About Us

At Burns Middle School we have the privilege of having three full-time counselors and a full time social worker to serve all of our students and their families.

We as a support staff have over 20 years of combined experience in counseling and social work. We offer a strong support to our students, as well as their families, and see to all aspects that often cause stress in the lives of an adolescent.

Talia Alvarado

Welcome! I am a 6th grade counselor and 504 coordinator at Burns Middle School. I have been a school counselor for seven years in total and this will be my third year at BMS. Before becoming a counselor, I taught high school home economics (FACS) classes for 11 years.

I am happily married and have three (compassionate but sarcastic) daughters. Isabella is a student at Princeton University, Genevieve is a junior in high school, and Seraphina is an eighth grader.

My children and husband keep me busy at home but so do my sweet and entertaining pups, Jack, Patti, and Luna. I enjoy baking and trying new recipes with my girls. My husband and I also find solace in growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables. There is something magical about watching plants-- and people-- grow and develop.

Scott Owens

I have been at BMS for over 10 years. I am currently the counselor for all 8th grade teams. I also coach Cross Country and Track.

I graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences and again in 2009 with my Master of Arts in School Counseling. Prior to working at BMS, I worked at Lincolnton Middle School in Lincolnton, NC as a school counselor and as a Behavior Crisis Assistant with Cleveland County Schools.

Although I grew up in Chester, SC, I have lived in Cleveland County for most of my life. My wife, Beverly Owens, is a teacher at CECHS and we have a 4-year old daughter, Emma. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy martial arts training and playing music.

Erica Gardner

My name is Erica Gardner and I am excited to be joining the Burns Middle School team as a school social worker. I have been working as a school social worker at Crest Middle School for the past five years and previously served as a child and adolescent outpatient therapist.

I live in the Burns community with my husband Justin and our two children Ema (6) and Lucas (3). We love to travel, spend time with our family, and are an active part of Double Shoals Baptist Church.

I graduated from Burns High school and I am so excited to be working in my own community!

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