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Our Team

Student Services Program Mission Statement

 

The Student Support Services Department at Hickory Ridge Middle School is focused on helping students by removing obstacles, providing support, and empowering student learning. Each of our team members has an impact on student success, and will work collaboratively with parents and students, and within our school and community, to ensure student success and assist all students in their devleopment. We love middle school and are excited to work with and support all of our Hickory Ridge Mavericks! 

Grade level counselors will be delivering classroom guidance lessons throughout the school year. Lesson topics will follow the American School Counsling Association National Model and adhere to CCS Policy 3200. Lessons will address the three ASCA domains: Academic, Personal/Social, and Career Devleopment. If you have any questions about these lessonsor would like to opt your student out of participation, please contact Dr. Taylor. 

Counseling is based on a trusting relationship between the SISP member (school counselor, school social worker, and school psychologist) and students. The SISP team member will keep information confidential with some possible exceptions.

SISP team members may share information with parents/guardians, the student’s teacher, and/or administrators who work with the student on a need to know basis, so that we may better support the student.

Under the following circumstances, the SISP team members are required by law to share information with others:

1. Presenting information about hurting herself/himself or another person

2. Evidence or disclosure of abuse (physically, emotionally, and sexually) or neglect

3. Threats to school security

4. Disclosure of requesting teachers/staff to call student by a different name or pronoun

Picture of student services team

Navy Blue Divider - Meet Our Team

  • Kimberly Ifill PortraitKimberly Ifill
    6th Grade School Counselor
    kimberly.ifill@cabarrus.k12.nc.us
    704.260.6501

    Hello!     My name is Kimberly Ifill, I am thrilled to be the 8th grade school counselor at Hickory Ridge Middle School. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of education. I have earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of in Science in Agency/School Counseling, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor. One of the coolest things about being a school counselor is that I get the opportunity to work with all students in the areas of academic success, career development, AND in the personal/social realm. I am looking forward to a successful school year!

  • Katherine Hooks
    7th Grade School Counselor
    Katherine.hooks@cabarrus.k12.nc.us 
    704.260.6490

  • Dr. Candace Gray

    8th Grade School Counselor
    candace.gray@cabarrus.k12.nc.us
    704.260.6502

    My name is Candace Gray and I am a Licensed Professional School Counselor (k-12). I have 20 years of experience as a school counselor working with youth and young adults. I am the 7th grade school counselor at Hickory Ridge Middle School. This is my first year at Hickory Ridge and I’m super excited about my new chapter at HiRMS. I attended Hampton University, which I am proud to say paved the way for my educational success. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling, a Specialist in Education Specialist degree in Counseling, and a PHD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Hampton University. As a school counselor, one of my roles is to be committed to aiding students with achieving their full potential, both academically as well as socially/emotionally. In addition, I am truly passionate about supporting students with navigating through life’s challenges and obstacles. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, and eating at local restaurants. 

  • Kendyl Bass
    School Social Worker
    kendyl.bass@cabarrus.k12.nc.us

     

  • Megan Payne

    School Psychologist
    megan.payne@cabarrus.k12.nc.us
    704.260.6504

    [Insert Bio]