Meet Your EJHS Counselors

Kelly Zabilka

Hi! My name is Kelly Zabilka. East is my happy place and I’m so glad to be part of East tradition.
I have taught in Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Social Studies Education at the University of Missouri in my hometown of Columbia, MO. I then earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Kansas and then, just last year, I earned my Education Specialist Degree in Principal Licensure from Asbury University. While my family has called Kentucky home since 1994, I sometimes miss the big sky of the Mid-West.

I take care of all East students whose last names begin with M-Z. There are so many things we do for all students, it’s hard to list them all. Just know we are good go-to people for all sorts of questions or challenges. I also serve as the school’s 504 accommodations plan coordinator. I manage all 504 processes for any student, regardless of last name. I would be first contact for any concerns regarding accommodations or change in needs.
When I’m not counseling, I spend most of my time with my family: husband Eric, daughter Kimberlee, son-in-law Brajaan, son Nick and grandson Cosley. We all love to be outdoors and we work hard to adventure together as often as possible. We love to hike, bike and kayak. We share our home with two cats: Karl Bucket and Maddie Bear. I love to experiment in the garden and in the kitchen. Sometimes with great results, sometimes not so great.
If you need to contact me, please feel free to reach out. My office number is (859)885-7240 ext. 3109. My email address is kelly.zabilka@jessamine.kyschools.us. During the time we are out of school for COVID-19, my live office hours are on Mondays-Fridays from 4 pm - 6 pm. You may email me for the link to join or find the link on the Cohort Classroom homepage.

Jennifer Rocco

Hello! My name is Jennifer Rocco, and I have been at East Jessamine High School since its opening in Fall of 1997. My beginning years at East Jessamine were spent in the Spanish and math classrooms, and I transitioned to the counseling office in 2005. The past few years, I have been given the privilege to teach one math class per year as both counseling and teaching are my life's professional passions!
I am a true Jessamine Countian! I graduated from Jessamine County High School in 1988 and pursued a bachelor's degree from what was then Asbury College. After a brief stint at North Laurel High School, I returned to Jessamine County to teach at Jessamine County High School prior to the split in 1997 at which time I became a Jaguar. While teaching, I attended Eastern Kentucky University to earn my master's degree in education and my standard certification in school counseling.
East holds a very special place in my heart as three of my children have graduated from East and one will graduate in 2021. Currently, I even have the privilege of working with one of my children as he has returned to his alma mater to teach math.
When I am not enjoying life at East Jessamine High School, my world is focused around my family. I have a husband, Rod, and four children, Jarod, Isaiah, Sarah and Isaac. Much of my time has been spent watching my children play soccer throughout their lives. I have loved every single second of the thrill of the competition and seeing my children participate in something they love. When I am not at school or at the soccer field (or other athletic venues), I enjoy the great outdoors through running, walking, hiking and biking. One of my favorite things to do is travel to Slade, Kentucky and walk the trail to Natural Bridge to see the sunrise. What an awe-aspiring experience!
I counsel students whose last names begin with A-L. Whether the need is academic or personal/social, please feel free to contact me at anytime. My office number is (859)885-7240 ext. 3108. My email address is jennifer.rocco@jessamine.kyschools.us. During the time we are out of school for COVID-19, my live office hours are on Mondays-Fridays from 4 pm - 6 pm. You may email me for the link to join or find the link on the Cohort Classroom homepage. GO JAGS!

Lindsey Mulcahy

Ahoy! I have been a jaguar all of my life. I graduated from East Jessamine High School in 2003 and never strayed too far from home. I left East and earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Kentucky in psychology. I have also earned master degrees in special education (2010-Asbury University) and counseling (2015-Eastern Kentucky University). I have served in many roles at East Jessamine High School since February of 2008 when I was hired by Matt Moore (then director of special education). I have served as a special education, college study skills, and photography teacher. As a counselor, I primarily work with students in the realm of all things college and career. This includes, but not limited to, support with college and career exploration, financial aid and scholarships, test prep, AP classes and exams, dual credit courses, and other aspects of academic counseling. Some of my favorite events of the year include our annual College & Career Fair in October, Decision Day, and Explore club meetings. Being connected with students always brings me great joy, which is why I am also on social media posting to East Jessamine High's Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to follow us so you can stay up-to-date on school happenings!
I enjoy every minute of my day when I am with my East family. When I am not working, I enjoy the company of my family: Daniel (husband), Charlie (2 year old daughter), Declan (6 month old son), Gryffin (my three-legged dog), and Girl (our deaf Australian Shepherd).. They are the most beautiful people in the world and each have unique qualities that bring me great joy. Together, we enjoy reading books (especially about sharks and other sea life), crafting waterscapes out of PlayDoh, bird watching, and playing catch with soft, plush animal toys. Daniel and I still enjoy playing video games together on such systems as Switch and PS4. We mainly play RPGs, but also dabble in other genres as well. Our favorite video games include anything Zelda, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Elder Scrolls (in particular Skyrim), Assassin's Creed, Overwatch, Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart, Metal Gear, Bioshock and currently Animal Crossing New Horizons. We also enjoy Magic the Gathering, and both have placed in the Top 10 in tournaments at A+ Comics in Lexington. We also love traveling to new places, hiking, and kayaking. Our favorite vacations include Italy, Yellowstone, and Belize. On my own, I love pursuing the art of photography. There is something beautiful about capturing a precise moment in time that you can relive again and again through an image. I also like to crochet and I am currently attempting to crochet animals for our children. Some of my other interests include true crime, ancient Egypt, and reading about my personal heroes: Cory Booker, Martin Luther King Jr., Pope Francis , and Ellen. Finally, when I grow up, I want to have land where I can take care of abandoned or injured animals of all types with my friends.
I look forward to our conversations, no matter the topic. I am so excited to see how your future unfolds and the adventures that await. If you need anything, I will do my best to help you out or find another person who can. Email me at: Lindsey.mulcahy@jessamine.kyschools.us or text me on remind. During the time we are out of school for COVID-19, my live office hours are on Mondays-Fridays from 2 pm - 4 pm. You may email me for the link to join or find the link on the Cohort Classroom homepage. I can't wait to hear from you!

""Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' Martin Luther King, Jr."

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