Counseling

The Griffin High School Counseling Department is dedicated to creating a comprehensive program that supports all students in their academic, career, personal, and social development. Programs are tailored to our unique student population, with the ultimate goal of removing any obstacles to learning and promoting success for each individual student. By partnering with students, educators, parents, and the community, the counseling department strives to prepare students to achieve their goals.

Meet Our Counseling Department

Dr. Nathaniel Ryan Shropshire serves as the Lead Counselor for Griffin High School, and he is the counselor for students with last names beginning Rs-Z. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he attended Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Shropshire continued his education at Morehouse College, where he earned his B.A., followed by Clark Atlanta University, where he obtained both his M.A. and Ed.D. With 28 years of experience in the field of education, he has spent the past 23 years specifically as a school counselor, working with students from elementary, middle, and high school levels. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Shropshire enjoys engaging in various interests, including creative writing, music, theater arts, fitness, and fashion.

Kendria Buckner serves as the school counselor for students with last names beginning Ds-Lad. Ms. Buckner is a native of Forsyth, Ga., where she graduated from Mary Persons High School. Ms. Buckner completed her Bachelor of Psychology from Georgia Southern University in 2018, and she ultimately achieved a Master of School Counseling in 2022. She has worked in Griffin Spalding School System since 2019 as a long-term substitute and had the opportunity to work as a 1st-year teacher in 2nd grade at Futral Road during the 2022-23 school year. Ms. Buckner has a joyful and open spirit ready to provide the services needed to enhance the success of each student’s future. 

Jocasta Odom serves as the school counselor for students with last names beginning with Lae-Ro. With nearly a decade of experience in the field of education, Ms. Odom is committed to making a positive impact on the students of Griffin High School. Ms. Odom earned her college degree from Valdosta State University after graduating from Griffin High School. A proud alumna, Ms. Odom reflects on her years as a student at GHS and offers valuable insight into the school's culture and community. Her passion for helping students navigate their academic, personal, and career journeys is evident in her approach as she helps students develop individualized plans to support their success.

Michelle Stewart serves as the school counselor for students with last names beginning with A-Dr at Griffin High School. As an alumnus of GHS herself, Ms. Stewart understands the unique needs of the students she supports. She pursued higher education at the University of West Georgia and Georgia State University, earning her B.S. and M.A. degrees. With 22 years in the field of education, including 18 years as a counselor at GHS, Ms. Stewart brings a wealth of experience to her role, which she freely shares with students. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, watching movies, nurturing her passion for animals, and refinishing furniture. Ms. Stewart is an avid supporter of the Griffin Bears, Falcons, Braves, and NASCAR.

Clarissa Goggins is the GHS Counseling Department Clerk. Ms. Goggins was a member of the GHS graduation class of 1993. With a thirst for knowledge, she pursued her education at Savannah University, Fort Valley State University, and Southern Crescent Technical College. Clarissa's dedication and hard work earned her degrees in Early Childhood Education, Human Resource Specialists, Business Management, and Director Leadership Specialist. In addition to her role at GHS, Ms. Goggins also contributes her skills and expertise as the assistant cheerleading coach at GHS and holds the position of night secretary clerk at Brightmoor Hospice. Clarissa's unwavering commitment to her professional roles exemplifies her passion for helping others and her unwavering dedication to excellence.