Celebrating National School Counselor Week with Hamilton County Schools
February 3, 2025 – Walk through the halls of Wallace A. Smith Elementary, and it won’t take long to see the impact of Mr. Jeremiah Storey. Whether he’s leading a classroom lesson, chatting with a student in his office, or giving a fist bump in the hallway, one thing is clear—he genuinely cares.
As one of the school counselors, Storey doesn’t just help kids navigate their emotions and challenges; he makes sure they feel seen, heard, and valued. “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that when kids come to me, they feel safe to do so,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll get a knock on my door, and it’s a student who’s struggling, who just needs to talk. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
But Storey didn’t always know he was meant to be a counselor. Growing up, he thought he’d follow in his father’s ministerial footsteps, but through music ministry. “I play guitar at my church, and for a long time, I thought that was my path,” he recalls. His father, a youth pastor, inspired his desire to serve others, but during college at Lee University, a special counseling program caught his eye. The 4+1 Program allowed students to earn both a psychology degree and a master’s in school counseling in just five years. “It was one of the few moments in my life where I just felt like God was saying, ‘Do this.’ And I listened.”
That decision led him here—to a job where no two days look the same.
A Day in the Life of a School Counselor
Storey’s schedule is a mix of classroom guidance lessons, one-on-one student meetings, and collaboration with teachers and parents. “Every day is different,” he says. “One minute, I’m teaching a lesson on handling emotions in a kindergarten class, and the next, I’m helping a fourth-grader work through anxiety. It keeps me on my toes, and I love that.”
At Wallace A. Smith, he and his mentor, Christy Maupin, prioritize individual and group counseling. “We’re not just here for crisis moments. We’re here to teach kids the skills they need to navigate life—how to manage their emotions, solve conflicts, and build confidence,” he explains.
But counseling is more than just talking.
“Sometimes, I don’t even have to say much. I had a student come in the other day, just unload everything about his week, and then say, ‘Okay, I feel better. I’m ready to go.’ It was a reminder that just listening can make a huge difference.”
One of his favorite moments came when a student struggling with anxiety finally put one of their counseling strategies to use. “He told me, ‘I was really anxious this morning, but I used the trick we talked about, and I felt a lot better.’ That’s a win. That’s why I do this.”
Supporting Kids Who Need It Most
Storey knows that for many kids, school is the only place they have access to mental health support. “There’s a mental health crisis in America, and so many families can’t afford private counseling. But in schools, every student has someone to talk to,” he says. “I grew up in a family where we didn’t have a lot, so I know firsthand that getting professional help isn’t always an option. That’s why school counseling is so important.”
While elementary students don’t face the same pressures as high schoolers, Storey knows their struggles are just as real. “To them, a friendship problem feels just as big as figuring out what college to go to”. I take that seriously. I want kids to know that what they’re feeling matters.”
One of the lessons he teaches most often is perspective-taking. “A lot of kids come to me fired up, saying, ‘This teacher was mean to me!’ or ‘This kid did this!’ and I always tell them, ‘I hear you, and you have a right to be upset. But let’s think—was that person really out to get you? Or could they have just been having a bad day?’” He laughs, adding, “That’s a lesson even adults need sometimes.”
Balancing the Hard Days
Being a school counselor isn’t easy. Some days are heavy—especially when dealing with students experiencing trauma or mental health struggles. But Storey has learned to leave work at work. “I don’t take it home with me,” he says. “I have to be present for my wife, and soon, my son.”
Yes, Storey is about to be a dad! “We’re having a baby boy this spring,” he beams. “It’s exciting and a little scary, but I know that at the end of the day, my first responsibility is my family. No matter how much I love my job, I have to keep that balance.”
He also finds peace in hobbies like music and fishing. “When I tell students I like to fish, they’re always like, ‘You fish? You don’t look like a fisherman!’” he laughs. “But I think it’s important to show kids that you can work hard and still have a life outside of work. That’s something I hope they learn, too.”
A Servant’s Heart
If there’s one thing Storey wants future school counselors to know, it’s that the job isn’t always glamorous—but it’s always worth it. “You have to be willing to serve in ways you never expected,” he says. “One day, I might be leading a counseling session, and the next, I’m helping check parents in at an event. I don’t ever want to say, ‘I have a master’s degree, so I don’t have to do that.’ I believe in serving others—no matter the task—is part of this job.
When he’s not at school, Storey enjoys playing guitar at his church, spending time with his wife, and getting ready to welcome their first child this spring. And even with all the responsibilities that come with his role, he never loses sight of the bigger picture. “I don’t want to climb any corporate ladder,” he says. “I just want to be the best school counselor I can be at Wallace A. Smith Elementary.” And for the students who walk into his office every day, that’s more than enough.
Jeremiah Storey embodies what it means to be a school counselor—patient, caring, and always ready to listen. His dedication to his students and their well-being is why we are proud to highlight him during National School Counselor Week.
💙 Thank you, Mr. Storey, for all you do! 💙
