Hello RCMS Students and Families,

My name is Esther Ferrell and I will be the counselor for the Discovery Team and the Legacy Team with last names L-Z.  This is my 13^th year at Rachel Carson Middle School and my 33^rd year as either a counselor or teacher.  I am excited to get to know and work with all of you! 

I was born in New York City and raised in Northern New Jersey.  I have a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in Education from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from University of Maryland College Park.  I have worked as a teacher in Virginia and North Carolina and have worked as a counselor in South Carolina, Virginia, and South Korea.  As a counselor, I have worked in all 3 levels but have spent the most years in middle school! 

I have 2 kids.  My son, 27, is a Materials Science Engineer and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and my daughter, 26, is a human resource specialist at NCIS and lives in Fredericksburg.  I love to run, do yoga and travel! 

My counseling philosophy is solution focused.  I believe that there are no problems just obstacles to navigate and by focusing on our skills we can find ways around/through those obstacles.  All students want to be heard and I hope to be that sounding board and person who helps students navigate through middle school.