2024-2025 Officers & Directors Candidates
GSCA is pleased to announce the nominees for GSCA Officers and Directors for the 2024-2025 year. Information regarding each nominee follows. GSCA are encouraged to read the candidates' information, watch their candidate video, and vote for the future of GSCA from November 2 until 5 pm on December 7, 2023
VOTE
President-Elect
Gabrielle Brundidge, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is to see an increase in membership, we continue to work to achieve financial success and continue to help advocate for students and the profession.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
Hello my name is Gabrielle Brundidge, and I am running for President-Elect for the 2024-25 GSCA year. I have been a member of GSCA since relocating back to Georgia in 2018 from Alabama. I have been an ASCA member since 2019, but prior to that I was an ASCA member while in grad school. I have my EdS in school counseling from Valdosta State University, and my Masters from Troy University. I am a graduate of Auburn University. I have been a school counselor since 2016, where I started my school counseling journey in Huntsville, Alabama. I relocated back to Georgia in 2018, and have been working as a school counselor in Savannah Georgia. Since moving back, I have presented at 15 conferences some those presentations include, GSCA, and most recently Model Schools. I won GSCA's Emerging Leader award in 2022. I recently helped my school achieve the Family-Friendly award from GADoe in 2023. I am also a Fellow for Ruling Our Experiences. I have served on GSCA's leadership team since 2020 starting off a Region 7 Liaison, followed by Co-Chair for the Service Project and most recently as the Southern Director.
If elected, what two goals would you like to accomplish during your term?
My two goals would be to increase membership by 5% across all regions and continue to be in good financial standing.
Experience
I have served on the Leadership team since 2020, since then I have grown personally and professionally. My passion for school counseling has not only been enhanced by GSCA, but these roles have allowed me to be a leader within my own area.
Why should GSCA members vote for you?
The members of GSCA should elect me because I want to continue the work of those before me. I want to make sure we are increasing membership, by showcasing all the wonderful things GSCA is doing state wide and nationally. I want to also continue to make sure we are in good financial standing.
President-Elect
Mark Ellis, Fulton School System/North Springs Charter High School
Vision for GSCA
My vision is that GSCA will serve all Students, Professional School Counselors, and School Districts in Georgia. GSCA will work with district counselor supervisors in order to provide professional learning and support to counselors in order to ensure that all Students are College & Career Ready.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
My name is Mark Ellis, and I am running for President-Elect. My first goal is to Identify and contact all GA school district supervisors in order to advocate for them to support counselors in attending the GSCA Conference. I created the aforementioned contact list when I served as GSCA Coordinators/Educators Liaison. My second goal is to increase both our college partners and business partners by 5%. I partnered with Atlanta Metropolitan University, Atlanta Tech College, Emory University, GA Tech University, Gwinnett Tech College, Mercer University, Morehouse University, Universal Technical Institute, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Anchor Hospital, Laurel Heights Hospital, Peachford Hospital, Ridgeview Institute, Summit Counseling, and NACAC in order to provide resources to the Fulton Professional School Counselors in my capacity as the Fulton School Counselor Association (FSCA) President and the Fulton School System Counseling Coordinator. My third goal is to increase the GSCA membership by 10%. During the 2 years that I served as the FSCA President I increased the Fulton School Counselor Association membership by 17%. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Specialist in Ed Leadership Admin & Supervision. This is my 21st year with the Fulton School System. I was a Professional School Counselor (PSC)/Head Counselor at Milton High School for 6 years, System Coordinator for 6 years, and a PSC/Head Counselor at North Springs High School for 8 years. I have been a member of GSCA, ASCA, and FSCA for 18 years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have NCC and NCSC certification. My awards/honors: Georgia School Counselors Association Region 3 Secondary School Counselor of the Year, Georgia School Counselor Association Supervisor of the Year, Fulton County High School Counselor of the Year, Fulton County High School Supervisor of the Year, Fulton County High School Advocate of the Year, Anchor Hospital Service Excellence Award, and Anchor Hospital Employee of the Month Award.
