I am starting my second year as a Van Alstyne Panther and I am excited about the 2021-2022 school year.  The past two years have been different and I feel blessed that we will hopefully have a normal year so I can get to know students better.  Kids are my passion and my heart lies in helping every child achieve success in all aspects of life. The 2021-2022 school year will mark my 29th year in education. This will be my 25th year as a school counselor. I completed my bachelor’s degree at The University of North Texas and my master’s degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I have

I have one grown son and 4 fur babies. When I am not at work, you might find me reading a book, walking the pups, or working out in the yard.

I look forward to working with each student and family.  My door is always open so please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help with. 

This is my third year at VAHS and I am very proud to be a Panther! I am extremely passionate about high school students and helping them achieve their goals, whether they are academic, social, or emotional. I moved out of the classroom in the 201-2020 school year, but when I was teaching I was a physics and astronomy teacher for McKinney ISD. I am originally from the Houston area, but have had the opportunity to live and work all over the southern United States. I completed my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University - College Station and my master's degree at Angelo State University. Outside of school, my passion is for animals and agriculture. Any free time I have is spent raising and training dogs for service work and on the farm with my Quarter Horses. I look forward to supporting students and parents this year, and I know every year I will learn as much from y'all as you learn from me!

Candace Purdom, M.Ed.

(903) 482-8816
cpurdom@vanalstyneisd.org