Lisa Bennett, EdS.
Lisa Bennett, EdS., is a dedicated school counselor with Walthall County School District in Tylertown, Mississippi, where she has spent her career advocating for students’ mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. With a professional background that spans school counseling, child protective services, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, and emergency medical services, Lisa brings a rare depth of experience to her work with children and families. Her approach is grounded in compassion, structure, and a strong belief in meeting people where they are during life’s most challenging moments.
Prior to entering the school system, Lisa served with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as both a Child Protective Specialist and Supervisor, gaining firsthand experience supporting vulnerable children and families in crisis. Earlier roles as a substance abuse counselor and EMT further shaped her trauma-informed perspective and reinforced her commitment to safety, advocacy, and emotional healing. These experiences continue to inform her counseling practice, particularly in areas such as anger management, crisis response, and student support.
Lisa is currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at Mississippi State University, building on her graduate training in school counseling from Jackson State University and her undergraduate background in psychology. In addition to her professional work, she is an accomplished author, having written multiple self-help and healing-focused books, including Calm the Chaos and Phoenix Rising, which center on anxiety management, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. Through her counseling, writing, and continued education, Lisa remains deeply committed to helping others find stability, resilience, and hope.
• Mississippi State University- Ed.S.
• Jackson State University
• William Carey University- Master's
• Southern New Hampshire University- Bachelor's
• Kaplan University- A.S.
• Pearl River Community College
• Kaplan University
• Sigma Alpha Pi- National Society of Leadership and Success (SNHU)
• Alpha Epsilon Lambada National Honor Socity- Mu Chapter (JSU)
• Mississippi Counsleors Association
• National Association of School Psychologist
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. My journey has not been traditional—from overcoming early life challenges to pursuing higher education while raising a family and serving in demanding roles. Along the way, I learned that success is built through consistency, courage, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when the path is difficult. I’m also deeply grateful for the support of family, mentors, and the people who believed in me—especially when I was still learning to believe in myself.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: keep going—keep growing—never quit. I’ve heard that message in different forms throughout my life from my mother, my daughter, and mentors like Dr. Diane Williams and Dr. Olivia Burkett. They taught me that you don’t have to come from perfect circumstances to build an extraordinary life. When you stay teachable, stay determined, and surround yourself with people who believe in your potential, you can step into opportunities you once thought were impossible.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education or mental health is to trust your voice, invest in your growth, and never underestimate the power of consistency. Learn your craft, seek mentorship, and remember that compassion and competence are not opposites—they work together to create real change.
Also, protect your boundaries. This work is meaningful, but it can be emotionally demanding. You can pour into others without pouring yourself out. Keep learning, stay open to new opportunities, and allow yourself to evolve—because leadership is not about perfection, it’s about purpose and progress.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the growing mental health and academic needs of students, while schools continue to face staffing shortages, limited funding, and increasing demands. We’re seeing higher rates of anxiety, trauma exposure, behavior challenges, and learning gaps—yet support systems often aren’t structured to keep up.
At the same time, this is also one of the greatest opportunities. Schools are beginning to recognize that mental health and learning are inseparable, and there is a strong movement toward prevention—things like MTSS, PBIS, trauma-informed practices, and early intervention. I also see huge opportunity in data-driven decision-making, where we can use screening and progress monitoring to intervene sooner, reduce referrals, and provide services that are more equitable and effective.
The future of this field is building systems that support the whole child—not just reacting after students are already in crisis.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are creativity, lifelong learning, and family. I take pride in inspiring others through my writing—both children’s books like Stay Wild My Child and self-help guides on anxiety and trauma—while cherishing time with my family.