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.

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.

Darla Kirkland, MA
School Counselor
Darla works in the school setting utilizing her 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.

Lauren Blount, MA, LMHC, C-IAYT
School-Based Counselor
Lauren holds full licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in FL, SC, and ID. She brings diverse experience having started off her mental health career as a Forensic Case Manager that worked in the jail to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that works with adults, children, and couples. Lauren has done extensive training and supervision in play therapy and sand tray therapy. She is certified as a Gottman Level 1 Therapist. Lauren’s favorite population to work with is children ages 6-12. Lauren employs a whole person approach and uses the following modalities: person centered, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, family systems, humanistic, yoga therapy, and solution focused. Some of the issues that Lauren specializes in are: ADHD, anger management, anxiety, autism, coping skills, depression, family conflict, grief & loss, ODD, parenting, relationship issues, school issues, sleep or insomnia, spirituality, trauma and PTSD, impulsivity, and communication.

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.

Katherine Workman, MA
School-Based Counselor
Katherine is a Masters Level counselor, who is currently pursuing a Dual Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Walden University. She has a strong foundation with psychology, holding a Master Degree in the field, specializing in child and adolescent development, from Southern New Hampshire University. She has worked with children of all ages and gained experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She works in a school setting, her approach to counseling is client-centered and compassionate, focusing on empowering individuals to build resilience and foster positive change. Katherine is committed to using her skills to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by offering the support they need to overcome challenges and thrive.

Brian Slaughter, MA
School-Based Counselor
Brian is a Master Level Clinician who has worked with many diverse populations, including adolescents and teens. Brian loves serving our high school community and bringing his experience and education to address any and all challenges affecting our community.


