From Heather…
As a former educator and school counselor with 28 years of counseling experience, I am passionate about the mental health of adults and adolescents and giving them hope for their future. My goal as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to practice ethically and professionally to help clients learn and use healthy coping strategies when faced with life problems and concerns. I am well-versed in several counseling methods and am compassionate toward my clients. I strive to learn effective and creative counseling techniques for our ever-changing culture and needs. One of my value statements as a professional is to "Bloom Where You Are Planted." I desire to help my clients grow and thrive despite challenges. Everyone has a life "story." When that "story" is suffering or impaired, I will use my counseling education, skills, and personal life experiences to help clients identify goals and potential solutions, pursue to improve communication and coping skills, strengthen self-compassion, and promote behavior change and productive mental health.
Special Areas of Interest
- Adolescents
- College Students
- Physical Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Adolescents with Divorced Parents
- Social and Emotional Competence (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making)
- Academic Success Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Anger Management
- Mindfulness/Growth Mindset
- Impulse Control/Managing Emotions
- Negative Self-Talk
- Self-Confidence
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Athletes
Education and Licenses
- B.S., Math Education, Mississippi State University
- M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling, Mississippi College
- Ed.S., School Counseling, Delta State University
- Licensed Professional Counselor by the Mississippi State Board of Examiners
- National Boards for Certified Counselors
- National Boards for School Counselors
Professional Organizations
- American Counseling Association
- Mississippi Counselor Association
- Mississippi School Counselor Association
- Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselor Association
Work Experience
- Math Teacher in the Public School System (1995-2001)
- Retired School Counselor, Sumner Hill Junior High School, Clinton Public Schools (2001-2023)
- Adjunct Professor, Mississippi College (2019)
Presentations
- Adolescent Leadership Lessons
- Suicide Prevention
- Parent-Student Relationships
- Understanding Generation Z
- Grief Sensitive Schools
- Emotional Competence
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- All Pro Dads Fatherhood Program
Honors and Awards
- 2022 Community Grant for Grief Sensitive Schools
- 2020 Grief Sensitive Schools Initiative Grant
- 2020 Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award
- 2019 Hometown Magazine High 5 Best School Counselor
- 2017-2018 Mississippi Counseling Association’s School Counselor of the Year
- 2016-2021 Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) status for the Sumner Hill Junior High School’s counseling department for delivering a comprehensive, data-driven program based on the American School Counseling Association National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs
Concurrent Professional Experience
- 2022-2023 Mississippi Counseling Association Secretary
- 2019-2021 Mississippi School Counseling Association President
- 2010-2020 School Counseling Supervisor, Mississippi College
Church Affiliation
- Morrison Heights Baptist Church
More About Heather
I’m Heather and am happily married to Clay and we have one daughter, Breana. I also love my two dogs, Hershey, our chocolate lab and Charlee, our basset. It’s amazing how we think they take on our personalities. We love to travel as a family. We think it is one of the best educational tools one can afford themselves. In my spare time, you can probably find me at the tennis courts, or at Mississippi State sporting events. I believe that being faithful to God and seeking His wisdom through Scripture and prayer allows me to grow from mistakes and provides me with direction and purpose in life.