Go Bobcats! It's going to be a great year!!
Vanessa Smith
Freshmen Counselor
This is my 7th year as a school counselor and I can't wait to have a fantastic year here at Central High! I have a bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Lincoln Memorial University. I love to travel and have been to 6 different countries, so far. I have 2 dogs and a cat that keep me on my toes outside of school.
E-mail: vanessa.smith3@knoxschools.org
Amanda Martin
Health & Life Sciences Academy
I am beginning my 20th year in School Counseling and am excited to be a Central Bobcat this year! I am passionate about helping students be successful, both while in high school and planning for their futures. I received my Bachelor’s degree from ETSU in Human Development & Learning, my Master’s degree from Indiana University in School Counseling, and my Ed.S. degree from ETSU in Counseling Leadership.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, friends, and my dog Ollie. I like gardening and all things crafty. I also love being outside and in any kind of water - pool, lake, or ocean!
E-mail: amanda.martin1@knoxschools.org
Jennifer Pointer
Business & Design Academy
This is my 27th year as a School Counselor. I love reading, sports, and the arts. My husband is Rob and we have two daughters Hadlie & Sydney. We also have 3 dogs!! I have an Ed.S. degree in Administration & Supervision, Lincoln Memorial University, a Masters of Education in School Counseling K-12, Carson Newman University, and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology, Lincoln Memorial University
E-mail: jennifer.pointer@knoxschools.org
Beth Brown
Automotive Services & Technology Academy
This is my 25th year as a school counselor and my first year at Central. I have a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Masters in Education for School Counseling from Carson Newman University (TALONS UP!!). I look forward to working with the awesome students at Central and the amazing staff!
E-mail: Beth.Brown@knoxschools.org
Terry Sharp
Global Student Counselor
This is my 21th year as a school counselor, and my 13th at Central High School! I love being a Bobcat and helping students figure out what their next steps will be after high school! I have one cat and two dogs, and I am all about hiking, traveling, photography and knitting. But not at the same time :)
I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master's degree in Counseling, from The University of Tennessee - GBO! I also hold three specialist certifications from American School Counselor Association: College Admissions, Career Development, and Data Management.
Photo credit goes to Ms. Heather Lovett!!
E-mail: terry.sharp@knoxschools.org
Cindy Sharp
Student Services Secretary
I am one of the friendly faces you will see when you come to Student Services. I have been a Bobcat since 1999. I can help you with enrollment, attendance, and SF1010 forms (for getting your permit). When I'm not at Central, I am enjoying quality time with my kids and my grandsons!
Email: cindy.sharp@knoxschools.org
Kristi D'Anna
Student Services Secretary
Email: krisit.danna@knoxschools.org
Amie Leonard
Social Worker
Freshman Academy
Health & Life Sciences Academy
This is my 4th year at Central and 8th with KCS. I graduated from UTK with my bachelor's and master's degree in social work and feel fortunate to work with the students and families in this community. I have a 6-year-old Goldendoodle named Foster, who has been certified through the HABIT program, allowing him to attend school with me. Foster has become a staple at Central and brings a lot of joy to the building.
Email: amie.leonard@knoxschools.org
KCS Phone: 865-660-2001
Sara Roberts
Social Worker
Modern Industry and Technology
Freshman Academy
I grew up in Wisconsin and completed my Bachelor's in Psychology and At-Risk Youth Care at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse before I moved to Tennessee to for my Masters in Social Work. In May I completed my Ed.S in Educational Leadership. This is my 7th year as a school social worker with KCS and I love everything about getting to work with students and their families. My husband is also a teacher and coach at Central so we love everything about this community!
KCS phone: 865-680-6731
Email: sara.roberts@knoxschools.org
Bri Dowis
Pipeline Advisor
I graduated from Carson-Newman University in 2019. I have worked in some realm of Higher Education for over 10 years, and I have extensive knowledge about all things college, specifically admissions and financial aid. I am here to help you with your post-secondary journey through the PipeLine program which aims to support any financial obstacles you may face as you explore your options! The PipeLine program is designed to increase the number of youths from various backgrounds that complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education. PipeLine is a grant funded by the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley. The program provides the following resources for FREE: Career Exploration, Academic Advising, Assistance with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Assistance with College application process, Assistance with exam and application fees, College & Career Tours & More!
Apply Here: https://form.jotform.com/231985660806970
Email: bndowis@bgctnv.org
Foster
HABIT dog
My name is Foster, and I am 7 years old. I love being at Central and meeting with students to help them with decompressing from stressful situations or brighten their day. I like to hold hands and make the students smile. Smiling is my favorite.
I'll be here weekly, but "Foster Fridays" are my favorite day to be at Central as I get to visit students during the pep rally and get everyone ready for the weekend. Did I mention that I have my own tshirt? Students and parents can reach out to my mom, Amie Leonard, to sign a consent form and meet with me regularly.