Yvette Carter Nation
Clarksville,TN
Summary
Visionary and equity-driven district leader with 15+ years of experience advancing social-emotional learning (SEL), youth empowerment, and whole-child development in K-12 education. Proven track record of designing and implementing comprehensive SEL frameworks that integrate with academic instruction, fostering student voice, leadership, and success. Adept at building collaborative partnerships with school leaders, community stakeholders, and families to drive data-informed decisions, and equitable outcomes. Recognized for cultivating supportive learning environments, coaching school counselors and administrators, and leading cross-functional initiatives that improve student well-being and achievement at scale.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Counselor | 504 Building Coordinator
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
Clarksville, TN
08.2022 - Current
- Lead comprehensive counseling programs integrating SEL competencies into the academic framework, ensuring student growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Facilitate Section 504 evaluations and compliance processes for 100+ students, collaborating with administrators and district leaders to ensure equitable access to services.
- Provide individual and group counseling focused on social skills, self-regulation, and leadership development, contributing to a 20% improvement in students' social-emotional competencies.
- Partner with administrators and teachers to implement evidence-based SEL strategies in classroom instruction, creating inclusive learning environments that promote equity and student success.
- Conduct crisis intervention and trauma-informed support, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
- Mentor and coach staff on culturally responsive practices, contributing to a positive school climate.
Supervisor of Counseling and Mental Health
Maury County Public Schools, Central Office
Columbia, TN
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Directed district-wide SEL and mental health programs impacting 22,000+ students across 21 schools, focusing on SEL competency development, trauma-informed care, and academic integration.
- Led the implementation of the district’s SEL framework, resulting in a 25% decrease in behavioral referrals and improved student engagement.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to integrate SEL strategies into core academic subjects, providing training for 300+ teachers and school leaders.
- Planned and led monthly virtual and in-person professional learning communities (PLCs) for school counselors, focusing on best practices in SEL, college and career readiness, and mental health.
- Provided coaching and mentoring for new school counselors, increasing counselor retention and effectiveness across the district.
- Oversaw compliance and implementation of federally mandated prevention programs (Bullying, Suicide, Sexual Abuse, Drug & Alcohol Prevention), ensuring 100% district alignment with state law and policy.
- Partnered with community organizations to expand mental health services and SEL programming, addressing barriers to learning.
Director of School Counseling Services
Tennessee Department of Education
Nashville, TN
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Served as the state’s primary leader and advocate for K-12 school counseling, providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction for Tennessee’s school counseling programs.
- Directed the successful statewide implementation of the Tennessee School Counseling Model and Standards, offering support and technical assistance to over 100 district leaders.
- Collaborated with the Tennessee School Counseling Advisory Council to elevate youth voice in statewide initiatives and SEL policy recommendations.
- Planned and executed cross-divisional strategies and grant-funded initiatives to expand college and career readiness programs and SEL integration statewide.
- Developed statewide professional learning opportunities focused on equity, SEL, and trauma-informed practices, training 1,000+ school counselors and administrators.
District Lead Counselor
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
Nashville, TN
12.2015 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic leadership and coaching to 110 school counselors supporting Pre-K-12 students, focusing on SEL integration, data-driven practices, and whole child development.
- Designed and implemented a district-wide new school counselor orientation and mentoring program, resulting in a 20% increase in counselor retention and job satisfaction.
- Analyzed district-level data on attendance, discipline, and academic achievement to inform school counseling priorities and SEL initiatives, resulting in targeted interventions and improved student outcomes.
- Led professional development sessions for school counselors and administrators on SEL competencies, equity, and culturally responsive practices.
- Collaborated with district leadership to align counseling services with district goals on academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being.
School Counselor | Title I Facilitator
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
Nashville, TN
- 01.2015
- Provided school counseling services for students in grades K-8, supporting academic achievement and social-emotional development.
- Coordinated Title services and resources to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged students.
- Collaborated with families, community partners, and school staff to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) - Accountability and Instructional Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master of Science (M.S.) - School Guidance and Counseling
Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Business Administration and Marketing
Mercer University
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Youth Voice & Student Empowerment
- SEL & Academic Integration
- Equity-Driven Practices
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Professional Learning & Capacity Building
- Program Implementation & Evaluation
- Change Management & Continuous Improvement
Certification
- Instructional Leader License for Administrators (ILL-A)
- Professional School Services Personnel for School Counselors
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded district-wide SEL initiative, leading to a 25% reduction in behavioral incidents and a 15% increase in student academic engagement.
- Launched a mentoring and onboarding program for new school counselors, increasing first-year counselor retention by 20%.
- Directed the successful implementation of Tennessee’s School Counseling Model across 100+ districts, impacting over 1 million students statewide.
- Established student leadership councils to integrate youth voice in district SEL initiatives and school climate planning.
Personal Information
Title: Equity-Focused District Leader | SEL & Student Success Specialist
Timeline
Middle School Counselor | 504 Building Coordinator
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
08.2022 - Current
Supervisor of Counseling and Mental Health
Maury County Public Schools, Central Office
11.2019 - 08.2021
Director of School Counseling Services
Tennessee Department of Education
01.2019 - 11.2019
District Lead Counselor
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
12.2015 - 01.2019
School Counselor | Title I Facilitator
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
- 01.2015
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) - Accountability and Instructional Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master of Science (M.S.) - School Guidance and Counseling
Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Business Administration and Marketing
Mercer University
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