Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School is proud to welcome Ms. Jonelle Powell, LGPC, as our School-Based Counselor.
Ms. Powell is a native of Bay Shore, New York, and brings more than a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in behavioral health, counseling, rehabilitation, case management, addiction services, vocational support, and juvenile services.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delaware State University in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University in 2019.
Throughout her career, Ms. Powell has served as a Behavior Specialist, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program provider, Case Manager, Vocational Instructor, addiction counselor, and mental health counselor. Her work has included supporting children with autism and behavioral health needs, adults with intellectual disabilities, individuals working toward employment and independence, and youth involved with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
Ms. Powell’s counseling philosophy is built around creating genuine relationships and providing students with a safe, supportive environment where they can speak openly and without judgment. Her practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, play therapy, and person-centered approaches.
Through counseling, she helps students better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while developing healthy coping strategies, emotional-regulation skills, confidence, problem-solving abilities, and resilience.
Ms. Powell strongly believes that counseling is not about telling students who they should become. Instead, it is about helping them discover their strengths, better understand themselves, and develop the tools they need to navigate challenges and recognize their own potential.
She also values collaboration with families, teachers, and school staff because student success is strongest when the entire school community works together.
Ms. Powell is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and her commitment to service, leadership, advocacy, and community is reflected throughout her professional work.
Her goal is simple: every student who enters her office should leave knowing that they are seen, they are heard, they are valued, and they do not have to face challenges alone.
We are excited to have Ms. Powell as part of the GHEMS community.