Each year, National School Counseling Week takes place during the first full week of February “to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems.”
As February comes to an end, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) recently spotlighted school counselors across the state.
“School counselors have been thriving all year long in their work statewide,” a DPI email said. “As we end the month of February in which National School Counseling Week is celebrated we are showcasing some school counselors and district leaders who are making a thriving impact!”
Here’s a look at the counselors and leaders highlighted by DPI.
Sara Foster
Sara Foster, Craven County Schools
Ms. Foster works to help our student thrive by taking innovative steps to help them gain early awareness of self and positive personal affirmations.
DPI email release
Kenya Rocker, Corey Daniels, Patti Durham, and Felicia Tubbs from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
District School Counselor Leadership provides support to all school levels by using district and school data to determine and develop the school site visits calendar, facilitate professional development, and build partnerships.
The WSFCS School Counselor Leaders will be presenting at the 2025 American School Counseling Conference in July. This team facilitated Restorative Peer Mediation professional development. Corey Daniels, Mount Tabor High School Counselor, works diligently with the District Middle and High School Counselor Leaders and school-based School Counselors to support the use and navigation of the Naviance Platform.
The District Lead High School Counselor had a successful college fair, Superintendent Advisory Council meetings, and Board of Education Forums; the District Lead Middle School Counselor had a successful Board of Education Forum; the District Lead Elementary School Counselor had successful virtual field trips in the Drones and Nursing Fundamentals Career Center classes for the fifth-graders to encourage durable skills.
The WSFCS District School Counselor Leaders organize and promote mentor/mentee and provide wellness sessions at monthly meeting. This year, school counselors at the January board of education for all of their hard work.
DPI email release
Jennifer Wescott, Sarah Edge, Morgan Gray from Tyrell County Schools
This school year, our school counseling team is thriving by making a significant positive impact on student well-being.
We’ve successfully implemented DREAM Services for in school therapy, SEL instruction in classes that have improved mental health outcomes, and increased student engagement. Our team has been trained on Behavior De-escalation practices and conduct FBAs to assess needs to Behavior Interventions.
Additionally, our Counselors are assisting with Social Worker duties due to staff shortages. Our team works with JCPC as well. We are also actively collaborating with teachers, parents, and community partners to create a supportive and holistic learning environment for all students.
DPI email release
Alease Young, Johnston County Schools
Alease Young recently implemented and facilitates a Drive Through Food Pantry for her school community at Wilson’s Mills Elementary. Families in need receive prepackaged food from the school quickly and easily in a drive through format.
Ms. Young is helping her students and families thrive by meeting their most basic needs.
DPI email release
Hanna Smith Sessoms, Richmond County Schools
Mrs. Sessoms and her School Social Worker colleague, Caitlyn Martin, publish a monthly newsletter (Support Hub) for LJ Bell Elementary School families.
They highlight practical ways for families to support their child’s physical and social emotional growth and development as well as an open invitation to reach out anytime!
DPI email release
Amber Moulton, Catawba County Schools
Mrs. Moulton, the current Counselor of the Year for Catawba County Schools, exemplifies true dedication as a high school counselor.
She goes above and beyond to cultivate meaningful and trusting relationships with her students, providing unwavering support and care that profoundly impact their lives. Her calm and reassuring presence creates a safe haven where students feel valued and empowered.
DPI email release
Amber Moulton, Counselor of the Year for Catawba County Schools. Courtesy of DPI
Johnston County Schools
A collaborative team from South Johnston High School including school counselors, student advocate, district staff, school social worker and career & technical education staff members hosted a FAFSA completion event at the school.
The team helped students and families start and/or complete their FAFSA at the event. The SJHS team is helping students thrive by encouraging them to take the steps necessary to meet post-secondary goals.
DPI email release
District Leadership Team and School Counselors at Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools District Leadership Team and School Counselors. Courtesy of DPI
GCS Counselors are focusing on building a comprehensive school counseling program to support every domain for students to reach their full potential.
They have facilitated webinars to educate their stakeholders on the role of schools, host events like their annual HBCU fair to support postsecondary success with partners like CFNC and ShiftED and speak to students at Superintendent Student Advisory Council meetings.
