Meet the counselors

Mrs. Brooks is the 9th grade Wildcat Academy Counselor. This is her 5th year at North Gaston. Prior to working for Gaston County Schools, Mrs. Brooks worked as a Mental Health Clinician/Case Manager. A career in the field of education was always a top goal because of her love, value and enthusiasm for education. Mrs. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from NC Agricultural and Technical State University (1995), a Master of Arts in Psychology from NC Central University (1998) and a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Gardner-Webb University (2010). Mrs. Brooks is a member of Psi Chi and Chi Sigma Iota National Honor societies as well as the American School Counselor Association. Mrs. Brooks aims to teach students the importance of making positive choices and that ultimately, they are responsible for their own actions.

Ms. Johnson is the 10th grade Communications Academy Counselor. She joined the department upon Ms. CD's retirement. More info coming soon! 

Mrs. MacDonald is the 11th grade Leadership Academy Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Spanish from Ohio University (2005), and her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Kent State University (2008). This is Mrs. Mac's 4th year at North Gaston. She always knew she wanted to work in some sort of helping profession, and was drawn to school counseling because it would allow her to work with students of all different backgrounds. Mrs. Mac loves getting to know her students' stories and helping them transition through high school.  

Mrs. Young is the 12th grade Leadership Academy Counselor. She received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, and completed her Master's degree in Counseling at UNC-Charlotte. Mrs. Young knew as a teen that she wanted to work in the counseling field. She had to work full time and go to college part time for many years in order to get her education. She likes to share this with students as evidence that there are many paths to a destination; some are more difficult, and some take more time. But, ultimately, getting where you want to be is what matters! Mrs. Young has now been a school counselor for 11 years. She likes working in the school system because there are so many students who need a caring adult.

Mrs. Martin is the Counseling Department Secretary. She is a proud graduate of North Gaston High and received an Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College in 1976. Mrs. Martin has worked for Gaston County Schools since 1991. She enjoys reading and sewing in her free time.