Education
- Attended Emory University
- Master’s degree from Bellarmine University
- Degree in counseling from the University of Georgia
Responsibilities
- School Counselor
- Meets with new students
- Deals with scheduling, dual enrollment, and the well-being of her students
Background
- Originally wanted to be a pharmacist until she changed her major
Starr’s Mill welcomes counselor Ashley Clay to the Panther family. Clay taught in special education for several years before earning a degree in counseling. Coming from The Children’s School in Midtown Atlanta, this is her 12th year teaching.
“[I] did not enjoy science at all… so I changed my major in college” Clay said. “When I got to my senior year I had no idea what I was going to do next.”
Clay’s path to her career in education was somewhat accidental. She applied to lots of different programs and was accepted to a program that allowed her to teach without a teaching degree. She worked on getting her teaching degree while she was working.
Clay grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and later moved to Kentucky before coming back for her degree. She works with students on their schedules, college and career goals, and overall mental health.
“I love the hopefulness [that] kids have,” Clay said. “I think that’s what keeps me working with kids.”
Clay loves shopping and reading. She spends her free time watching reality TV and traveling. Her claim to fame is her high school band being the band in the movie “Drumline.” She also loves playing with her two dogs and eating brunch.