Meet the Counselors

Greetings!  My name is Oquella Gaines and I am the PreK-2nd grade School Counselor for Gilmer McLaurin Elementary (MCL). I am thrilled to be a part of the MCL family as a full-time counselor for the 2023-2024 school year. As a member of Gilmer McLaurin Elementary, I believe that all students should be taught how to make responsible decisions. My goal as a school counselor at Gilmer McLaurin Elementary is to help instill in students the need to care for themselves and one another. It is imperative to me that all students achieve personal success academically, socially and emotionally.

My background for over 12 years has been rooted in and surrounded by education. I am a graduate of Alcorn State University where I obtained an associate’s degree in nursing, a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and a master’s degree in guidance counseling. I also earned my specialist degree in curriculum, instruction, management, and administration from Nova Southeastern University. I am a licensed Professional School Counselor and Registered Nurse.

Greetings Bulldog Nation! My name is Erin C. Ugboaja and I am the 3rd-5th grade School Counselor for Gilmer McLaurin Elementary. As your School Counselor, I am very excited about the opportunity to work with students, faculty, staff, administration and families of such a great school. I WELCOME the opportunity to partner with you in the 2023-2024 school year.
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My background includes 17 years of experience in the education field. I have a bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS and a master's degree in School Counseling from Delta State University, Cleveland, MS. I am licensed with the state of Mississippi as a Professional School Counselor.

My passion is to foster a supported path for every child with individual, small group and classroom lessons. I look forward to new relationships with all MCL bulldogs and helping them in any way I can to succeed and achieve their fullest potential.