette Hernandez, and I’m excited to join the team this year as the College and Career Liaison. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington and bring seven years of experience in early childhood education.
I enjoy having meaningful conversations with students about their future plans and supporting them as they create clear, achievable steps toward their goals. I believe everyone has a path — my role is to help each student find the one that fits them best.
My husband and I have four amazing children: our oldest is continuing his education at Texas Christian University, our next is a senior at Heritage, another attends Walnut Grove, and our youngest is finishing elementary school.
(469)856-5417
Teddie Nichols-Counseling Secretery
My name is Teddie Nichols and this is my second year at Heritage High School. I absolutely love being part of the counseling department! I enjoy connecting with students, supporting our amazing team, and helping create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. I’m the proud mom of three daughters—two grown and one who’s a high school junior. In my free time, I love traveling with friends, discovering new places, and spending time outdoors on easy, relaxing hikes.
(469)856-5416
teddie.nichols@midlothianisd.org