If elected, what two goals would you like to accomplish during your term?
My first goal is to Identify and contact all GA school district supervisors in order to advocate for them to support counselors in attending the GSCA State Conference. My second goal is to increase both our college and business partners by 5% to offset the cost of our GSCA Conference.
Experience
I have served and gained experience in 8 various GSCA roles (e. g. Secondary Director), and I have presented at GSCA several times. I have managed 2 Counseling Departments. I have provided leadership, supervision, and professional learning to 235 counselors and graduation coaches as the Fulton School System Counseling Coordinator.
Why should GSCA members vote for you?
Over the cross of my 20 years, I have local, district, and state leadership experience. I have served on district (6), state (1), and university (2) advisory boards. In addition, I have served on national (4), state (3), and district (2) Projects and Pilot Programs (e. g. FAFSA Completion Project).
Treasurer
Erin Bundrige, Henry County Schools
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is to ensure that it is the leading organization in Georgia for School Counseling Professional Development. I want to ensure that members are getting what they need and that GSCA has the membership's interest in the forefront of all decisions. Additionally, I want to ensure that GSCA is fiscally responsible and allocating funds to provide professional development and ensure school counselors have what they need to be successful.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
My name is Erin Bundrige and I am running for GSCA treasurer. I have been a part of GSCA leadership since 2019. I've served as middle liaison and Middle Director. I have been an ASCA member for 11 years and currently serve as a RAMP reviewer and this year will serve as a Lead RAMP reviewer. I have 20 years of educational experience serving as a middle and elementary school teacher and school counselor. My goal as Treasurer is to ensure that I work on behalf of the membership and make sure that GSCA is fiscally responsible and allocating funds to ensure that school counselors are provided with resources and professional development they need. As the Treasurer, I will work with the executive board and finance committee to continue our work of ensuring that we are great stewards of our funds. My goal is to ensure that GSCA continues to uphold its vision by ensuring funds are allocated to advance the school counseling profession.
Treasurer
Maegan Mellick, Atlanta Public Schools
Vision for GSCA
GSCA is a priority for all school counselors in the State of Georgia with one hundred percent membership. GSCA is an unwavering voice for all students in our state. In the face of political strife, our organization commits to stand for what is right for all students.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
I am Maegan Mellick and I am running for Treasurer on the GSCA Executive Board. I have been a member of GSCA and ASCA for ten years and served on the GSCA leadership team for four years. I currently serve as the Treasurer for GSCA and my work is not finished! I am passionate about the role and the call for fiscal responsibility in these "post-covid" times. I would be honored to continue serving as Treasurer and appreciate your vote.
Finance Committee (General Member)
Megan Ray, Columbia County Board of Education
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is to help build a positive culture throughout our organization. My vision is to serve my peers and advocate for counselors across the state of Georgia and our nation through professional development, advocacy, and peer mentorship.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
My name is Megan Ray and I am running to be on the finance committee. I have been a member of GSCA for the last 6 years and I would love to serve my peers in this incredible profession. I currently serve as a School Counselor for Grovetown Middle School. I am a member of ASCA, GSCA, and ACA. I am currently pursing my doctoral studies in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Finance Committee (General Member)
Ashley White, Jones Middle School - Gwinnett County 
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is to continue to move this organization forward as we champion the school counselors in our state who help our students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. I hope to be able to meet and consult with colleagues across the state who are doing this sacred work as we continue to move our professional forward to be a champion for kids.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
I am Ashley White and have been a school counselor in the middle school setting for 16 years. Previously, I served as a high school counselor in Virginia. I am interested in being a general member of the finance committee as I love the details and organization that help support and drive organizations forward towards their optimal success. I have been a member of GSCA and ASCA for many years and want to honor organizations that help me grow and learn as a school counselor. In addition, I received my LPC in 2021 and am looking forward to using my knowledge to enhance my skills in the school setting. I was a finalist for the middle school counselor for Gwinnett county in 2022 and was honored to be nominated. My school has received RAMP two times and our principal in 2012 was named counseling advocate of the year for our local county. I serve as an intern supervisor for students who are in the process of becoming counselors and love to use my knowledge and skills to advocate for a profession that's dear to my heart.
