• Hello! My name is Sara Penland and I have been a School Counselor in Gwinnett County since 2015. I am looking forward to serving GOES students and families! I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Winthrop University and my Master's Degree in School Counseling and Development, also from Winthrop University. I will be serving 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades this year. My husband and I have two wonderful daughters.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email to discuss your child's academic, behavior, or social/emotional growth. 

  • Hello my name is Natalie Pugh and I have been a School Counselor in Gwinnett County since 2000. I look forward to having another great year working with Gwin Oaks Elementary School students and families. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Tuskegee University, my Master’s Degree from Southern University and A&M College, my Educational Specialist degree from Troy State University and my Doctorate of Education in Counseling and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. I will be serving students in Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th grade. I am also certified in grades Pre-K -8th in all subjects. My husband is a retired educator and we have two wonderful boys. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email. 

Why does my school have a counselor?

  • Elementary school counselors are master-degreed professionals who provide a school counseling program to support students, staff, parents and the community. School counselors develop a program that is comprehensive, developmental, and preventative. The program focuses on services that address academic, career, and personal/social development.

    All professional school counselors are trained to provide these services in a variety of efficient and effective methods, including:

    Core: Implementation of classroom lessons to teach skills and knowledge in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development.

    Counseling: Working with parents, teachers, and students to remove personal and social barriers to learning to increase student success. This includes:

    Individual and small group counseling: Consultation with parents and teachers regarding academic, personal or social issues.

    ​Children may face difficulties, which can prevent them from doing their best in school. These difficulties can include school adjustment issues, stress, family change, grief, fears, or difficulties with friendships. Having support through difficult times can be essential to a child’s educational success. Please let me know if there is a situation in which I may be of help. I look forward to working with all the students at Gwin Oaks Elementary School.