School counselors provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.  In partnership with other educators, parents or guardians and the community, school counselors facilitate the support system to ensure all students within Orange County Schools have access to and are prepared with knowledge and skills to contribute at the highest level as productive members of society.

For specific information about the guidance programs at Middle & High Schools, click on the school name below.

List of School Counselors

Wynette Clark
School Counselor
Pathways Elementary School
wynette.clark@orange.k12.nc.us

Abby May
School Counselor
New Hope Elementary School
abby.may@orange.k12.nc.us

Meghan Dovenbarger
School Counselor
Hillsborough Elementary School
meghan.dovenbarger@orange.k12.nc.us

Lisa Vetrano
School Counselor
Grady A. Brown Elementary School
lisa.vetrano@orange.k12.nc.us

Kayla Roberts
School Counselor
Central Elementary School
kayla.roberts@orange.k12.nc.us

Kim Ward
School Counselor
Cameron Park Elementary School
kim.ward@orange.k12.nc.us

Cheryl Olk
School Counselor
A.L. Stanback Middle School
cheryl.olk@orange.k12.nc.us

Mary Scheppegrell
School Counselor
A.L. Stanback Middle School
mary.scheppegrell@orange.k12.nc.us

Today’s students face many social and personal problems that threaten their ability to do well in school and inhibit their progress toward becoming productive citizens.  Educational failure not only threatens the future of the individual, but also impedes America’s social and economic status as it competes in world markets. 

To promote educational success for our students, Orange County Schools utilizes School Social Workers, Family Specialists (provided through a collaborative with the Department of Social Services), and a Teen Parent Social Worker (provided through the Pregnant and Parenting Adolescent Program).

These professionals serve as liaisons between families, schools and the community. They serve on Student Support Teams and work with school staff to provide comprehensive services for students.

School Social Workers, Family Specialists and the Teen Parent Social Worker are a vital part of our learning community. They provide assistance and support to students, parents, school staff and administration.

List of School Social Workers

Elizabeth Romska
School Social Worker
Pathways Elementary School
elizabeth.romska@orange.k12.nc.us

Sarah Patterson
School Social Worker
New Hope Elementary School
sarah.patterson@orange.k12.nc.us

Beth Creech
School Social Worker
Hillsborough Elementary School
beth.creech@orange.k12.nc.us

Rebekah Pea
School Social Worker
Cameron Park Elementary School
rebekah.pea@orange.k12.nc.us

Aviva Scully
School Social Worker
A.L. Stanback Middle School
aviva.scully@orange.k12.nc.us

Kaitlin Mason
School Social Worker
Gravelly Hill Middle School
kaitlin.mason@orange.k12.nc.us

Avis Barnes
School Social Worker
Cedar Ridge High School
avis.barnes@orange.k12.nc.us

Diane Bero
School Social Worker
Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary
diane.bero@orange.k12.nc.us

Roles of School Social Workers & Family Specialists

• Assessment and identification of student and family strengths and needs
• Coordination of services for families and students
• Crisis Intervention
• Individual and group counseling
• Advocacy for students and families
• Program development
• Consultation and collaboration with school staff
• Network with community agencies and identify resources

Types of referrals

• Academic and behavioral concerns
• Attendance concerns
• Child abuse/neglect concerns
• Health/medical concerns
• Economic deprivation
• Family dysfunction
• Family violence
• Substance abuse
• Grief & loss
• Teen parenting
• Homelessness

Orange County Schools Attendance Policy 

North Carolina Homelss Education Project (NCHEP)