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HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR WEEK
#NationalSchoolCounselingWeek is a time to recognize the unique contribution of school counselors and their impact on helping students thrive. Their presence in schools is vital in fostering a supportive, safe environment. St. Luke’s school counselors serve a variety of roles and their support extends beyond the traditional school day. Mrs. Cumpton and Mrs. Wallace want St. Luke’s students to always feel supported. By fostering a culture of care and guidance, their goal is to help our students develop into well-rounded individuals ready to face the world!
We hope that Mrs. Cumpton and Mrs. Wallace truly understand how deeply St. Luke's values their diverse roles and their genuine care for our students. We express our gratitude for their support and guidance, compassionate encouragement, and positive influence. Thank you for always being attentive, motivating, and kind. Your enthusiasm and dedication to your work are truly appreciated!
EMILY CUMPTON - JAPONICA CAMPUS COUNSELOR
Mrs. Cumpton's love for children served as the driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in school counseling. She graduated from Spring Hill College with a degree in psychology and then embarked on her professional journey as an Adolescent Case Manager at a local outpatient facility. This role required close collaboration with the Department of Human Resources (DHR), equipping her with a solid foundation in addressing the unique needs of young people.
After time spent as a stay-at-home mom, Mrs. Cumpton re-entered the workforce at a psychologist’s office, where she conducted psychological testing. This experience paved the way for her transition to education, first as a substitute teacher at St. Luke’s, and eventually as a full-time K2 teacher and the lower school counselor.
As the lower school counselor, Mrs. Cumpton's primary responsibility is to implement a comprehensive school counseling and Character Ed program. This initiative is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills that foster academic achievement and social/emotional development, laying the groundwork for their future success. Her overarching goal as a counselor is to facilitate the emotional and social growth of students, empowering them to be the best students and members of our community that they can possibly be.
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Mrs. Cumpton treasures the close-knit, family-like atmosphere at St. Luke's, particularly enjoying her counselor role on the lower campus. She finds fulfillment in helping students develop crucial skills such as communication, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms, which are vital in navigating the social and emotional challenges they encounter.
MELISSA WALLACE - UNIVERSITY CAMPUS COUNSELOR
The desire to work with children was a driving force behind Mrs. Wallace’s career choice to become a school counselor. This passion was solidified during her undergraduate studies through an internship at Penelope House, a shelter for battered women and children. The joy and energy of the children she interacted with convinced her that this would be a fulfilling career path.
Mrs. Wallace has dedicated over 25 years to counseling, beginning her career at Penelope House while pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy. After earning a Master's degree in Behavioral Science from The University of South Alabama, she worked for twelve years in hospice and pediatric hospice at Mercy Medical. She then transitioned to school counseling at St. Vincent's Catholic School before joining St. Luke's as the lower school counselor 14 years ago. Ten years back, she expanded her role to the upper campus, where she created the Learning Lab to support students with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
This year, she took on the role of Upper School Counselor at St. Luke's, where her responsibilities encompass providing support for ANY issue that a student needs support with. In middle school, she deals more with social issues and academic anxiety, while in high school, she sees more cases of social anxiety, generalized and academic stress, and sadness over emotional situations. Most of the situations she deals with require support, but some situations require outside referrals, including emergency referrals. Mrs. Wallace says, “I want students to know that my door is always open for anything a student needs to talk about and my room is a ”no judgment” room.” However, as a “Mandatory Reporter,” she is obligated to report any indications of self-harm or harm to others.
Students can find support in the Nook (classroom facing the STEM+M Center’s parking lot). She hopes that students understand that she does not punish, that is not her role. She is there to provide support, even when a student makes a poor choice. If a parent needs to reach her, they can contact her at mwallace@slesmobile.org, as she checks her email regularly throughout the day and night.
Mrs. Wallace's love for St. Luke’s stems from our incredible students. She’s confident that each one is unique, bright, compassionate, and energetic and that they all bring something special to our school - and that makes us the MOST fantastic school!
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