Gwinnett celebrates outstanding School Counselors

     As part of National School Counseling Week, celebrated February 3-7, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) honored its top counselors during the 2025 GCPS Counselor of the Year awards program. The winners are:

 

2025 Gwinnett County Elementary School Counselor of the Year:

April West of Stripling Elementary School

     April West’s passion for school counseling is driven by her commitment to student success and data-driven advocacy. As a leader in her field, she has made a profound impact through innovative initiatives, strategic partnerships, and systemic advocacy—earning the title of Elementary School Counselor of the Year.

     “April's commitment to the well-being and success of our students is truly unparalleled,” Stripling Elementary School Principal Dr. Molly McAuliffe shares. “She has a unique ability to connect with each child, offering them the support and guidance they need to thrive both academically and socially. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication have created a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and understood.”

     West’s passion for supporting students is reflected in her holistic approach to school counseling. She believes in using data to identify challenges and create meaningful solutions that support students and families. By fostering strong community partnerships, she has helped connect families with essential resources, ensuring students have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

     West also recognizes the importance of engaging students in ways that encourage their growth and success. Through creative programs that make learning and attendance more interactive, she has helped students feel motivated and supported. By working closely with teachers and families, she addresses barriers that may impact student success, which helps to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

     “April's work has not only transformed the lives of countless Stripling students and families but has also strengthened the bonds within our entire cluster community,” Dr. McAuliffe shares. “We celebrate April West not just for her remarkable achievements but for the lasting impact she has made on all of us.”

 

2025 Gwinnett County Middle School Counselor of the Year:

Shayla Thompson of Crews Middle School

    Shayla Thompson’s dedication and passion for student success fuels her mission as a counselor. She bases her work on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors, ensuring her teaching strategies follow best practices and are backed by data. As the GCPS Middle School Counseling Level Chair, she has led efforts to develop pre- and post-tests for all district-required counseling lessons. This data collection method allows counselors to assess the effectiveness of their programs and highlight the critical role counselors play in student development.

     “Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and her influence is evident in every aspect of our school life,” shares Cindy Moffet, Crews Middle School Principal. “When you cross her path, she is hyper-focused on supporting students by conducting individual and small group counseling; leading classroom lessons and instructional walk-throughs, and facilitating professional development and meetings for stakeholders to increase their awareness and positive impact on students.”      

     Beyond data-driven instruction, Thompson is an advocate for the school counseling profession. She collaborates with parents, teachers, and administrators to clarify the impact of counselors on student success. As a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coach, she uses attendance, academic, and behavior data to implement targeted interventions. Her leadership in addressing disproportionate discipline rates among African-American and Hispanic students has led to impactful changes, including creating a reflective In-School Suspension (ISS) survey that helps students process their decisions meaningfully, significantly reducing repeat offenses.

     “Thompson embodies the spirit of teamwork, enthusiasm, and school pride. She makes Crews Middle School a truly special place,” Moffet shares.

 

2024 Gwinnett County High School Counselor of the Year:

Torrye Isom of Brookwood High School

     Torrye Isom’s drive to empower students and advocate for their success makes her an outstanding high school counselor. Her commitment to creating a supportive learning environment is evident in her close collaboration with families, teachers, and administrators. By leveraging key student data points, Isom identifies and addresses the unique needs of diverse student populations, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential.

     “Torrye’s passion for and knowledge of school counseling are remarkable and make her a leader in our school and our community,” Brookwood High School Principal Dr. Brett Savage shares. “She possesses the strong foundational belief that every child deserves a shot and with the right support, every child can experience success. And she has the creativity and strategic skills to figure out what those supports should look like for each kid.”

     Isom’s passion for mentoring new counselors and shaping professional development opportunities further underscores her dedication to the profession. Through various leadership roles, Isom has provided invaluable guidance and support to her colleagues. Her resolve to ensuring the success of all students, regardless of their background, is evident in her efforts to provide personalized support and foster strong home-school connections. By collaborating with school staff, parents, and community agencies, Isom has created a comprehensive support system that addresses her students’ academic and mental health needs.

     “Our Counselor of the Year is a true advocate for every student; she works tirelessly to ensure that each one receives the support they need to succeed. We are so lucky to work beside Torrye every day. It is an honor to celebrate her for her hard work, passion, and the positive impact she has had on our students, our school, and our community,” Dr. Savage adds.

 

2025 Gwinnett County Mary Joe Hannaford Counselor Administrator of the Year:

Dr. Jonathon Wetherington of Paul Duke STEM High School

     Dr. Jonathon Wetherington has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to enhancing Paul Duke STEM’s school counseling program. His dedication to improving student support services has transformed the program into a highly effective, student-centered initiative.

     One of Dr. Wetherington’s most impactful contributions has been aligning the student-to-counselor ratio with the ASCA model standards, ensuring that students receive individualized support. He has also prioritized professional growth by allowing counselors off-campus time for strategic planning, fostering collaboration and innovation. By actively involving counselors in hiring and leadership committees, he amplifies their voices in shaping the school’s future.

      Dr. Wetherington’s initiatives to expand and promote counseling services have had a lasting impact. His efforts to align the counselor calendar with the school year, launch “Coffee with a Counselor” sessions, and address student needs—such as providing hygiene products—reflect his deep commitment to student well-being. Additionally, he has secured funding for a de-escalation room, added a College and Career Counselor, and increased dual enrollment opportunities.

     Dr. Wetherington’s visionary leadership has strengthened the counseling program, making it a vital resource for students and staff.

 

2024 Gwinnett County Counselor Writer of the Year

Sara Penland & Dr. Natalie Pugh of Gwin Oaks Elementary School

     Sara Penland and Dr. Natalie Pugh have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation as school counselors. Their commitment to advocacy is evident in their proactive approach to the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) application process. By engaging in this rigorous process, they took a proactive step to highlight and clarify the vital roles school counselors play. They engaged in meaningful conversations with administrators, ensuring everyone understood the importance of their work and the resources needed to succeed. This open communication fostered a collaborative environment, leading to regular meetings that helped align expectations and clarify misconceptions about their roles.

     Penland’s and Dr. Pugh’s efforts didn’t stop there. They used the RAMP process as a tool to educate and advocate, creating opportunities to discuss their program in greater detail. This not only empowered them but also opened doors for further advocacy within their community. The recognition of becoming a RAMP school celebrates their hard work and gives them a chance to continue advocating for their profession.

     Penland’s and Dr. Pugh’s combined devotion to this cause makes them deserving of the Counselor Writer of the Year award.