Hello! I'm Mrs. Kristie Rygiel-DeBor, and I am pleased to return to RHS as the school counselor for students whose last names begin with the letters A-G. I began my career at Ringgold in 2007 as a seventh grade ELA teacher at Carroll Middle School. Since then, I've taught ELA from sixth to tenth grade at all the secondary level buildings in the district. I was also a school counselor at RHS from 2015-2017. Throughout my time here, I have also been a Lead Teacher and worked on the School Improvement Plan. The fun positions I have held include both sponsoring the school newspaper and middle school yearbook. My absolute favorite, though, is being the Drama Director for the RHS Spring Musical.

I earned both my Bachelor's (2007) and Master's (2015) Degrees at California University of Pennsylvania. I continue to participate in classes, workshops, and trainings to build my knowledge of techniques and resources to help students. I am also a member of the Washington Green Fayette County Counselors Association.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three cats as well as my family and friends. I also enjoy reading and all things Halloween!

My door is always open to any and all students! 😊     

My name is Mrs. Kasi Staffen. I graduated with my Masters degree in School Counseling from California Univeristy of PA. I started my career as a teacher in Monessen School District, then became a school counselor, and transferred to Ringgold in 2018. This is my 23rd year as a counselor! 

My name is Mrs. Phoebe Dailey and I am excited to be a part of the Ringgold High School Counseling Department. I graduated with my Masters Degree in K-12 School Counseling in May 2021 from California University of PA. I also have a certification in Sports Counseling and Athlete Mental Wellness. I am currently a member of the "Washington, Green and Fayette County Counselors Association." 

Before coming to Ringgold in 2022, I held long-term substitute counseling positions with Woodland Hills School District, Upper St. Clair School District and Peters Township School District during the 2021-2022 school year.

In 2018, I graduated with a Bachelors Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Public Relations. After graduation, I worked in Marketing and Events in downtown Pittsburgh for a little over a year. I am from Bethel Park and was very active in sports and music throughout high school and college. In addition to being a school counselor, I work with the Ringgold Marching Band as one of the Assistant Directors. Through my experiences, I understand the importance of a well-rounded education and look forward to helping students find the best career path that will make them successful and happy after high school. I am here to support students with last names O-Z, but my door is always open! 

In my spare time, I enjoy working out and spending time with new baby, Brandy, my puppy, Penny, and friends and family. My sister and I love to take indoor spin and workout classes. In the summers, my husband and I enjoy going to the beach and spending time relaxing. 

My name is Dr. Jamie N. Brownfield. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania in 2001, I worked as a Therapeutic Staff Support for children and adolescents with dual diagnoses including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Mental Retardation. Following graduation, I pursued a Masters degree in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling at California University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation in 2004, I was hired by the Ringgold School District as an elementary school counselor for two years and then transferred to the middle school in 2006 where I have worked as a middle school counselor from 2006-January 2022. On January 24th, 2022, I started as the Transition Counselor at Ringgold High School. While working as a school counselor in the Ringgold School District, I earned my Doctoral Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University in May 2012. 

During my time at Duquesne University, I also became a Licensed Professional Counselor. I currently work part time as a therapist helping children, adolescents, and their families live up to their full potential by overcoming life obstacles. With sincere interest and a varied approach, I have helped people by focusing not only on the individual, but also the family dynamics that influence their well-being. I help individuals access their inner strengths and resources to guide and encourage them to be the best they can be. Oftentimes, this requires helping the person see how the thoughts they have about their situation is contributing to the problems they are in counseling to resolve. 

Over the course of my career, I worked as an adjunct professor at California University of Pennsylvania’s Psychology department to teach Psychopathology of Adult Disorders and a course on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in the Counseling Department at California University of Pennsylvania. I am also a member of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) and American School Counseling Association (ASCA). I have had the opportunity to present at both PCA and ACA on topics that included school crisis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the supervision of counselors.  

In conclusion, my career as a school counselor has been a wonderful experience. I have had the opportunity to work with such amazing students and families. Throughout the years, I have watched your children struggle, learn, and grow. Each student is important to me as well as the qualities and stories they possess. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concern that you may have about your child. I will do my best to address your concerns and needs. It takes more strength to ask for help than it does to ignore the concern. I look forward to continuing my career in the Ringgold School District.