Counselors

Meet Our Counselors

Mrs. Elizabeth Butler has been a school counselor since 2009. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s degree in Counseling & Guidance from Clemson University. She received her Education Specialist degree in K-12 School Counseling from the University of Georgia. She serves students in Kindergarten, 1st Grade & 2nd Grade. She has two children, Jack and Anna-Reid. She enjoys outdoor concerts, theatre, DIY projects, hiking, & spending time at the beach.

Email: elizabeth.butler@gcpsk12.org
Phone: 678-377-8968

Ms. Caitlyn Smith started her counseling career with the Freeman's Mill family in 2022. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, with a minor in African-American Studies, from Valdosta State University in 2019. She also earned a Master of Social Work degree from Valdosta State University in 2021. Ms. Smith holds a Master of School Counseling degree from Albany State University and a Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. She works with students in grades 3-5. She loves to travel and help people along the way.

Email: caitlyn.smith@gcpsk12.org
Phone: 678-377-8949

Counseling Services

FMES school counselors follow the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) ethical standards. We believe that each and every student has the right to equitable access to a school counseling program that promotes academic, career, and social/emotional development and that improves student outcomes for all students.

Within a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors design and deliver a school counseling program that is integral to the school’s academic mission, informed by analysis of student data, and based on the ASCA National Model. School counselors:

Provide students with a culturally responsive program.
Collaborate with administrators, teachers, staff, and other partners for equitable school improvement goals.
Review and use school and student data to assess and address student needs.
Deliver research-informed interventions to help close gaps in achievement, attendance, discipline, resources, and opportunity.
Deliver developmentally appropriate classroom instruction to students, using the ASCA Student Standards to guide the development of lesson content.
Facilitate short-term (usually 6 - 8 weeks), standards-based small groups to address students’ academic achievement, career exploration, and social/emotional well-being.
Provide consultation and referrals to connect students and families with more intensive resources for life-readiness and academic success.