School Counselor Of The Year
Congratulations to our 2022 SCOY!
Emily is a school counselor in Knoxville, TN. She works closely with her STEAM lab teacher to create and co-teach engaging and exciting lessons, such as Camp Engineering Feelings, to her students.
Emily is married to Eric, has two children Ellis and Everlee, and an adorable therapy dog in training, Eeyore.
She attended Maryville College for her undergraduate degree. Their motto is "do good on the largest possible scale" and she loves that being a school counselor allows her the opportunity to do this.
In the midst of our community tragedy she has been an advocate for herself and the need for school counselors in her district. She has helped facilitate a conversation around community violence which was focused on "how are we going to support our kids now?" and "how are we going to prevent further tragedy?" This advocacy is helping lead to systemic change in Knox Co. For example, she has worked alongside a few other district counselors to create a violence prevention program title "See Something, Say Something" for the district that is now being implemented as a preventative practice in every elementary school in Knox County.
Congratulations to our 2021 SCOY!
Allyson is the school counselor at Sycamore Elementary School in Cookeville, TN. She been at Sycamore for 10 years! Sycamore's school counseling program received RAMP recognition in February 2021 for having an ASCA model program. She is passionate about teaching students life skills that will help them have a more successful life. When she is not working, she is trying to keep up with my two awesome and wild little boys. Allyson has been married 14 years to her best friend, Nathan. They love to travel and eat yummy food. Around school, she is known as the "ice cream lady" for her love of ice cream. She loves working with students, collaborating with others to help students succeed, and advocating for this wonderful career.
When she heard about her award, Allyson said "The state of Tennessee is full of amazing and well-deserving counselors. I am honored and humbled to be the school counselor of the year."
Congratulations!
Administrator of the Year and TSCA Advocacy Award 2021
Matt Adler is the principal of Lakeland Preparatory School in Lakeland, TN. He opened the school in 2017 with grades 5-8 and is currently preparing to add grades 9-12 beginning with ninth grade in the fall of 2022. He has served as an educator for 21 years and as an administrator for the last 7 years. Matt believes school counselors are at the core of a healthy school culture. The support school counselors provide all stakeholders is priceless. From academic support to supporting the social and emotional well being of students, school counselors play a vital role in a healthy school climate which makes them invaluable.
Matt is passionate about education and wants the best for every child that walks through the doors of Lakeland Preparatory. Matt has an 11 year old son and has been married to his wife for 16 years. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
When Mr. Adler was notified of the award he stated “I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award and look forward to many more years in education supporting the work of school counselors.”
Conference Scholarship Winners
Jennifer Ervin, M.Ed., won our scholarship to this years SCALI conference. She is a school counselor at Whitthrone Middle School.
Emily Wiersema, won of one of our TSCA Scholarships to our virtual conference. She is an elementary school counselor in Hamilton County Schools and we are thrilled she could join us online to learn from leaders around the country,