Kendria Buckner serves as the Lead School Counselor and 11th Grade School Counselor at Griffin High School. A native of Forsyth, Georgia, she is a proud graduate of Mary Persons High School.

Ms. Buckner earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University in 2018 and her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2022 from Walden University. This fall, she will begin pursuing her Educational Specialist degree in Professional Counseling.

Since joining the Griffin-Spalding County School System in 2019, Ms. Buckner has served as a long-term substitute, second-grade teacher, and school counselor. She is also a proud member of the District Leadership Team, where she collaborates with colleagues to strengthen school counseling programs across the district.

Ms. Buckner is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where every student feels valued, encouraged, and prepared for success in school and beyond.

Kearra Harris  serves as the school counselor for the GHS 12th grade cohort class of 2027. She is excited to begin her education journey here at Griffin High School. She graduated from North Oconee High School near Athens, Georgia, and moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University for undergrad. She graduated with a degree in Applied Linguistics. This is when she began her time working at Chick-fil-A in Atlanta and became the People Director. She has recently graduated from Georgia State University again, with her Master's in School Counseling. Ms. Harris is delighted to take her experience in hospitality and serve the scholars of Griffin High School.

Jocasta Odom serves as the School Counselor for the Griffin High School 9th Grade Academy, supporting the Class of 2030. With more than a decade of experience in education, Ms. Odom is dedicated to empowering students to achieve academic success, develop personally and socially, and prepare for meaningful college and career opportunities.

A proud Griffin High School alumna, Ms. Odom graduated from GHS before earning her bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University, she has a MBA from University of Phoenix, and later completed her master's degree in School Counseling at Liberty University. Her personal connection to Griffin High School gives her a unique perspective on the school's traditions, culture, and community, allowing her to build authentic relationships with students and families.

As a school counselor, Ms. Odom is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and develop individualized plans that prepare them for success both inside and outside the classroom. She believes every student has the potential to thrive when provided with encouragement, support, and opportunities to grow.

Beyond the school setting, Ms. Odom is a published author of two books, a television host, a devoted mother, and a community leader who is passionate about inspiring others. She encourages every scholar to dream boldly, pursue excellence, and never place limits on their potential. Her favorite message to students is, "Reach beyond the stars, because your potential extends far beyond the universe."

Michelle Stewart serves as the school counselor for the 10th Grade Cohort class of 2029 at Griffin High School. As an alumnus of GHS herself, Ms. Stewart understands the unique needs of the students she supports. She pursued higher education at the University of West Georgia and Georgia State University, earning her B.S. and M.A. degrees. With 23 years in the field of education, including 21 years as a counselor at GHS, Ms. Stewart brings a wealth of experience to her role, which she freely shares with students. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, watching movies, nurturing her passion for animals, and refinishing furniture. Ms. Stewart is an avid supporter of the Griffin Bears, Falcons, Braves, and NASCAR.

Clarissa Goggins is the GHS Counseling Department Clerk. Ms. Goggins was a member of the GHS graduation class of 1993. With a thirst for knowledge, she pursued her education at Savannah University, Fort Valley State University, and Southern Crescent Technical College. Clarissa's dedication and hard work earned her degrees in Early Childhood Education, Human Resource Specialists, Business Management, and Director Leadership Specialist. In addition to her role at GHS, Ms. Goggins also contributes her skills and expertise as the assistant cheerleading coach at GHS and holds the position of night secretary clerk at Brightmoor Hospice. Clarissa's unwavering commitment to her professional roles exemplifies her passion for helping others and her unwavering dedication to excellence.