About the Counselor

Meet your Cub Counselor . . .

My name is Maria Sherrod and I am your School Counselor at Fayetteville Elementary School (FES). A cheerleader and advocate for children, I came to Fayette County by way of Northwest Atlanta. A product of private education and Atlanta Public Schools, I went on to further my education at South Carolina State University (SCSU) where I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. Immediately after graduating from SCSU, I entered the University of Georgia’s (UGA) School Counseling Program where I soon received my Master’s of Education degree. While in my third year of working as a School Counselor at the former Fayetteville Intermediate School (FIS), I decided to get more education and returned to UGA for my Educational Specialist (Ed. S.) degree in School Counseling. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career I have continued to be a part of programs and organizations that promote the educational and emotional welfare of children.

I am very pleased to be your child’s School Counselor at Fayetteville Elementary School. This my 18th year as a School Counselor. I spent my first 8 years as a Counselor "up the hill" at the former FIS (3rd-5th grades). I have been enjoying the adventure of being a Pre-K-5th grade School Counselor at FES since 2013!

I look forward to meeting you and your child/children and assisting in any way I can to make this a positive and successful school year. As your child’s School Counselor, I work as a team with students, teachers, administrators, and you (the parents) to assist your child in reaching their academic, social, and emotional potential. It is my belief that in addition to learning how to read, write, and do math, a good education includes have good social skills and great character! This means learning how to get along with others, make good decisions, and how to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner while controlling one’s anger.

Through small group counseling and developmental core curriculum classroom lessons, I help children learn these social skills, as well as many other skills such as being a good listener, making good decisions, personal safety, organization, and test-taking skills. I also conduct small group counseling sessions (with parent permission) on topics such as divorce/separation, friendship, grief/loss, self-regulation, test anxiety, study skills, and organization. In an effort to meet and introduce myself to new students that enter FES, I facilitate “New Cubs on the Block” groups. I also coordinate the Rainbows, PBIS Team, and am the advisor for the Safety Cub Cadets and Cub Ambassador Programs.

In addition to core curriculum lessons and small groups, I am also available to help individual students. Family disruptions may affect children at school. If your family is experiencing a hardship or situation that may affect your child in any way, please let me know. If you are aware of any problems that may hinder your child’s success, I am here to help with that as well.

As made popular by the Hair Club for Men: I'm not only the FES Counselor, I am also a client (parent)! I have a 12 year old son who attended FES and is now a 7th grader at Bennett's Mill Middle School and a 8 year old who is currently in 3rd grade at FES. I share my wonderful boys with my supportive husband, Brence.

I welcome the opportunity to work with you to help make this year successful!

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me at 770-460-3560 or sherrod.maria@fcboe.org!