| 2025 School Counselor of the YearDR. TRUDY HILL-JONESThe Tennessee School Counselor Association is pleased to announce Dr. Trudy Hill-Jones as our 2025 School Counselor of the Year! Trudy J. Hill-Jones, EdD, a school counselor since 2008 and a former classroom teacher, has a bachelor's degree in human development from Christian Brothers University, a master's degree in education with a certification in early childhood from Union University, a school counseling certification from Freed Hardeman University, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. She is also a certified youth mental health first aid instructor for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Hill-Jones, a school counselor for Memphis Shelby County Schools, lives by her personal mantra, EDUCATE. ADVOCATE. EMPOWER. INSPIRE. She considers herself to be a chief advocate for students and parents, and a disrupter of behaviors, attitudes and beliefs that stand in the way of her student's success. She is most proud of establishing influential, impactful, proactive and unconventional social emotional learning programs and activities that are student focused, data driven, engage the students and relate to the student's everyday life. Not only do her programs focus on the needs of her students, but they also provide opportunities for staff members and parents to participate in monthly wellness activities within the school and/or the community. "I love being a school counselor and there is no doubt that this is my calling! I believe in the power of positive relationships, advocacy, empowerment, and Inspiration. There is no joy greater than making a lasting impact on the people that you serve. The most rewarding part of being a school counselor is seeing the small wins: a student who finally believes in themselves, the shy student who finds their voice, a family who feels heard and supported all while having the privilege of being trusted, and walking alongside students and families through challenges , celebrations and knowing that on the hardest days, I MAKE A DIFFERENCE." "As a school counselor I don't just work with students-I invest in futures. I show up every day to plant seeds of HOPE! I consider myself to be a Hope Dealer, Dream Builder, and Difference Maker." Hill-Jones is a member of ASCA, United Education Association, West TN Counseling Association, TN Counseling Association, Teachers Education Association, and TN Association for Multicultural Counseling and development. |
| 2024 School Counselor of the YearJACQUELYN PATTERSONThe Tennessee School Counselor Association is pleased to announce Jacquelyn Patterson as our 2024 School Counselor of the Year! Jacquelyn is a former elementary and middle school educator and began her career in 1991and continued to work in this capacity for twenty-six years. After which, she pursued a career in School Counseling and for the past five years has served in this position with Rutherford County Schools. In addition to this role Mrs. Patterson is a Pre-licensed Professional Therapist and is working towards her clinical practice. She is driven in knowing that each day holds the potential to support a student and their family. Likewise, collaborating with the faculty, colleagues and students leaves her inspired and humbled. She once said, "I want our students to know that they matter. They have value. They have potential. They have a purpose. Likewise, they have a voice, and I am listening. Even when they are not sure how to express what they are feeling, I am here to support them, and they are never alone. It takes courage to ask for help. There is nothing weak about it, and it takes strength and determination to set goals and work towards them. Their mental health is just as important as their physical health. "Mental health is not a destination, but a process..." (Shpancer, 2010). It is an investment in yourself, and they are worth it, and I am honored to get to walk alongside their journey." Jacquelyn is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. as well as varying professional state and local organizations; American School Counseling Association, American Counseling Association, American Association of Christian Counselors, State of TN School Counseling Advisory Council, and Tennessee School Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota. |
