School Counseling

Professional school counselors are certified/licensed professionals with a master's degree or higher in school counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students. Professional school counselors deliver a comprehensive school counseling program encouraging all students' academic, career and personal/social development and help all students in maximizing student achievement.

How and why do parents contact the School Counselor?

Concerns over student achievement
Family health problems
New school orientation and registration
Test Interpretation
Discussing special needs of their child
Early discussion of potential crises
Family difficulties or concerns

Counselors are available by appointment to conference with parents. Counselors are also available by phone or email. Contact your student's counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference if needed.

How does a student see a School Counselor?

Stop by and make an appointment
Request of a counselor
Parent referral
Administrative referral
Teacher or other staff referral
Referral by friend(s)

Knox County Schools School Counselors Believe

Student achievement is maximized by participation in a comprehensive school counseling program that is planned, managed, delivered and evaluated by licensed professional school counselors.
Data must be analyzed and translated into goals that guide the development of the comprehensive counseling program promoting student achievement.
All students can achieve and meet high standards that will result in college and career success.
School counselors must be leaders, advocates and collaborators who create equitable access to rigorous curriculum and opportunities for self-directed personal growth for every student.
Applying the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors empowers school counselors to make decisions based on the highest moral principles to promote the maximum development of every student.

The Counseling Office is open daily for students to stop by and talk to their counselor to discuss their academic plan, connect with scholarship and financial aid, address any social/emotional concerns and much more. Parents and students are welcome to contact their student's counselor to make an appointment!

Find Karns High School counselors on Facebook @Karns Counseling and on Instagram @Karns Counseling.

Freshmen

Savanna Reynolds

Freshman Counselor

Mrs. Reynolds has a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Education in Professional Counseling with a concentration in PreK-12 School Counseling. She has 4 years of experience as a Professional School Counselor. She serves as the Freshman Academy School Counselor and enjoys supporting students and families in the transition from middle school to high school.

Mrs. Reynolds can be reached at (865) 539-8670 ext. 73754.

Email Ms. Reynolds

Creative and Technical Innovation

Kelly Hicks

Creative and Technical Innovation Counselor

Mrs. Hicks has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Music, a Master of Education in Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family and holds an endorsement in Professional School Counseling. This is Mrs. Hicks's 16th year as a Professional School Counselor at Karns High School.

Main: 865.539-8670

Email Mrs. Hicks

Health Science and Human Services

Business and Entrepreneurship

Sam Jacks

Business and Entrepreneurship Counselor

Mr. Jacks has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas, Go Hogs, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of North Texas. He taught science in Texas for 3 years before moving to Tennessee. He has enjoyed serving the community of Karns as a School Counselor since 2011.

Main: 865.539.8670

Email Mr. Jacks

College and Career

Lyndsey Donnell

College and Career Counselor

Mrs. Lyndsey Donnell is the College & Career counselor at Karns High School. She earned her Master of Education degree in School Counseling and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, both from Middle Tennessee State University.

Mrs. Donnell began her school counseling career in 2005 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She moved to Knoxville and started at Karns High School in 2011. While at Karns High School, she has served as a school counselor and testing coordinator. For the last three years, she has held the position of College & Career counselor and it has been her favorite role yet. She now works primarily with seniors, helping to counsel them towards their next steps after high school.

Main: 865.539.6870

Email Mrs. Donnell

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