Counseling
School Counselors
Empowering Futures and Nurturing Student Success
At Fort Smith Public Schools, we recognize that academic success is intertwined with emotional and mental well-being. Our dedicated counseling services are designed to provide support and resources for every student and their family to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Fort Smith Public Schools' dedicated counselors are essential members of the school community, providing guidance and support to help students navigate their academic and personal challenges. Our school counselors offer various services, including academic advice, career counseling, and emotional support. They work collaboratively with students, teachers, and parents to create a positive and nurturing learning environment. Beyond assisting with course selection and college applications, they also address social and emotional issues, offering a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and find solutions.
Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are vital to the achievement of excellence in education for all students. By fostering a supportive environment, our counselors help ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
FSPS Counseling Mission
To provide an intentional, equitable, and data-informed school counseling program
that equips all students with the academic, social-emotional, and career knowledge
and skills needed to become competent, resilient, and responsible individuals.
Setting the Standard: School Counseling Excellence
In 2023, four (*) Fort Smith Public Schools made history as the first in Arkansas to earn the prestigious RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The RAMP designation certifies schools and their counselors that successfully implement the ASCA National Model framework. This comprehensive, data-driven program enhances student outcomes by equipping them with essential skills to reach their full potential and become productive members of society.
Only 1,200 schools have earned RAMP designation. Since 2024, additional Fort Smith Public Schools have achieved this national level of recognition:
- Darby Middle School *
- Barling Elementary School *
- Fairview Elementary School *
- Woods Elementary School *
- Cavanaugh Elementary School
- Cook Elementary School
- Euper Lane Elementary School
Counseling Services
Student-Centered Support
Navigating the world of academics and adolescence can be both exciting and challenging. At FSPS, our counseling services are tailored to address the unique needs of our students, ensuring they have the support they need every step of the way.
From managing the pressures of schoolwork to understanding the complexities of friendships, our counselors are here to support, listen, and empower. We're committed to providing a safe space where students can express themselves and develop the skills they need to confidently face the future.
Our goal is to ensure that every student feels heard, understood, and equipped to tackle whatever comes their way.
Partnering with Parents
Parenting in today's fast-paced world brings its own set of joys and challenges. At FSPS, we understand the pivotal role families play in a student's educational journey.
Our counseling services extend beyond the classroom to support parents and guardians as they navigate the complexities of raising young learners. From understanding the ever-evolving educational landscape to finding the right balance between encouragement and discipline, our counselors are here to offer insights, resources, and a listening ear.
We are dedicated to fostering a strong partnership with families, ensuring that together, we create a nurturing environment where students can flourish.
Get to Know Our Team
At the heart of our counseling services are our passionate and dedicated counselors, each bringing a wealth of experience, empathy, and expertise to FSPS.
Taking the time to get to know our counselors means discovering a team that's committed to understanding your unique needs, challenges, and aspirations.
Caitlin Alewine
Spradling
Sandra Bausley
Orr
Brooke Blanco-Briceño
Carnall
Heather Brown
Northside
Lainie Bruce
Ramsey
Alivia Burkhart
Tilles
Cherri Byford
Darby
Lisa Daily
Ramsey
Amye Drackett
Peak Innovation Center, Instruction Support
Audra Efurd
Beard
Stephanie Freeman
Peak Innovation Center, Instruction Support
Peyton Hall
Ballman