Counselor's Corner

Laura Whitaker

Pheoneshia Burke

Hello Eagles! My names is Pheoneshia Burke. As a dedicated school counselor at Byron Elementary School, I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

With 10 years of experience in education and a passion for helping students reach their full potential, I support students by providing individual and group counseling sessions, and collaborating with teachers and parents to support student success.

I hold a specialist in Professional Counseling from University of West Georgia, and I am dedicated to staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field of school counseling. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and traveling.

I look forward to working with students, families, and staff to create a positive and inclusive school community where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. I know this is going to be a great school year!

Please use the resources below to learn more about the counseling services at Byron Elementary School:

Counseling Program Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that addresses the academic and personal/social development needs of all students.  Because we expect all students to be productive members of the school community, the counseling program will identify and remediate barriers to learning-which will help all students to soar to new heights!

Classroom Guidance

Whole-class Guidance instruction is provided to all students.

Possible Guidance Lesson Topics

  • Feeling/Emotions

  • Friendship/Social Skills

  • Kindness/Bucket Filling

  • Respecting Self and Others

  • Anti-Bullying

  • Personal Safety

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Character Education using the Character Strong School-Wide Program

  • Anger Management/Coping Skills

  • Career Exploration

Small Group Counseling

Working with students in small groups offers the opportunity for children with similar concerns to learn and talk with each other in a safe and fun environment.

Individual Counseling

One-on-one counseling is available to all students to discuss academic, personal, and social issues.  School counseling is not therapy but rather a brief, short-term support for a student during a crisis situation, immediate personal concern, or problem affecting their achievement and focus in school.  For students who have needs that cannot be met in the school environment, referrals to outside sources are available.  

When to Contact Your School Counselor

  •  Academic Achievement Concerns

  • Behavioral/Emotional Concerns

  • Peer Relations

  • Family Transitions (e.g. - divorce, death, re-marriage, new sibling)

  • Home Stressors

  • Referrals for outside counseling assistance or resources

School counselors assist students and their parents with issues that are affecting a child's performance either academically or behaviorally in the school environment.

Mrs. Pheoneshia Burke
School Counselor

Byron Elementary School, Peach County Schools
202 New Dunbar Road Byron, GA  31008

Phone: 478-825-9650  ext. 1807   

Email: pheoneishia.burke@peachschools.org