National School Counseling Week is a recognition each February designed to focus public attention on the contribution of school counselors.
Chesterfield County Public Schools school counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and opportunity for all students. School counselors help all students: apply academic achievement strategies; support students’ social-emotional needs and teach interpersonal skills; respond to and provide support for critical incidents within their schools; and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force, etc.).
Chesterfield County Public Schools annually recognizes outstanding school counselors who go above and beyond. Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Sarah Devoe of Hopkins Elementary is the 2025 Outstanding First-Year Counselor of the Year. Here is what colleagues and administrators say about her work:
Sarah has jumped right in, and it feels like she has been here for years. Not only does she have her counseling duties, but she also helps in math and other school events and clubs. Her smile is contagious, and our students love her!
In Sarah's first year, she has already made an impact with students and families. She has presented pertinent information to staff, organized small groups to support students and delivered engaging lessons. She also served as our Angel Tree coordinator and was able to provide over 200 Christmas gifts for our Hopkins family.
Sarah has made great connections with students and staff. Her passion, intelligence and empathy are an asset to the Bobcat community!
She did an amazing job of building student relationships from the first day. It is clear that she truly cares for all students and has put forth a lot of effort to make lessons engaging for her classroom lessons as well as form small group lessons for students who have additional needs.
Sarah is a ray of sunshine that has helped move our Bobcat community in a positive direction.
Ila Cartwright of Bensley Elementary is the 2025 Outstanding Elementary School Counselor of the Year. (In 2023, she was Bensley’s Teacher of the Year.) Here is what colleagues and administrators say about her work:
What truly distinguishes Ila is her remarkable capacity for empathy and support. She goes above and beyond the duties of a school counselor, not only guiding students academically and socially but also comforting and uplifting those around her.
She collaborates effectively with parents, teachers and administrators, demonstrating a keen understanding of the resources available to help students succeed.
She is a motivator and the chief cheerleader for belonging at our school through her engagement in our ROAR expectations, house system and Leader in Me framework.
She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. As an integral part of our leadership team, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing family engagement and increasing attendance at school events. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming environment is evident in her ability to connect with students, parents and staff alike.
She has made outstanding contributions to our school community through her management and coordination of our 21st Century Grant program, the Tiger Academy.
Dr. Ishaq Lee of Carver Middle is the 2025 Outstanding Middle School Counselor of the Year. Here is what colleagues and administrators say about his work:
He is excellent at building relationships with students and staff. He is kind and caring, and Carver Middle School is so happy to have him.
The way he works with students and deals with certain situations is amazing. He is so calming and kind, and the students really seem to be at ease with him. He is always so open to helping.
He is an outstanding school counselor.
He is also an excellent school counseling coordinator. In this role, he is a great leader and advocate for our department. He keeps us organized and focused.
He does a great job with the schoolwide attendance program, which he has organized and supported.
Catherine Gareiss of Meadowbrook High is the 2025 Outstanding High School Counselor of the Year. Here is what colleagues and administrators say about her work:
She is above and beyond the best counselor I've worked with in my career.
Catherine embodies the most valuable qualities of a school counselor. She is empathetic, resourceful, passionate and innovative. The student body seeks her out specifically. She works to understand students, support them to be their absolute best and prepares them to be self-sufficient and empowered.
She works tirelessly with students who have fallen behind in credits to help them catch up and meet graduation requirements.
Catherine advocates for all students at Meadowbrook and is an amazing colleague on the attendance team and student support team.
She is an exceptional counselor who cares about the kids. She works with our MBK Academy students, offers snacks to students, gives them a safe space to calm down and takes the time to get to know students on and off of her caseload.
She is responsive to teachers, parents and staff and is always willing to offer help whenever asked. She is a true asset to Meadowbrook.