Meet Your School Counselors

We are fortunate to have three school counselors at our school. Below is some introductory information about each one:

6th Grade Counselor: Ms. Jillann Starr

Ms. Starr was born in Madras, India. She was adopted as a baby and grew up in Clayton County, GA. In her free time, Ms. Starr loves spending time with family, riding horses, spoiling her pup, traveling, working out, and supporting the Atlanta Braves. She taught 6th grade ELA for five years before transitioning to a middle school counselor. Ms. Starr has a passion for building positive relationships with her students, supporting their needs, and advocating for them.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Education - Georgia College & State University
Master of Science in School Counseling - Mercer University
Specialist in Education with a Major in Professional Counseling - University of West Georgia

Certifications:

P-12 School Counseling
Middle Grades ELA (Grades 4-8)
Middle Grades Reading (Grades 4-8)

7th Grade Counselor: Mrs. Brittany Pankopp

Mrs. Pankopp began her education career in 2009 teaching 7th grade science in LaGrange, Georgia. In 2013 she married and transitioned her teaching career to Coweta County where she taught 6th grade science for eleven years. Her experience as an educator, ability to connect as a mentor, and advocate for students led her to pursue her school counseling degree.

In previous years, Mrs. Pankopp has been curriculum lead for grades 6 and 7, teacher of the gifted and talented, and lead innovation instructor for the school, county, state, and national competitions. She currently resides in Fayette County with her family of five. She and her husband have been married for 11 years, they have two children ages five and seven, and an Airedale Terrier named Dottie. Most days are spent carpooling her kids around to different sporting events and trying to figure out what’s for dinner. She enjoys early morning workouts, watching movies, and playing games with her family.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Biology, LaGrange College
Master of Education, Middle Grades Science, LaGrange College
Master of Education, School Counseling, Liberty University

Certifications:

School Counseling (P-12)
CPR and AED
Middle Grades Science (4-8)
Gifted and Talented (4-8)

8th Grade Counselor: Mr. Joseph Kelly

Prior to beginning his work as a school counselor in 2007, Mr. Kelly taught for 10 years. He taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at Valwood School in Valdosta, Georgia, beginning in 1994. In 1998, he moved to Arcadia, Florida, where he taught at DeSoto High School for six years before moving over to the Counseling Department in 2004. He was District Teacher of the Year in 2002. After experiencing hurricane fatigue, Mr. Kelly moved to Griffin in 2007 and was Lead Counselor at Griffin High School for 10 years. He also worked at the Griffin Regional College & Career Academy and most recently Spalding High School. He is grateful for his return to middle school.

Mr. Kelly is Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Griffin. He is a member of the National Audubon and Georgia Audubon Societies, Ducks Unlimited, Georgia Public Television. He has two godchildren, Greyson and Ava, and one spoiled dachshund, Graham. He enjoys cooking and baking, watching documentaries and horror movies, and going to plays and concerts. He would like to participate in more bird-watching field trips.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, History, Valdosta State University
Master of Arts, History, Valdosta State University
Certificate, European Economic Studies, University of Sunderland (England)
Master of Education, School Counseling, University of West Alabama

Certifications:

School Counseling (P-12)
Behavioral Science (6-12)
Economics (6-12)
Geography (6-12)
History (6-12)
Political Science (6-12)
Career Development Specialist, American School Counselor Association