Middle Director
Fabion Vicks, Henry County Schools
Vision for GSCA
My vision for the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) is to create an inclusive and collaborative community of counselors. Together, we advocate for the profession, ensuring every voice is heard, and diversity is celebrated within our teams. GSCA strives to empower counselors to maximize their impact and support every student's success.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
Hello, my name is Fabion Vicks and I am running for Middle Director for GSCA. I am currently in my 8th year as a counselor. I spent my first four years in Bibb County and transitioned to Henry County Schools and that is where I am currently. Before I transitioned to School Counseling, I was in retail management for 12 years with various companies. I have been a member of GSCA for 5 years and ASCA for 5 years as well. I am a graduate of THEE Fort Valley State University with a major in Political Science. I also graduated from Liberty University in 2016 with my Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I have completed ASCA U training in Data Specialist training as well as Closing the Gap Specialist. I am also certified in Tier 1 Education Leadership in 2022. For three years I was on GSCA’s Leadership Team as the Beacon Editor from 2019-21 and Podcasting from 2021-22. I have also presented at GSCA in 2018, 2021, 2022, and this year. I have also presented at GADOE New Counselors Symposium in 2019, ASCA in 2022 and 2023. I have also presented for region 4 over Time Analysis in 2017 and in 2021.
Counselor Educator Director
Jennifer Perry, Georgia Southern University 
Vision for GSCA
My vision is for GSCA to continue to empower Georgia school counselors to act as social justice advocates and provide resources, training, and support. I envision GSCA being the hub that other school counselors, mental health providers, aspiring professionals, educators, administrators, parents, and stakeholders look to for guidance and resources.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
Hi! I am Jennifer Perry, Ph.D., LCMHCA, NCC, ACS - an Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University in the M.Ed. Counselor Education program (School Counseling Track). I am a former elementary & middle school counselor (still licensed) and now live vicariously through my students. I have been a GSCA member since 2020, when I moved to Georgia, and look to the organization to maintain community, rejuvenation, and guidance in my work within the profession. I am grateful for the amazing connections I have made across the state. Service, for me, is my advocacy for the profession. I have enjoyed being a member of and serving GSCA, especially within the capacity of the 2022-2023 Finance Committee General Member, and maintain excitement for the great work the organization is doing. I seek the role of Counselor Educator Director to not only continue my advocacy but to help foster greater connections between graduate students and programs and GSCA. Together, we can continue to influence education, promote equity, and inspire the next generation of counselors to carry forward our mission and values.
Counselor Educator Director
Karen Rowland, Mercer University 
Vision for GSCA
Vision can be regarded as a leadership strategy vital to creating organizational change particularly when that vision is shared among its members. As the Counselor Educator Director for GSCA, my vision is to strengthen the connections between school counselor educators and school counselors in both GSCA and the state for professional growth and collaboration.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
I am Karen Rowland, a counseling professor at Mercer University at the Atlanta Campus. I am running for the Counselor Educator Director position in GSCA. I have been a counselor educator for 22 years and have been a member of GSCA for the same length of time! While I do teach in the Clinical Mental Health and PhD counseling programs, my specialty and passion is school counseling, hence my membership in ASCA has extended beyond my years of university teaching. I believe this might be my 25th year in ASCA and ACA. Since becoming a university faculty and needing to continue with my professional development to remain current in the field, my professional associations’ membership now include, the International School Counselor Association (ISCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors (ACES), and International Family Therapy Association (IFTA). I currently hold a Georgia school counselor certification at the S7 level, I am a Georgia licensed professional counselor (LPC), a nationally certified counselor (NCC), and an approved clinical supervisor (ACS), credentials I believe would make me very suitable for this leadership position in GSCA. Additionally, as a member of GSCA, I have held the leadership position of counselor educator liaison under the presidency of Demetria Williams and Chon Hester, and I also served as the GSCA Journal Editor for 2 consecutive terms (2013 – 2018), both positions, I believe, demonstrate my commitment to working in a leadership capacity in GSCA. I look forward to be a part of growing the counselor educators’ membership in GSCA during my term as the Director.
