Trudy J. Hill-Jones, Ed.D.
Dr. Trudy J. Hill-Jones, Ed.D., is a passionate and highly motivated school counselor, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering students to realize their fullest potential. Currently serving as a School Counselor at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Dr. Hill-Jones brings over two decades of experience supporting urban students across PK–12 and post-secondary settings. Known affectionately as the “Hope Dealer,” she lives by her personal mantra—Educate. Advocate. Empower. Inspire. Her journey from being a high school dropout to becoming the 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year exemplifies her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the power of education and second chances. Throughout her career, Dr. Hill-Jones has implemented innovative strategies that foster academic, social-emotional, and career development for students, while also building bridges between educators, families, and communities. Her work has spanned multiple roles, including, elementary teacher, adjunct instructor and advisor at Valencia College and Southwest Tennessee Community College, and counseling positions within both Tennessee and Florida school districts. Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including being featured by Forbes Women among the “13 Doctoral Women of Color Thriving Amid Missing Graduation Due to COVID-19.” Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hill-Jones is deeply committed to mentorship and modeling what’s possible for students who face adversity. She approaches her work with authenticity, compassion, and purpose—reminding every student she meets to never give up. Whether she’s celebrating student milestones, speaking at conferences, or simply offering a word of encouragement in the hallway, Dr. Hill-Jones continues to plant seeds of hope that transform lives and communities.
• TN Instructional Leader -Aspiring
• Professional Educational Leadership
• Professional Elementary Education K-6 Teacher
• Professional Pk-12 School Counselor
• Professional School Counselor PK-12
• Professional Teacher Of Early Childhood/Primary K-4
• Professional Early Childhood Teacher
• Professional Elementary K-8 Teacher
• ACES -Adverse Childhood Experiences Trainer and Coach
• PRO: Public Relations Organizer
• RTI2B
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer
• National Louis University- Ed.D
• Freed-Hardeman University
• Union University- M.A.
• Christian Brothers University- B.A.
• Memphis Literacy Academy Laureate
• 13 Doctoral Women of Color Thriving Amid Missing Graduation Due To Covid-19
• City of Memphis Resolution: Dynamic and unwavering leadership and committment in the field of school counseling.
• 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year
• 2026 Leadership and Legacy Hall of Fame Inductee
• ASCA -American School Counseling Association
• TSCA-TN School Counseling Association
• NEA- National Education Association
• UEA- United Education Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the one person who took the time to truly see me—that asked “what do you need, what’s wrong.” Coming from a difficult childhood with parents who struggled with multiple addictions. I carried a lot of anger, resentment , and just struggling to find myself and to feel like “I belonged” that moment of genuine care changed the entire trajectory of my life as well as hard work, learning to believe in myself, never giving up, and asking for help.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always be my authentic self.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to know that being a school counselor is definitely a calling. Never underestimate the impact of your presence and advocacy. Stay connected to your “why” because the most powerful change-makers in education are those who remain grounded in purpose. As your “ya favorite Hope dealer” I cannot say it enough BUT… HOPE is powerful-know that students, parents, colleagues as well as yourself oftentimes need someone to lend until they can see it for themselves. Know that HOPE is not just a feeling -it’s a strategy for resilience! Be you, Do you , UN ashamed,UNconventional and UNapologetically
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is advocating for others, resources, and the respect and knowledge about the role and leadership of school counselors, but the opportunity lies in pushing through everyday and to “Speak your mind,even when your voice shakes”-Ruth Bader Ginsburg and making a real difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are helping students and others succeed and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves as they discover themselves socially, emotionally and physically while learning how to not conform to society and learning to advocate for themselves.