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Counseling

Ms. Michele Brown

Hello! My name is Michele Brown and I am the School Counselor for 3rd-5th grade. I have a Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree in Elementary School Counseling from Georgia State University. I've been a Counselor for 29 years and I am proud to be a member of the Knight Elementary family. I LOVE my job!! I can be reached at 678-245-3134 (8:00am-4:00pm).

Email: michele.brown@gcpsk12.org

Phone: 678-245-3134

Mrs. Rupal Patel

Hello! My name is Rupal Patel and I am the Counselor for K-2nd grade. I am excited about being a part of our Knight family! I received my Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Brenau University and my Bachelor's in Psychology from the Georgia Gwinnett College. This is my fourth year as a School Counselor. I have experience from Hall County and now Gwinnett County. I also love cooking and spending time with my newborn and family! I can be reached at 678-245-3132 (8:00am-4:00pm).

Email: rupal.s.patel@gcpsk12.org

Phone: 678-245-3132


WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

School counselors play a vital role in the education team, and their responsibilities go far beyond simply handing out college applications or making schedule changes. Today's school counselors design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that are aligned with the school's academic mission and improvement plan and are aimed at improving student outcomes in the areas of academic achievement, career readiness, and social and emotional development.

Comprehensive school counselors work with all students, not just those who are struggling, to help them achieve their full potential. They provide a range of developmentally appropriate activities and services that are designed to meet the unique needs of students at different stages of their academic and personal growth. These include classroom lessons, group counseling sessions, individual counseling, career exploration activities, and more. In addition to working directly with students, school counselors also lead, advocate, and collaborate with other members of the education team to promote equity and access for all students. They work to eliminate barriers to student success and help create a positive and inclusive school culture.

In addition, according to Georgia law, we are mandated reporters. If there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused, we must make a report, immediately but no later than 24 hours, to our local DFCS office or law enforcement and we are subject to criminal penalty for failing to do so.

Overall, school counselors are essential members of the education team, and their work is critical to ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to achieve their full potential and become successful, well-adjusted adults.

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Lilburn Cooperative Ministry, Inc.

770-931-8333
http://lilburncoop.org/
Ministry Hours: Mon., Wed, & Fri. 10am-2pm

Lily’s Cloak

Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–8pm, Saturday 10am–5pm

Food pantry, Funds for emergency needs, Clothing closet, Referrals for other clothing needs and household items, Referral information for other sources of assistance, Budget planning assistance, Employment resources and referrals, School supplies, Counseling referral, Follow up with clients for additional help.

Must have a social security card for everyone receiving assistance in the home.

Department of Family and Children Services

To complete a child-care, TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid application and/or update information, go online to https://gateway.ga.gov/access/

1-877-423-4746—For case specific information and other inquiries.

Offices in Gwinnett—Please note you cannot leave messages on either of these phone lines and they direct you to the information above.

  • Lawrenceville (Main County Office) 678-518-5500
  • Norcross (Satellite Office) 770-441-8800

Partnership for Community Action

Gwinnett Office: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm—Appointment Only. 
404-537-4300
770-256-3548
http://pcaction.org/

Low income Energy Assistance Program, Employment Services, Microenterprise Development Program (to assist new and existing small businesses).

 

 

GENERAL HELP

First Call for Help (United Way)

211 or 404-614-1000
http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

Gwinnett Helpline

770-995-3339
https://www.gwinnettcoalition.org/helpline/

Salvation Army

770-724-1661

http://salvationarmygeorgia.org/

Individuals must schedule an appointment through the above number. Office is open M-F 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm.

Share Financial Emergency Services, Project Hope Mortgage and Medical Assistance, Home Sweet Home Program and more—Please call above number to make an appointment and/or visit website for more information.

All four of these statements must be true to be eligible:

  1. Applicant is experiencing a crisis that threatens the utility service, housing, employment, health, safety, or stability of the household or its individual members.
  2. Applicant rarely experiences a serious financial crisis requiring outside assistance.
  3. Applicant will, as a result of this assistance, receive meaningful and long-term relief from the threat/crisis.
  4. Applicant is, under the circumstances, making a reasonable financial contribution toward the expenses in question.

St. Vincent de Paul

678-892-6163

http://www.svdpatl.org/
Email: assistance@svdpgeorgia.org

Contact the main assistance line above for direct help or email.

Trained home visitors, commonly called Vincentians, conduct face-to-face meetings generally in the client’s residence to understand the clients’ circumstances first-hand and determine the appropriate assistance. The Society provides financial assistance for a range of needs including: Medical/dental/prescriptions, Counseling, Rent and housing, Utilities, Food, Legal fees, Transportation, and Burials.

Travelers Aid / Hope Atlanta Program

404-817-7070 X121 Main Client Number (To Schedule Appointment) 

http://www.hopeatlanta.org/

Must meet eligibility and have certain documents. Please call first.

Programs and Services include: Emergency Shelter/Lodging Program. Reunification, Transitional Housing Program, Homelessness Prevention, Regionwide Outreach Program, HIV/Aids Program, Domestic Violence Program, Eviction Prevention, Housing for Chronically Homeless, Supportive Services, Permanent Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Support Services for Veterans Families, ​Airport Meet and Greet Services.