Counseling
Meet your counselor
Hello Stephens Stars, Families, and Community Members,
I am Jessica Whitehead, the counselor of Stephens Elementary. I received BA's in Psychology and Spanish from Southwest Texas State University. I then received a M.Ed. with a specialization in Emotional Behavioral Disorders, along with graduate academic certificates in the areas of transition and behavioral specialist, from the University of North Texas. I received my Texas Educator Certificate as a Special Educator for K-12. Later, I earned my Masters in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce and became a certified school counselor.
I began working at Stephens Elementary school in 2005 as a resource teacher. I taught for six years and then was able to move into the role as the school counselor. I have enjoyed being a part of the Stephens family and am always willing to help in any way I can.
Please feel free to make an appointment with Mrs. Whitehead if you are ever in need of assistance.
972.463.5790 or jwhitehead@garlandisd.net
Please click the picture below for more resources!
School Counseling Vision Statement
The Stephens counselor will empower every student to achieve exceptional success in the future.
School Counseling Mission Statement
Stephens' school counseling mission is to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to grow every student to achieve their highest potential.
What can my counselor do for me?
- reviewing your choice of subject during the registration period (February - April)
- providing study skills and academic information
- providing career and college information
- helping in teacher/student relationships
- helping cope with family issues
- listening to concerns about friends, etc.
- giving you information about life and decision-making skills
- referring you to people or places outside of school for help if necessary
- being your advocate – counselors are here for you!
Counselors for each campus are certified by the state of Texas in School Counseling, have a Master’s Degree, and previous teaching experience. Each elementary school has a guidance counselor to help ensure that adequate support for helping students to succeed and meet their goals is available.
Visit the district website for more information about the GISD Guidance & Counseling programs.
College and career readiness
It’s never too early to start preparing for college and your career. Throughout the school year, I provide students with information about colleges and universities. We learn the importance of gaining a quality education and how that can help a person develop skills for their future career.
Bullying
No student should be subjected to bullying or harassment that interferes with their ability to learn or their safety.
Visit the Bullying Prevention and Investigation page on the district website for more information and resources.
Anonymous Alerts®
You can use the Anonymous Alerts® webform or mobile app to quickly, easily and anonymously report bullying, cyberbullying and other sensitive topics to school officials.
Anonymous Alerts® is monitored by GISD Security 24-hours daily and should only be used for serious and urgent matters. In the event of an emergency or life-threatening event, always call 911.
Download the app
To place a report from a mobile device, first download the free Anonymous Alerts® app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Then open the app and enter activation code garlandisd.