Northern Director
Jessica Ward, Rabun County Schools 
Vision for GSCA
GSCA provides a very important networking community, especially for those of us in rural districts. Without the connections that are being made here, some counselors would very much be on their own island. My vision for GSCA, and for the northern district, involves bringing counselors together.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
My name is Jessica Ward and I am running for Northern Director for GSCA. I have my masters degree in school counseling from Western Carolina University and my educational specialist degree from Valdosta State University. I have worked as a school counselor in Rabun County for 10 years. Prior to being a school counselor, I worked as a therapist in a day treatment facility and on an intensive in home therapy team. Currently, I am in my second year as the co rural liaison for GSCA. I also volunteer with many local groups in my community to help support our students and grow the mental health community in our small town. My passion in this work revolves around building relationships. This includes building relationships with my students, co-workers, my community, and GSCA as my state organization. I would love the opportunity to help the northern district continue to build a strong network of school counselors who can support one another in this wonderful, yet challenging work that we do!
Northern Director
Kevin Young, North Murray High School (Murray County Schools) 
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is that we will continue the feedback loop with members of what we can do now to support them and their work for GA students, and that we will strengthen our partnership with the GA DOE and local education systems alike.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
Greetings Georgia School Counselors! I am Kevin Young, and I would like to serve as your Northern Director. Between my grad school internship and 10 years of full-time school counseling, I have been an ASCA member for 11 years and GSCA member for 9 of those years. More recently, it’s been my privilege to serve on the GSCA Leadership Team for 4 years (3 as Region 1 Liaison, and one as a Mentorship Co-Chair). My other leadership or membership experiences include current service as the Lead Secondary Counselor in my school district, Secretary/Treasurer of GACTE College and Career Development Division, and somehow as an elder at my church (“Elder Young” is an oxymoron, no?). Like these other organizations/activities that I consider important, GSCA depends on active membership to support members and grow membership. I realized this and my leadership potential because fellow professionals/GSCA members encouraged me to take my skills with confidence as I have something I can bring to the table for my peers. If you’ll have me, I will take my experience as a past liaison to support Region 1 and 2 Liaisons’ efforts, drive the important communication loop between area members and leadership, and in turn use that feedback to shape the relevant support we give members so we can all be at our best for Georgia’s next generation.
Southern Director
Jessica DeBarry, McIntosh County School District 
Vision for GSCA
My vision for GSCA is to provide a platform where school counselors from all over the state of Georgia can share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise with others. A place where Georgia School Counselors can receive continued professional development, support, and advocacy for the school counseling profession.
Statement on Goals and Qualifications
My name is Jessica DeBarry and I am running for the GSCA Southern Director executive board position. I have been a member of the GSCA for 3 years and ASCA for 4 years. Currently, I am working on my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision and it is my hope to one day teach and inspire future school counselors. My current employment is with the McIntosh County School District working in the community that I have called and continue to call home for the majority of my life. Giving back to my community as a school counselor is an awarding experience and I look forward to seeing the students and families I serve every day. It has been an honor to advocate at the district and state levels for equitable and accessible mental health services for our students. As Southern Director it is my hope to continue to advocate for Georgia School Counselors and the students they serve. It is my belief that leadership is a call to serve.