impact grant candidate spotlight

read about a new candidate for this grant each month. discover what motivates them to enter this field and the passion they bring to become a licensed school counselor.

the school counseling department received a mental health professional services grant award in the amount of 4.8 million dollars in april 2023. this grant aims to train school counselors to work in tennessee public schools.

joy roberts works at je moss elementary as a school counselor. outside of work, she enjoys gardening and cooking. she has a degree in integrated science with an emphasis in applied leadership and social behavior. joy chose school counseling because she has a passion for education and sociology. after volunteering in a school and reflecting on her experiences with a supportive counselor, she realized the profound impact counselors can have on students' lives.

joy stated the school counseling program has not only shaped her professional aspirations but has also profoundly contributed to her personal growth. being a part of the school counseling program has pushed joy out of her comfort zone, but has ultimately challenged her to develop a deeper sense of purpose and self-actualization.

using her previous volunteer work and coursework, she has developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, psychological theories, and effective counseling techniques. this has helped equip her with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and support students facing various mental health challenges. joy’s experiences have taught her the importance of empathy, active listening, and building trusting relationships to be an effective counselor.