Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. -- William Butler Yeats

Guidance Staff & Biographies

Counselor (A-C)
Ms. Joy Myers, Department Chair
Joy.Myers@cobbk12.org - Ext: 225

I am a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. My senior year of high school I moved to Senatobia, Mississippi and graduated from Senatobia High School with honors in 1996. I am the daughter of Dr. Shiphrah Williams-Evans and Mr. Ronald Myers. I am also the proud mother of Mr. Joshua, who attends kindergarten and is also a star athlete.

While in high school, I maintained a G.P.A. of 3.6 while participating in track and field, volleyball and basketball. I attended Clark Atlanta University on a full 4-year basketball scholarship where we obtained the title of NCAA SIAC Conference Champions in 1999. I am also a member of the number one sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated. I hold a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. I am currently in the candidate phase of obtaining my terminal degree, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. I am a published author and researcher with several published articles in refereed journals. I have presented my research on local, state and national levels.

This is my sixth year as a guidance counselor at South Cobb High School and first year as Guidance Department Chair. I have been employed by the Cobb County School District for six years, with my first year teaching in special education at Floyd Middle School. I am also the Head Volleyball Coach. I am very excited to be a part of the changes and growth taking place at South Cobb High School. It is my belief and goal to foster growth in all students and to prepare, support and encourage them for success in such a challenging society.

Counselor (X-W) & Magnet
Mr. Michael Wade
Michael.Wade@cobbk12.org - Ext: 282

This is my twenty-fourth year of helping others acquire both the knowledge by which they can understand life in all its fullness and the disposition by which they can live such a life. I am a teacher who has discharged the moral and intellectual obligations of teaching by serving as a reading specialist, assistant principal, principal, and counselor. Prior to becoming an educator I served in the United States Marine Corps. My formal education was accomplished at Western Kentucky University and The University of Georgia.

Counselor (H-L)
Ms. Jackie Medley
Jacqueline.Medley@cobbk12.org - Ext: 316

I received my Masters and Specialist Degrees in School Counseling from the State University of West Georgia. This is my second year as a guidance counselor and my 14th year at South Cobb High School. Previously, I taught Graphic arts in the Career and Technology Department. Therefore, as many of you will discover, I have a strong belief in career-focused goals and how high school can better prepare students for the world of work. I am a strong advocate for the dual diploma and the concept of lifelong learning. I look forward to this coming year with plans for classroom guidance focused on graduation requirements and career choices.

Counselor (A-K)
Dr. Crystal Giddings-Jackson
Crystal.Giddings-Jackson@cobbk12.org - Ext: 238

Georgia born and Georgia grown, I serve at the 12 th grade level. I am a veteran counselor and most noted for my guidance with student working towards post secondary planning and scholarships. I have received numerous awards including the Georgia Association of Educators’ Humanitarian Award, Counselor of the Year and Writer of the Year. My terminal degree was earned at Clark Atlanta University. Also, I hold two national certifications and am married to Damon with two sons.

Counselor (M-P)
Mrs. Valerie Greyer Bush
Valerie.Greyer@cobbk12.org - Ext: 223

Greetings! It is my pleasure to serve students whose last names begin with the letters M-P. I received my B.A. from Columbus State University, and my M.Ed. and Ed.S. from the University of West Georgia. Before coming to South Cobb, I worked as a counselor at Central Alternative School which included one year as Central’s Anger Management Counselor. Currently, I am serving my seventh year as a professional guidance counselor in Cobb County.

Part-time College and Career Counselor
Assistant to testing coordinator
Dr. Jeanette Higgins
Jeanette.Higgins@cobbk12.org

This is my first year working as a counselor at South Cobb High School. My main responsibilities include setting up and operating the Career and College Center, as well as, assisting the testing coordinator. As a part-time counselor, I hope to work with students to on for graduation plans and future goals.

Counselor (D-G)
Mrs. Colleen Garcia
Colleen.Garcia@cobbk12.org - Ext: 273

This is my first year working as a school counselor at South Cobb High School. My background is in the mental health field where I have over eight years of experience working as a counselor, crisis counselor, and case manager.
I earned by B.A. at Bowling Green State University where I double majored in psychology and sociology. I went on to earn my M.S.Ed in Counselor Education at the State University of New York College at Brockport.
I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and a member of the American Counseling Association, Georgia School Counselors Association, and Cobb School Counseling Association.

Graduation Coach
Jennifer Brooks
Jennifer.Brooks@cobbk12.org - Ext: 303

I graduated from Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Applied Psychology in 1997. I went on to receive a M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Georgia in 2000, an add on Masters in School Counseling from Georgia State University in 2002, and an Ed.S. in School Mental Health from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2005.
This is my eighth year working for the Cobb County School District. During my first seven years I worked as a Counselor at Central Alternative School and the Transistional Learning Center. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I am also a member of the Cobb County School District Crisis Response Team.

Associate Principal, Overseeing the Guidance Department
Mrs. Karen Lockhart
Karen.Lockhart@cobbk12.org - Ext: 239

This is my second year as Associate Principal at South Cobb High School, although I have been in the Cobb County School System for many years. As the principal overseeing the Guidance Department my goal is to assists the counselors in implementing a Comprehensive Guidance Plan. I look forward to working with this dynamic department as it continues to develop programs which involve all students and the community to ensure student success.