Her Story
About Coretta
Coretta Smith Kimble, MEd, MA, BSW is a dedicated School Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, and Administrator with Caddo Parish Public Schools, bringing more than 23 years of experience in education, counseling, and student advocacy. She began her career as a special education teacher before transitioning into the role of Behavior Intervention Specialist, where she developed expertise in supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. In 2005, Coretta became a school counselor and has continued serving students at the same school, providing guidance and support to help them achieve academic, emotional, and personal success. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work, along with dual master’s degrees in School Counseling and General Counseling, combining educational leadership with clinical expertise.
Throughout her career, Coretta has been passionate about addressing the mental health needs of children, families, and communities. In addition to her work in education, she has maintained a private practice as a Mental Health Therapist for the past 15 years, specializing in trauma and crisis counseling. She has provided critical support during times of crisis, including grief counseling and emotional assistance for students, staff, and community members following traumatic events. Her approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and advocacy, with a focus on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring individuals have access to meaningful support and resources.
Beyond counseling and clinical services, Coretta is committed to meeting the broader needs of the students and families she serves. She maintains a clothing and shoe closet in her office to support students experiencing economic challenges and partners with a local church to provide food assistance and weekend backpacks for families in need. Through her professional work, community involvement, and dedication to service, Coretta continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and those around them. She encourages future professionals in the field to remain persistent, prioritize self-care, and seek their own therapeutic support to build sustainable and fulfilling careers in counseling and mental health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Coretta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to compassion, consistency, faith, resilience, and the commitment to truly listen and understand the needs of others. For more than 23 years, I have dedicated my career to helping students, families, and communities grow stronger academically, emotionally, and socially through my work as a professional counselor, mental health practitioner, school counselor, educator, administrator, and community leader. I believe that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. My experiences supporting individuals through crisis, trauma, grief, academic challenges, and life transitions have strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, remain steady during difficult moments, and provide meaningful guidance when it is needed most. I believe lasting change begins when people know someone genuinely believes in them, and my greatest professional fulfillment comes from being present for others, advocating for their well-being, and making a positive impact that extends beyond the school environment and into the community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to remain grounded in faith, purpose, and the support of those who believe in me. I have learned that meaningful work is rarely accomplished alone and that having a strong circle of encouragement, mentorship, and support provides strength through both challenges and opportunities. I also believe that true leadership is not defined by a title, but by the willingness to serve, listen, advocate, and show up for others when they need it most. Throughout my career, I have been reminded to trust my purpose, lead with compassion, and recognize that even one caring voice has the power to positively influence and change someone’s life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the counseling and mental health field is to remain persistent, resilient, and committed to their purpose. This work can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires strength, patience, and the ability to navigate emotionally challenging situations. Do not give up when faced with obstacles; continue learning, growing, and trusting the impact you are making. Equally important, prioritize your own well-being through intentional self-care and seek support when needed. I strongly encourage professionals in this field to have their own therapist or mental health provider, as caring for yourself allows you to continue showing up fully for others. A sustainable career begins with recognizing that your own mental and emotional health matters just as much as the support you provide to those you serve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges within education and mental health is the increasing need for emotional support while many schools and communities continue to face limited resources, counselor shortages, and persistent stigma surrounding mental illness. Young people are navigating complex academic, social, and emotional pressures, making access to compassionate and qualified professionals more important than ever. For women in the profession, these challenges also create meaningful opportunities to lead, advocate, innovate, and influence the future of mental health care and education. Women bring valuable perspectives to counseling and leadership, particularly through relationship-building, collaboration, empathy, and community engagement. Coretta believes the profession must continue expanding access to mental health resources, strengthening crisis-response programs, educating families, and creating environments where seeking help is viewed as a sign of courage rather than weakness. Through her experience, education, and dedication, Coretta represents the extraordinary impact women can make when they combine professional expertise with compassion and purpose. Her career is a powerful reminder that counseling is more than a profession—it is an opportunity to restore hope, inspire healing, and help individuals recognize the strength and potential within themselves.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, compassion, empathy, community, and advocacy. My faith serves as the foundation that guides my commitment to serving others with purpose, integrity, and humility. I believe every individual deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported, especially during times of uncertainty, grief, emotional challenges, or transition. Through my work as a counselor and mental health professional, I strive to create meaningful connections by listening without judgment, recognizing the unique experiences of each person, and providing support that promotes healing and growth. I am passionate about strengthening families, schools, and communities through counseling, trauma and crisis support, social-emotional learning, academic and career guidance, and advocacy. Ultimately, I believe that making a difference begins with being present, showing compassion, and reminding others that they are not alone on their journey.
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