Indian Trail Counselors

My name is Sydney Whiteside, I am the 6th-grade counselor for Bear and Coyote 1 and 2. I was born and raised in Johnson City, TN. I actually went to Indian Trail when I was in 6th and 7th grade and graduated from Science Hill High School. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Carson-Newman University. I love to spend time out in nature, making cool things with my Cricut, online shopping, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to be here at Indian Trail and hope to help in any way I can!

Ms. Whiteside

Email: whitesides@jcschools.org

Phone: 423-610-6000 Ext. 3822

My name is Garrett McDonald! I am the 7th-grade counselor (Mustang, Deer, and Wolf) as well as Raptor Hall! This is my seventh year at Indian Trail and my eighth year as a school counselor. I am also an assistant football coach for Indian Trail, Go Hawks! I have been living in Johnson City since 2014. I grew up in Detroit, Alabama, and moved two hours northwest to Henderson, Tennessee where I received my B.S. in Special Education from Freed-Hardeman University. Following graduation, I married my (Johnson City Native) wife and we moved here where I began my M.S. in Counseling from Milligan College and completed in 2016. I enjoy exercising, basketball, football, the University of Alabama athletics, and spending time with my wife and 2 sons!

I couldn't be happier to be a school counselor for Indian Trail. Please contact me at any time!

Garrett McDonald

Email: mcdonaldg@jcschools.org

Phone: 423-610-6000 ext. 3857

My name is Cindy Osborn and I’m the 8th-grade school counselor (Red Fox & Bobcat). This will be my eleventh year at Indian Trail and I’m very excited to get to know each one of you.  One of my top priorties is preparing 8th grade students for the transition to high school academically, emotionally and socially.  I‘ve lived in Johnson City most of my life and love the community! I’m a Science Hill graduate and love to go to school sporting events to cheer for the HAWKS & TOPPERS! I received my Bachelors in Psychology/Early Childhood Development and a Master of Arts degree in Community Agency/School Counseling from ETSU and then obtained my Educator Specialist in School Counseling from the University of Georgia – GO BULLDOGS!  Prior to Indian Trail, I worked outside of Atlanta as Elementary School Counselor for 7 years before returning home to Johnson City. I love to travel, run, hike new places, & visit National Parks. However, the greatest joy in my life is spending time with my friends and family.

Please feel free to contact me at any time, I’m here to support the students and families at Indian Trail.

Mrs. Osborn
Email: osbornc@jcschools.org
Phone: 423-610-6000 ext. 3861

Mission

The mission of the Indian Trail School’s Counseling Department is to assist the school in providing support to inspire teachers and all students to achieve their maximum potential. The counseling program is a part of the total school program and complements learning by encouraging the home to school connection while being class centered, preventative, and developmental.
The Counseling Department will provide a comprehensive, developmental guidance program aimed at teaching academic, career-oriented, and personal and social skills that will lead to all students becoming motivated learners that are performing at their personal best.

Vision 

Indian Trail Intermediate School Counseling Program will become a launching pad for all students to feel empowered and prepared to tackle future transitions and ultimately the world of work and responsible citizenship.

 
Philosophy Statement & Commitments

The Indian Trail Comprehensive Counseling Program, in full implementation, will be:
 

• A counseling program that reaches the needs of students in grades 6-8.
• A counseling program that considers the needs of all students, teachers, and families at Indian Trail Middle School.
• A counseling program that is data-driven by needs assessments and the ASCA competencies for 5th & 6th grade.
• A counseling program that will be based on specific goals and competencies for all students set forth by the Tennessee School Counselors Association and the American School Counselor Association.
• A counseling program evaluated and monitored for effectiveness on an on-going basis.
• A counseling program that communicates its mission, goals, and activities to various stakeholders.
• A counseling program that includes certified professional school counselors who abide by the ASCA Code of Ethics and participate as members and leaders in various professional development activities.