Welcome, Bears! It is my absolute honor to join the Benold Middle School family. This year marks my 25th year as an educator. I taught English/Language Arts for 12 years and am entering my 13th year serving as a School Counselor. Most of my experience is in middle school although I have experience at both the elementary and high school levels also.

My heart truly belongs to middle school as these are incredibly tender, transformative years for students. During these years, students learn to navigate a little more independence and build community, all while experiencing rapid personal growth. I am deeply committed to supporting our students by listening well, offering guidance, and empowering them to grow in self-awareness. 

I earned an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University with a Speech Communications/English Composite. Additionally, I achieved a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Texas State University.

Outside of school, I have been happily married to my husband, Joel, for twenty-six years. We are entering the exciting and bittersweet transition into the "empty nest" phase of life, as both of our children, Caleb and Kendall, are away at college.

Activities I enjoy when not at school include: reading, walking, spending time with friends and family and home projects. I will now get to add traveling to both Fayetteville, Arkansas and Denton, Texas to visit my kids at The University of Arkansas and North Texas University.  New adventures await!

I look forward to building strong relationships and serving the Benold MS community this year. Please feel free to reach out anytime. I am here to support you and your student to the best of my ability!

Hello! My name is Amanda Smith and I am thrilled to be part of  the Benold Middle School community as a Professional School Counselor. My heart is in helping students grow, and I’m dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where every single child feels supported and ready to thrive.

I earned my Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Miami University (Oxford, OH) with a focus on Developmental and Psychopathology. I went on to earn my Masters of Education and Education Specialist degrees in School Counseling from Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and hold a School Counseling certificate in Texas and Georgia. I have an article published in the Georgia School Counselor Association Journal, and have received special recognition by both Valdosta State University and the National Board for Certified Counselors for my commitment to the profession. In addition to counseling, I taught Introduction to Psychology and Advanced Placement Psychology at the high school level for several years. 

I truly have a passion to assist adolescents learn the coping skills necessary to become successful adults. I firmly believe that when children learn how to self-regulate, they become incredibly empowered and resilient. It is my goal to educate, encourage, guide, and model appropriate coping skills to best support every student.

When I am not working with our amazing students, I spend most of my time with my husband and two children cheering them on at their sporting events, traveling, and relaxing. I enjoy running, scrapbooking, using my Cricut, reading, and baking.  Fueled by my love for adventure, I also work as a travel agent as a side hustle, helping others plan their dream vacations.

I am so excited for a wonderful school year ahead! I am so happy to be your child's counselor and cannot wait to see all the awesome things they achieve this year. Please never hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. Let's make it a fantastic year together!