Lebanon graduate seeks the potential in each student at her alma mater

Q&A: Melissa Jones, counselor, Bowman Primary School.

Lebanon High School graduate Melissa Jones is helping the district’s youngest students.

As the Bowman Primary School counselor, her goal is to help students in kindergarten, first and second grades succeed in academics, social and personal development and career awareness by working with them one-on-one, in groups and in the classroom setting.

The Today’s Pulse found out more about Jones.

Q: What has been your educational journey?

A: I grew-up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School. I earned both my bachelor of arts in psychology and my master's of science in school counseling from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.

Q: How does a school counselor help students?

A: The school counselor is here to help students with building social skills, setting goals and decision making, feeling good about one's self, managing feelings (stress, worry, anger, etc.), dealing with family issues and bullying and conflict resolution.

Q: Why did you decide to come work at Lebanon City Schools?

A: I grew up in Lebanon and received a great education. I really believe in the school district. There are many wonderful things happening here, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Q: What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

A: I loved history and being a part of musical ensembles.

Q: Did you always know you wanted a career in education?

A: No, I started college as a music business major, and then I realized I wanted to help others, so I changed to psychology. After college, I decided to pursue a Masters Degree in school counseling.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your job?

A: I love developing children and seeing the process of change. I believe every child has potential and no child is hopeless. It is my job to help them reach that potential.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: In my free time, I like to garden, spend time with family and decorate.

Q: What is something most people may not know about you?

A: I worked in higher education in Tennessee and South Carolina for 10 years before making the move to K-12. What inspired me to make the transition was the desire to be able to intervene early with children. My hope is that I will have that opportunity as a school counselor.

Q: Can you tell more about your family?

A: I am married to Ward Jones. We recently welcomed our first child.

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