Ms. Smith is a native of Mobile, Alabama; she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Tennessee State University and worked in the profession for six years.  While living in Frederick, Maryland, she worked as a Teacher/Tutor for a dropout prevention program, Maryland's Tomorrow.  Her interaction with the students inspired her to pursue and obtain her Master of Science in School Counseling from Western Maryland College.  Ms. Smith has eight years of experience as an Elementary Counselor and twenty years of experience as a Middle School Counselor.  She has two sons, Quintin and Randall, who enjoy museums, theater, concerts, traveling, and reading.
 
A School Counselor's Role
 
School counselors are certified licensed educators with a minimum of a master's degree in school counseling, making them uniquely qualified to address all students' academic, personal/social, and career development needs.  Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement through classroom counseling lessons, small groups, and individual counseling sessions.   The school counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, and parents to enhance students' lives by assisting in the development of positive attitudes towards school, learning and practicing problem-solving, positive decision-making, and applying coping skills.   
Students can be referred by a teacher, administrator, parent, or self-referral.  
 
Would you mind not hesitating to contact me regarding concerns you may have relating to your child?  Our mascot at NMAPA is the eagle; we all know that eagles SOAR:   Shine, Overcome, Achieve and Rise!   I look forward to meeting you.