SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Travis Pete, MA
School Counselor
Travis is a Master's level Mental Health Counselor and military veteran whose counseling journey began in both juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Through this experience, he has gained extensive knowledge in providing support to individuals facing a range of mental health challenges. He specializes in supporting individuals facing behavior issues, as well as those who are at risk or have experienced trauma.
Laura Benefield, MA
School Counselor
Laura Benefield has worked with children and families for over 20 years. She brings passion, energy, and a sense of humor to her work with students in the school setting. Focus of therapy work includes Social Learning Theory, DBT, and CBT skills to support youth in building resiliency, self- regulation skills, and emotional management.
Jeffery Harshbarger, MA
School Counselor
Jeffery works in the school setting utilizing his abilities in mental health counseling and person centered, individualized approaches.
Ellen Faulkner, MA
School Counselor
Ellen works in the school setting utilizing her abilities in mental health counseling and person centered, individualized approaches.
Darla Kirkland, MA
School Counselor
Darla works in the school setting utilizing her abilities in mental health counseling and person centered, individualized approaches.
Sonia Gonzalez
MSHS., MSEd., School-Based Counselor
Sonia provides counseling in the schools of Marion County utilizing her abilities in mental health counseling and person centered, individualized approaches.
Derrick Gillespie, MA
School-Based Counselor
Derrick is a Masters Level counselor and military veteran. He works in the school setting and has a great deal of passion for the treatment and recovery of the students he works with. He utilizes DBT and person Centered Therapy.
Deanne Blueter, MA
School-Based Counselor
DeAnne has worked with children and families for 24 years in a social work and family support capacity in addition to her occupation as a college psychology professor. She has worked with children of all ages with her concentration being on elementary school-aged children and their parents. She currently works in the school setting utilizing her abilities in mental health counseling using a variety of techniques including cognitive behavioral and play therapy to help children be successful in school and other areas of their lives.
Wandea Clark, MA
School-Based Counselor
Wandea received two Master's Degrees from Webster University. In 2006 her first Master's Degree was in Counseling with The Emphasis in Professional Mental Health, and in 2016 her second Master's was in Management and Leadership. Wandea has many years of experience working with diversified populations which included children and adults of all ages. Wandea’s work experience includes working in Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, Behavioral Healthcare Centers and in the prison system as a clinical mental health and substance abuse counselor. Wandea also worked as a school base counselor for many years at different schools and provided family therapy in the homes. Wandea provided mental health services for most modalities and mental health disorders. Wandea also has experience with clients dealing with grief & loss, self-esteem issues, anger , OCD, PTSD, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia disorders etc. Wandea has experience using Motivation Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and psychological therapy.
Guy Mock, MA
School-Based Counselor
Guy has worked with children and adolescents and has a specialized approach with youth matters. His extensive knowledge of being a mentor and skilled counselor allows him to help youth navigate through stressors and trauma. Guy works in the school setting utilizing his abilities in mental health counseling and person-centered individualized approaches.
Tashara English, M.ED, MA
School-Based Counselor
Tashara is a Master's level Mental Health Counselor, formally working in clinical counseling, case management and education. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families from all walks of life. Through her years of experience, she has gained the knowledge and compassion to provide quality mental health services. Her tools of focus include DBT, PPH, and CBT, specializing in behavioral/family issues, anger/emotional management, conflict resolution, self-regulation, and self-esteem.