Feb. 2-6 was National School Counseling Week, an annual recognition designed to focus public attention on the contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. As Chesterfield County continues to grow and change, so do the needs of students and schools. As a result, the role of the school counselor has changed. Today, school counselors help meet the wide-ranging academic, social and mental health needs of our students.
Chesterfield County Public Schools school counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and opportunity for all students. Our school counselors help all students: apply academic achievement strategies; support students’ social-emotional needs and teach interpersonal skills; respond to and provide support for critical incidents within their schools; and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force, etc.).
Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes outstanding school counselors who go above and beyond in order to maximize student success and promote access and opportunity for all students. Congratulations to these school counselor leaders who are all in for all students:
Outstanding First-Year Counselor of the Year: Hannah Dowdy of Monacan High
Hannah made an immediate and powerful impact at Monacan High School, stepping into a demanding role with confidence, compassion and an unwavering positive attitude. She shows up every day determined to ensure that students feel loved and supported, even in the most challenging circumstances. Her warm and calm demeanor puts both students and staff at ease. Students have quickly formed strong connections with her because she never shies away from difficult situations and meets each student with patience and genuine care.
Despite an already full schedule, Hannah is “always the first to offer to help in a pinch,” making her a valued and trusted team member within the counseling department. Her willingness to jump in, support colleagues and fully embrace the needs of her students has made her an invaluable asset to the school. Hannah’s dedication and heart are an amazing addition to Monacan.
Outstanding Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Kristen Bailey-Hardy of Falling Creek Elementary
Kristen is the heart of Falling Creek Elementary and a trusted, calming presence for students, staff and families. She is often “the first name out of students’ mouths when they need someone to talk to” because she has created a true safe space where children feel supported, understood and valued. With patience, compassion and a steady demeanor, she meets students where they are, always listening and never rushing. As one colleague shared, “When she says her door is always open, she truly means it,” making her a constant source of comfort for students facing challenges both in and out of school.
Through small groups, lunch bunches, classroom lessons, yoga, outdoor learning and her work with Daisy, her therapy dog, who has “the magical ability to calm them and make them feel safe,” Kristen goes above and beyond to support the social and emotional growth of every student. She equips children with tools that will follow them their entire lives and builds meaningful connections across the school community. Often working quietly behind the scenes, she “does so many wonderful things for the students in our school community.”
Outstanding Middle School Counselor of the Year: Christopher Jeter of Falling Creek Middle
Christopher is an outstanding school counselor who consistently goes above and beyond to support students, families and staff at Falling Creek Middle. He is described as “always available, approachable, relatable and affectionate,” creating a space where students feel safe, heard and valued. Students gravitate toward him because his care extends far beyond obligation — it comes from a place of genuine commitment. With a calm demeanor, welcoming personality and sense of humor paired with strong emotional intelligence, he is “a safe space for hundreds of students” and a trusted advocate who supports young lives “with style, strength and grace.”
An outstanding team player, Christopher collaborates effectively with colleagues, mentors others in the counseling department and contributes positively to school culture. His proactive work with student groups and conflict prevention has strengthened the school community, while his innovative counseling practices have led to measurable outcomes, most notably increasing the number of students applying to specialty centers through individualized advising and clear guidance. By ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds feel informed and confident, he has expanded access to opportunity and success. Christopher truly exemplifies “the epitome of what a school counselor strives to be.”
Outstanding High School Counselor of the Year: Annathen Lacks of Thomas Dale High
Annathen is a tireless advocate whose compassion and dedication ensure every student feels “seen, supported and empowered.” Widely regarded as “the most compassionate person inside of Thomas Dale High School,” she is always there for students — whether they are on her caseload or simply in need of a safe space. She routinely “drops anything and everything to help her students,” approaching even the most challenging situations with a solutions-focused mindset and treating each day as a fresh start. Her unwavering commitment extends beyond the school day, as she comes early, stays late and works weekends when needed to ensure students overcome barriers and succeed.
Beyond her direct work with students, Annathen is a leader and collaborator who strengthens the entire school community. She builds strong partnerships with families, teachers, and community organizations, serves on key committees (including attendance, SST and data SIIP) and helps design programs to support students through comprehensive school counseling. As a colleague, she is a trusted problem solver and constant support; as a softball coach, she pushes student-athletes to be their best. Annathen’s “energy and kindness are unmatched,” and her professionalism, advocacy and equity-driven leadership exemplify the very highest standards of school counseling.
