IMPACT Grant Candidate Spotlight

Read about a new candidate for this grant each month. Discover what motivates them to enter this field and the passion they bring to become a licensed school counselor.

Sheneka Hernandez is a committed candidate in the School Counseling program, currently serving as the Graduation Coach at Holloway High School. With a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), she brings a robust educational foundation to her journey of becoming a school counselor. Sheneka's decision to pursue this path is driven by her recognition of the critical need for more counselors in the education field. She is passionate about guiding students academically, emotionally, and socially, ensuring they receive the support necessary to navigate their educational journeys and prepare for future challenges.

 

Outside of her professional endeavors, Sheneka enjoys nurturing her plants, reading, traveling, shopping, and coaching basketball. She also plans to explore chunky knitting, highlighting her diverse interests and creative spirit. The School Counseling program has been instrumental in providing Sheneka with valuable insights from seasoned counselors, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. She is ready to embrace the daily challenges and rewards of the profession, equipped with the skills and knowledge gained from her comprehensive training.

 

Sheneka's prior experience as a teacher and graduation coach have uniquely equipped her to support students facing mental health challenges. Her training has refined her ability to discern when to offer direct support and when to refer students to specialized resources. Confident in her role as a primary contact for students in need, Sheneka is prepared to address the increasing demand for mental health services. Lipscomb's School Counseling program provides a realistic training approach, including mentorship and internship hours which have prepared her to effectively support students in a school setting.