Data Manager and Registrar

Last Names: A - D

Grades: 9th - 12th

Counselor Referral Form

Katie Eckert was born and raised in Massachusetts. She attended Western New England University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Springfield College where she received her Masters of Arts in School Counseling. After graduating from school in 2016, she moved to North Carolina and started working in Gaston County Schools. She spent 6 years at Hunter Huss before coming over to North Gaston in 2022. In 2020 Ms. Eckert attended Appalachian State University and received an add-on degree in school leadership. She has loved being a part of the North Gaston community and working with high school students in Gaston County over the years.

In her free time she enjoys being outside, going to the lake, and spending time with her family, friends, niece and nephew. 

Last Names: E - K

Grades: 9th - 12th

Counselor Referral Form

Sharae Powell graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She attended Capella University where she obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For years, Ms. Powell worked with at-risk youth, and has some experience with substance abuse counseling. Wanting to try her hand at something new, she recently earned a Certificate in School Counseling from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter.

Last Names: L - Q

Grades: 9th - 12th

Counselor Referral Form

Last Names: R - Z

Grades: 9th - 12th

Counselor Referral Form

David Rice is originally from Pennsylvania. He attended Geneva College, a little college in Beaver Falls, PA right outside of Pittsburgh. There he earned his Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in School Counseling. Mr. Rice spent the last 7 years at Ashbrook High School working as a school counselor. In 2021, he won the Counselor of the Year award, and has been enjoying his time in Gaston County. Mr. Rice is very excited to join the North Gaston team and be able to work alongside a brilliant team to help impact the lives of students and the community at North Gaston. 

Mr. Rice is married to his wife Alexandra and has two children, Logan and Gwen. Mr. Rice loves spending time with his family, playing any kind of board or card game, as well as spending time outside. He especially loves being in nature and going for hikes. This past summer, he went backpacking for the first time and loved it! He has started doing North Carolina's Mountain to Sea trail in small sections and is looking forward to slowly completing the trail across North Carolina. 

Graduation Coach

Counselor Referral Form

Mandi Payne was raised in Dallas and graduated from North Gaston High School in 1995. After high school, Mrs. Payne attended UNC Charlotte where she received her bachelor's in Social Work. She has been a school social worker for Gaston County Schools for the past 15 years.  Mrs. Payne is excited to be back in Dallas and working in the community she grew up in.

Mrs. Payne lives in McAdenville with her husband, Ronnie, and son Gavin.  They also have a son, Jackson, currently living in Boone and attending Appalachian State.  In her spare time, she loves adventures with her family, taking walks with her dog Boone, or reading books.   

Hi Everyone!

My name is Elizabeth Johnson; I was born & raised in Dallas and graduated from North Gaston High School in 2011. After high school, I attended North Carolina State University where I received bachelor degrees in Psychology & Anthropology. Followed by a Master of Arts in Anthropology from UNC-Charlotte in 2019.

Later that year I began working with Gaston College and have loved advising students from all across Gaston County! I currently serve Bessemer City, Hunter Huss, and North Gaston as a Career Coach / College Now Advisor.  

In my free time, I enjoy the mountains, kayaking, and traveling. I also serve on the board for the Gaston County Jaycees, volunteering and supporting various projects within the Gaston community. 

Elizabeth Johnson
Johnson.elizabeth@Gaston.edu
Location: Counseling Office
Office Hours: Wednesdays 8:30 am - 3:00 pm