School counselors wear many hats-but not all of them belong on our heads. This engaging and empowering session challenges counselors to rethink boundaries, advocate with confidence, and realign their daily work with professional purpose. Participants will explore the impact of role drift, identify “time thieves” disguised as tradition, and learn practical strategies to say yes to students and no to misalignment-without guilt. Through real-world scenarios, reflective moments, and actionable takeaways, counselors will leave with language, tools, and renewed confidence to clearly define their role, speak up in collaborative spaces, and reclaim their time. This session is equal parts of validation, strategy, and spark-designed to help counselors move from reactive and overwhelmed to empowered and proactive and back into alignment with why they chose this elite work.
Dr. Trudy J. Hill-Jones, is the 2025 TN school counselor of the year and has been school counselor since 2008, a former elementary classroom teacher and Community Engagement and Family Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers University in Human Development, a master’s degree in education/early childhood from Union University, received her school counseling certification from Freed Hardeman University and she earned her doctorate degree in educational leadership for National Louis University. She is also a certified youth mental health instructor for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and has received specialized training from the Peace and Justice Institute. Dr. Hill-Jones has served as a college adjunct instructor for Southwest TN Community College, in Memphis, TN and as an associate adjunct professor for Valencia College in Orlando Fl. She is currently a member of ASCA, United Education Association, TN Counselor Association, National Alternative Education Association and TN Alternative Education Association. She has been featured in Forbes Women, and Influential Women.
