The Counseling Connection

Druid Hills Middle School Counseling Department

The Druid Hills Middle School (DHMS) Counseling Department is a place for all students…not just those who are experiencing problems. We are here to support students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. We encourage students to stop by and talk to us! Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 4:00. If we are unavailable, please submit a counselor request form and we will meet with you. We strive to provide the support and assistance that will allow our students to achieve at the highest level possible. We look forward to working with you all! DHMS counselors serve our students, parents, and teachers. Each counselor works with a specific grade level, affording the opportunity to meet and get to know all students.

National School Counseling Week 2026 is Feb. 2-6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. The 2026 theme is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success!"-American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

Mrs. Wiggins-Sixth Grade Counselor!

Favorite Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Snack: Tortilla chips

Favorite Hobby: Reading

Number of Years in Education: 13th School Year!

Why You Became a School Counselor? I became a school counselor because I am truly interested in helping students and their families understand the plethora of opportunities available to them upon completion of their K-12 education. I also really love the social/emotional teaching component that comes with middle school. I understand that helping young people identify and manage emotions is a critical step in effective communication and positive outcomes.

Favorite Part of the Job: Watching students grow from their sixth-grade selves to eighth graders. Seeing their confidence and maturity develop with time, in addition to witnessing their implementation of skills and resources shared with them, is so awesome!

Mrs. Campbell-Seventh Grade Counselor!

Favorite Candy: Dove chocolate or really any chocolate

Favorite Color: All shades of blue

Favorite Snack: Popcorn

Favorite Hobby: All things sports. I am a huge Georgia fan. I love being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends.

Number of Years in Education: 12th School Year! I started my career as an 8th-grade Social Studies teacher before becoming a school counselor. This is my 8th year as a school counselor.

Why did You Become a School Counselor? I wanted to work with students on a deeper level than I was able to as a teacher. My passion is connecting with students and helping them discover their unique capabilities and strengths. I believe in all students and strive for them to believe in themselves.

Favorite Part of Your Job? My favorite part of my job is connecting with my students and seeing them grow and discover their potential

Dr. Bowie-Eighth Grade/Head Counselor!

Favorite Candy: Twix and Cherry Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews!

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Snack: Popcorn and Frito Lay Munchies!

Favorite Hobby: Community Theatre (both acting, and watching)

Number of Years in Education: 14th School Year! I was a general education teacher, behavior specialist, middle school counselor, and high school counselor, before I became a head counselor.

Why did You Become a School Counselor? I wanted to advocate for all students, and meet their social/emotional, career, and academic needs. I knew I could not do all of this in the classroom. School counseling was the perfect fit for me.

Favorite Part of Your Job? I absolutely love supporting students in any way that I can. I also love that I can lead this amazing team of professional school counselors, and establish the vision for our department.

Naviance

Naviance helps students uncover their strengths and unique skills so they can develop confidence and see their potential. They connect the dots between their interests, college, and career choices and stay motivated to choose their best-fit postsecondary path. Naviance student makes it easy for students to answer questions such as:

“Who am I?"
"What do I want to be?"
"How will I get there?"
"How will I succeed?"

Naviance Student is a mobile responsive site, for both students and parents that uses intuitive tools that personalize and simplify the college and career planning process. Naviance career assessment presentations are occurring throughout this month. Contact your grade level counselor for more information about Naviance, and to obtain parent account information.

Confidentiality Guidelines

Student confidentiality is important to us! In our counseling office, what is said here stays here… with the following exceptions, as required by law and/or ethical standards:

Harm to self or others
Abuse or neglect
Court or other legal proceedings

If there is ever a need to reveal information, we will work with students and/or parents to handle the situation in a way that respects the feelings and needs of the student and family.

Student Schedules

There are no nine week connection schedule changes. Any questions, please contact your grade level counselor.

Parents, did you know that missing 10% of school days (just two days each month) can put students at risk of academic failure?

This year, in an effort to improve overall school attendance, we are offering a reward of "Dragon Time" to students who attend regularly. Any student with 2 or fewer excused absences each semester will be rewarded. If your child must be absent, please send a note of explanation to Ms. Catherine Johnson at DHMSAttendance@dekalbschoolsga.org. Excused absences consist of illness, religious holidays, or death in the immediate family.