Go Bobcats! It's going to be a great year!!
Vanessa Smith
Freshmen Counselor
This is my 6th 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 19th 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 26th 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
Schedule a registration appointment using Calendly
Counseling referral Form: Mrs. Pointer's '23-24 Counseling Referral Form
Beth Brown
Automotive Services & Technology Academy
This is my 24nd 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
Referral Form:
Terry Sharp
College & Career Counselor
This is my 20th year as a school counselor, and my 12th 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 two cats 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
Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/terry-sharp/individual-student-meeting
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 am originally from Virginia, and I graduated from Carson Newman University in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Athletics & Recreational Management. I just recently moved to the Knoxville area from Florida. I love all things outdoors ,and I am a trivia fanatic!
Pipeline is a program operated through the Boys & Girls Club, and which serves students at Central. Come see me to learn more.
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. Students and parents can reach out to my mom, Amie Leonard, to sign a consent form and meet with me regularly.