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    Meet Our School Counselors

    • Tenesha Caldwell is Benefield's school counselor for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade. You can contact her by phone at (770) 338-4768 or clicking on her name. 

      Mrs. Caldwell grew up in North Carolina and attended NC A & T State University (Aggie Pride!). Upon graduation she moved to the Atlanta area and has been here since. As a teacher, she observed the various barriers many students face that hinder their learning and decided to pursue a Masters & Specialists degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University. She has 20 years of experience in elementary and middle school settings. 

      As the counselor for third, fourth, and fifth grades, she looks forward to connecting with and supporting all Titans- students, parents, and teachers.

      Outside of school, she enjoys baking, cooking, reading a good book, watching her favorite player (son) on the football field or baseball diamond, and spending time with family and friends.

       Office (770) 338-4768

      Email-tenesha.caldwell@gcpsk12.org

      Click to schedule an appointment 

       

      • Mrs. Julia Muhammad is Benefield's school counselor for Grades: Pre K, Kindergarten, First, and Second. You can contact her at 770-682-4181 or by clicking her name.  

        She was born in the great state of Florida where most of her family’s roots reside. She attended Florida State University and graduated with a (B.S.) degree in Communications and Walden University where she received her master’s degree in School Counseling.  She has a total of over 17 years of experience in the field of education, wherein 5 of those years she’s been a school counselor.  

        This is Ms. Muhammad’s second year as a school counselor with the Benefield family and she will be partnering with Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. She is truly excited and looking forward to seeing all of her returning students as well as the new students who will be joining the Benefield Titan family.  Ms. Muhammad is also looking forward to connecting, supporting, and working with all our teachers, parents and community stakeholders in helping to create positive and enjoyable experiences for our students.  

        In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, mediating, doing yoga, spending time in nature, researching and learning new things and spending time with friends.  

        • Carsen Harris is Benefield's school counselor for 2nd and 3rd grade. You can contact her by phone at 678-518-6980 or by clicking on her name. 

          Ms. Harris attended Gwinnett County Public Schools throughout K-12 and is grateful to be part of this this supportive community. After attending Georgia College for two years, Ms. Harris transferred to and graduated from University of Georgia. She has a master's in school counseling from Capella University and has spent time in the elementary and middle school levels. 

          As the newest addition to Benefield’s counseling department, Ms. Harris is committed to working as a team in order to best support our students, families, and teachers. Her door will always be open, and she will work passionately to provide a safe and tolerant environment for our Titans.

          In her free time, she enjoys live music, being outside, and spending time with friends and family. She lives in Atlanta and loves exploring the city’s restaurants, parks, and music.  

        • Our Program

          A comprehensive counseling program includes a variety of elements. Classroom guidance lessons designed to build personal competence, small group counseling designed to address individual needs, individual counseling to provide just-in-time support, and crisis intervention services are all important parts of a comprehensive counseling program.

          The Benefield School Counseling program closely aligns with the American School Counselor Association's model. We partner with teachers, administrators, parents, and community members to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. Our goal is to help remove barriers to learning in the most efficient, timely manner possible.

          The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) helps support school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, social/emotional, and career  development so they achieve success in school and lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Benefield Elementary was awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) in 2019 for the delivery of a comprehensive and data-drive counseling program.

          Roles of the School Counselor


          As school counselors, we perform the following roles in order to promote positive development in academic, career, and life-skills domains:

          • Individual counseling
          • Small group counseling
          • Classroom guidance (large group counseling)
          • Attend and participate in Student Support Team Meetings
          • Consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, and students
          • Provide information and resources to parents on a variety of issues
          • Respond to school crises or emergency situations

        • Consultation

          Counselors consult and collaborate with a number of individuals including teachers, other counselors, school social workers, DFACS, parents, and administrators in an effort to support our students and remove any barriers to learning.

          Individual Counseling

          Counselors can see students for an individual session at the request of a teacher, parent, or student. Counselors may also make referrals to outside agencies when requested by a parent or when they feel it is necessary.

          Small Group Counseling

          Students are referred by teachers or parents to participate in small group counseling. Permission slips must be on file. Group topics focus on academic study skills, as well as personal/social skills that may affect students learning.