Jessica McDonald recently started serving in the role of district counseling specialist for the
Carthage R-9 School District. Mrs. McDonald previously served as the Ozark Center counselor/therapist housed at Carthage High School. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience in working with the foster care system and trained in many areas associated with child behavior stress management therapy, as well as, child trauma.
In this new role, Mrs. McDonald will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services that address the mental, social, and emotional needs of students and families district-wide. She will provide short term individual, family, and group counseling services throughout the District, while also securing long term mental health services for those in need. In addition, she will support staff in times of crisis including student accident, professional distress, or death of a student, faculty, or family member.
“Mental health continues to be a growing concern for children and adults. It doesn’t show
favoritism. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, or socioeconomic status. This new position will provide valuable support to our children and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Baker.
“I look forward to serving all Carthage Tigers,” said Mrs. McDonald. “I will be the person immediately available to students, families, and staff during a time of need whether it be to provide therapeutic services or coordinating continued care for our families. My goal is to assist individuals in developing and utilizing coping strategies that will help support their mental, social, and emotional needs.”
Mrs. McDonald attended Centenary College of Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and she earned a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
Mrs. McDonald resides in Carthage along with her husband Archie, and their children, Dazzlyn, Audra, and Noah.
