Faculty Focus is a student life series featuring a faculty member at Coppell High School, rotating by department each week.
Coppell High School data entry clerk and counseling assistant Erin Kelly creates a supportive environment, welcoming new and returning students in hopes of giving students a safe place within the school. Kelly’s time as a student herself at CHS Class of 2001 inspired her to prioritize students’ mental and physical health.
How would you describe your approach to working with students?
I want to make this a safe space for kids, so I want them to be able to come in here and feel comfortable asking questions about their transcripts, master schedule and their registration for courses. I also want to be a safe space for kids to come in when they are dealing with anxiety or other kinds of social pressures. I tell kids ‘you do not have to know what you want to do with the rest of your life when you are 18 years old.’ There is no playbook for how this goes. Do not be afraid to ask for help — we are here for you.
What is a memorable moment from your time at CHS?
Honestly, my time with this counseling team. This is a dream team. We are all friends. We bounce things off of each other. In general, I continue to make amazing memories with this team and it is fantastic. They are just great people to be around and work with.
What do you love most about working at CHS? What are your goals for this year?
I am hoping to build a community here that is supportive of one another and just grow and foster relationships. I’m also in school full-time to become a counselor here. With the help of the counselors, they got me back in school. I study at the University of North Texas, graduating in December, and then I go get my master’s degree to become a counselor here at CHS. This is what I mean when I say we just take care of each other and I want to continue that with other people.
What advice would you give to new staff members at CHS?
Look out for one another and be kind to each other. I would say that this is a really great place to work and a really fun place and just find your people here because they will take care of you.
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