Department Chair
417-625-5230 ext. 3011
Email: jenniferhancock@joplinschools.org

Mrs. Hancock serves as school counselor for JHS students whose last names begin with Si-Z. She has fifteen years of experience in education having served as a high school and elementary music teacher and school counselor. Prior to coming to Joplin Schools, Mrs. Hancock worked in Springfield, MO, and southeast Kansas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University and her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

417-625-5230 ext. 3012
Email: kelliebowman@joplinschools.org

Ms. Bowman serves as the coordinator for the A+ Program, Dual Credit, and Associates Degree.  Ms. Bowman also coordinates testing for the PSAT, ASVAB and EOC.  Ms. Bowman has spent over 20 years in education having served as a high school business teacher, varsity cheerleading coach, middle school teacher, and high school counselor.  Prior to coming to Joplin Schools, Ms. Bowman worked in Miami, OK and Webb City, MO.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University and her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

417-625-5230 ext. 3010
Email: jessicaburroughs@joplinschools.org

Ms. Burroughs serves as a school counselor for JHS students whose last names begin with Hj-Mi. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Central Missouri and her master's degree in secondary school counseling from Missouri State University.

417-625-5230 ext. 3023
Email: amandarich@joplinschools.org

Mrs. Rich serves as school counselor for JHS students whose last names begin with A-Cr. She has eight years of experience in education having served as a Career Path Coordinator at Joplin Schools and a Special Education teacher at both Joplin Schools and Carl Junction schools. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Southern State University, teaching certification from University of Central Missouri and her master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. 

417-625-5230 ext. 3005
Email: julierussell@joplinschools.org

Mrs. Russell serves as a school counselor for JHS students whose last names begin with Cs-Hi.  Mrs. Russell has worked with students and families in both educational settings as well as the social service field since 2008.  Mrs. Russell completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Substance Abuse Services at Pittsburg State University and her  Master of Science degree in School Counseling at Fort Hays State University. 

417-625-5230 ext. 3025
Email: jaredcristy@joplinschools.org

Mr. Cristy has been a school counselor for 15 years in Ozark, Mo, he served 7 years in a K-4 elementary and 8 years at Ozark High School.  He graduated from Neosho High School.  After receiving a bachelors in Religion and Theology from MidAmerica Nazarene University,  he completed a Masters in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from MidAmerica Nazarene University.  He has completed K-12 School Counseling Certification from Missouri State University.  

417-680-5123 ext. 
Email: sararuth@joplinschools.org

Ms. Ruth has served students and families in educational and community settings since 2012. She is a Licensed Marital & Family Therapist as well as a Certified School Counselor. Ms. Ruth began her career at Joplin Schools as a Mental Health Counselor. While earning her certification in school counseling, she has worked in K-12 settings in SWMO and Arkansas. Ms. Ruth earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Missouri Southern State University, a master's in Marital & Family Therapy from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, and a certification in School Counseling from Missouri State University.