Emily Gill
Emily Gill is a dedicated School Counselor at Rutherford County Schools in Tennessee, where she has served for over seven years. In her role, she supports a diverse student population, including adolescents from immigrant families, single-parent households, and those who are neurodivergent or academically gifted. Emily is passionate about fostering students’ mental health, academic growth, and leadership skills, regularly creating individualized support plans, addressing mental health crises, and guiding student council initiatives to develop leadership among middle school students.
Emily began her career in school counseling after being profoundly inspired by the support she received from her own elementary school counselor. She earned a Master of Education in Counselor Education and School Counseling from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Middle Tennessee State University. Her professional development also includes completing an internship at Doors of Hope, where she fulfilled the clinical hour requirements to expand her expertise in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and successfully passed the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
Throughout her career, Emily has cultivated a reputation for empathy, dedication, and student-centered guidance. She previously served as a School Counselor at Wilson County Schools, where she honed her skills in student counseling and support. Emily is committed to ongoing professional growth and continues to leverage her expertise to empower students, promote well-being, and create inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
• Clemson University - MEd
• Tennessee School Counseling Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of numerous mentors throughout my life—teachers, coaches, and professors—who have helped shape my personal and professional growth. I am especially inspired by strong female role models, including Catherine Murray, Pam Sullivan, Kristen Moran, and Lynell O’Real, whose leadership, resilience, and example have profoundly influenced the way I approach challenges and opportunities in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace lifelong learning and remain adaptable in the face of change. Success comes from staying curious, valuing research, and continuously expanding your knowledge. Staying motivated, seeking out opportunities for growth, and committing to ongoing education are essential for thriving and making a meaningful impact in your career.
What 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 center around compassion, guidance, and resilience. I am deeply committed to supporting children, particularly those impacted by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and believe in the power of caring adults to help young people manage emotions and overcome challenges. I actively pursue professional growth, participating in training on growth mindset and resilience, and currently serve on the board of the Tennessee School Counseling Association. I also stay engaged with resources and professional organizations, such as ASCA and TSCA, to continually enhance my skills and contribute to the broader school counseling community.