School Counseling Department

Hello, my name is Jennifer Schmidt, and this is my 4th year at Riverside and my 10th year as a school counselor. I am very passionate, excited, and love working with our Riverside students, family, and staff. I am an advocate for the social, emotional, and academic development of your child.

I am originally from Washington state and moved to Georgia in 2023 with my husband and two daughters Bella, age 11, and Addy, age 6. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Washington State University and my master's degree in school counseling from Heritage University. I enjoy reading, hiking, and paddle boarding with my family. I also continue to enjoy traveling and exploring everything the South has to offer.

Jennifer.Schmidt@gcpsk12.org

678-482-1020

Click here for Mrs. Schmidt's referral form

Hello. I love being part of our Riverside Rockets family. I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in psychology and sociology. I continued my education at Auburn University, earning a M.Ed. in both Community Agency Counseling and School Counseling and then my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have over 25 years of experience as a school counselor and continue to love it. My husband is also in education, teaching at a local middle school. We have two wonderful boys, one in college and one in middle school, and three cats. I look forward to building relationships and working closely with our students, staff, and parents.

Jennifer.M.Collins@gcpsk12.org

678-482-1098

Click here for Dr. Collins's referral form.

The mission of the Riverside Counseling Department is to connect with students, parents, teachers, and community members in a way that supports and encourages the highest level of academic, career, and social development of all students by delivering a comprehensive school counseling program. The school counselors will work to remove barriers to education and collaborate with teachers, families, and the community to help students become individuals that strive to be well rounded learners, leaders, and contributing members of society.

The vision of the Riverside Counseling Department is to help students become high–achieving learners and leaders who are ready for further educational endeavors supported by the comprehensive counseling program. Through collaboration with teachers, administrators, family, and community students will have access to various learning opportunities which facilitates positive life skills and high academic achievements. Students will leave Riverside Elementary prepared for a rigorous education, lifelong learning, and a positive influence in their community.

Rising fifth graders at Riverside have the opportunity to apply for our BTL Council, a group of "leaders among leaders." This select group serves as an example of student leadership and fills a critical role in the shared governance of our school. These students participate in a number of activities that extend personal leadership development beyond the BTL Academy experience.