Marika Long was born and raised in Ocala, FL. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida A&M University, a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis on Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Webster University and a Specialist of Education degree in Administration and Supervision/Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Ms. Long started her journey as an educator in 2008, teaching English in Ocala, Florida. In 2014, she left the classroom to become a School Counselor. “Being a School Counselor, has afforded me the opportunity to be able to communicate more and gain a better understanding of the daily struggles many students are facing. I have a heart for people and I am excited to join Couch Middle School’s team!”

This is Denise Hawkins’ 17th year as a Professional School Counselor, 16 of which were served in Gwinnett County Public Schools at Grayson High School. Mrs. Hawkins is a native of California.

Mrs. Hawkins earned her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law from Chapman University, Master’s degree in Counseling and Student Services from California State University, Long Beach and a Specialist in School Counseling from Argosy University.

Ms. Hawkins enjoys designing creative ways to meet the academic, social/emotional and career develpoment needs of students, as well as empowering parents through monthly Parent Chats. One of her greatest accomplishments is raising her three children; Zariah who is a recent graduate of Howard University and her twins (Ezekiel and Zachary) who are Juniors in the Health Science progam at Howard Univeristy.

Mrs. Hawkins believes that the key to success whether it be with students, teachers or administrators is connection and relationship. Building meaningful relationships is one of the easiest things to do and goes a long way in the field of education. Mrs. Hawkins enjoys connecting with parents and students as she provides support and guidance in their journey through high school. Away from her job as a Professional School Counselor, Mrs. Hawkins is working to earn her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Georgia. Mrs. Hawkins prides herself on carving out time for self- care. One of her favortie self-care activities is Hot Yoga.

Dr. Azor was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  She relocated to Miami at the age of 17 with her three sisters where she graduated high school.  She graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh; then later a Masters degree in School Guidance and Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. In 2018, she earned her Doctorate in Psychology.  Dr. Azor has worked with children ages 3 to 19 for over 20 years, and has been in public education for over 18 years.  Dr. Azor and her husband have one son (17) and one daughter (14).

"I love working with our youth; moreover, I enjoy watching the metamorphosis from youth to adulthood.  I have merged my Haitian culture upbringing, my American assimilation, and my travels into serving all students regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, and disability.  My goal is for every student to know that they always have a choice, that they can learn something in every situation (even the bad ones), and my expectations for them are as high as they are for my own children."