Counselors
Meet Our Counselors
At Bethesda Elementary School, the counselors strive to meet the academic, social/emotional, and developing career needs of all students. The counselors will seek to provide opportunities that empower students to embrace their full potential, to remove barriers to success and to enable students to become successful, responsible, respectful, and contributing citizens. All students have equitable access to a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate counseling program.
Charles Hale
Mr. Hale is beginning his fifth year at Bethesda Elementary and has worked as a counselor for 19 years. Mr. Hale works with 2nd and 5th grades students. He earned his undergraduate degree in geography from Radford University, a master’s degree in school counseling from Virginia Tech, and a specialist’s degree from the University of Virginia. When Mr. Hale is not at school, he enjoys going to jazz concerts, attending Hawks games, and traveling. You can contact Mr. Hale at 770.381.4212 or charles.e.hale@gcpsk12.org
Amanda Owen
Ms. Owen is beginning her tenth year at Bethesda Elementary and has worked as a counselor in Gwinnett County for 17 years. Ms. Owen works with 1st grade and 3rd grade students. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Agnes Scott College and her master’s and specialist’s degrees in School Counseling from Georgia State University. When Ms. Owen is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. You can contact Ms. Owen at 770.381.4211 or amanda.owen@gcpsk12.org
Ana Hoyos
Ms. Hoyos is beginning her ninth year at Bethesda Elementary and has worked as a counselor in Gwinnett County for 16 years. Ms. Hoyos works with kindergarten and 4th grade students. She came to the United States from Colombia in 1996 and received both her undergraduate and master's degrees in School Counseling from Georgia State University. When Ms. Hoyos is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family. You can contact Ms. Hoyos at 770.381.4204 or ana.hoyos@gcpsk12.org
Vision and Mission
School Counseling Program Vision Statement:
The vision of the Bethesda Elementary School comprehensive school counseling program is that all students are empowered to embrace their full potential as world-class citizens. They lead with empathy and strive for equity, demonstrating effectiveness and excellence in college, careers, and global citizenship.
School Counseling Program Mission Statement:
The mission of the Bethesda Elementary School Counseling Department is to meet the academic, social/emotional, and developing career needs of all students by ensuring equitable access to a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate school counseling program.
Mandated Reporting
In compliance with HB 1176, ALL school personnel and volunteers are required to report suspected acts of child abuse to the person in charge of the facility. This report cannot be modified by any person(s) and will be reported immediately, or within 24 hours, by the person in charge of the facility to the appropriate agency. GCPS Mandated Reporting
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