National School Counseling Week: Tomeisha Williams
February 6, 2026 – For Tomeisha Williams,
being a school counselor is about purpose. That purpose did not arrive all at once, but grew clearer with time.
“I ponder over this question a lot,” she said when reflecting on why she chose this career. “My answer has changed over the six years that I’ve been in school counseling. But now, I feel more settled and attached to the career, and purpose within it.”
That purpose began taking shape in college, when a mentor encouraged her to consider school counseling and pointed out how underrepresented black women are in the field. Williams explored different paths, including social work, before realizing that school counseling aligned best with who she is and how she wanted to serve students.
Her early career quickly tested that commitment. One of her first roles placed her in a school with more than 1,100 students, where she was the only counselor. “It was overwhelming, to say the least,” she said. Still, the experience pushed her to grow. “When I left there, I felt more equipped because I had done so much with a really small amount of resources.”
She later worked at a non-traditional school in Georgia, where she became the first school counselor and helped build the program from the ground up. Trusting herself, interpreting data, and learning the community were all challenges, but ones that shaped her approach. Looking back, Williams says those experiences prepared her for Brown Middle School, where she has been the school counselor since January 2024. “Both of those experiences really prepared me to work in an environment like this,” she explained, “where the population is low, but the needs are high.”
What keeps Williams grounded in the work is seeing students apply what they learn.
“If you’re working with a kid on conflict resolution and you see them use the things that you taught them, that is very good,”
She knows, however, that middle school does not always offer immediate results. “Sometimes you don’t see the fruits of your labor at this age,” she shared, which makes the moments of growth even more meaningful. “When you do, it makes it more precious, and it makes you really want to keep going.”
To Williams, middle school is a window of opportunity. “They do want to learn, and they want to succeed,” she shared. She views these years as a critical bridge. These years allow her to “catch them before they may start to feel disillusioned,” and to guide them as they begin thinking about their future.
No two days look the same in her role, but her mornings always begin with the same routine. “My typical day starts with starting the coffee pot every single morning,” she said. “It’s just a good piece of a ritual. It helps me get ready for the day.” From there, her day may include meetings, one-on-one sessions, small groups, or classroom lessons. What remains consistent is her focus on being present. “You really just have to be you,” she said. “You have to make sure that you are steadfast in all the work that you do.”
When students come to her for help, Williams does not jump in with answers. “I don’t give advice,” she said. “They’re preteens. They’re not going to take it.” Instead, she encourages them to think for themselves. During problem-solving conversations, she often asks, “So what are you going to do?” She believes students need space to make decisions and even fail. “Life still goes on,” she said. “You have an opportunity to learn from that.”
Her hope is that every student leaves her office feeling stronger than when they arrived. “I want them to walk away feeling empowered and capable,” she said. “I want them to be confident about who they are and the decisions they make.” Building that confidence starts with trust, and Williams believes trust grows through simple connections. “What do you like? What’s your favorite food?” she asks. Those everyday conversations help students feel seen and valued.
Like many educators, Williams faces challenging days. What keeps her moving forward is her belief that hard moments do not last forever. “It won’t be like this forever,” she said. “I’m keenly aware when I’m going through something difficult, but I know the tunnel ends.”
In honor of National School Counselor Week, we are proud to recognize Tomeisha Williams for the way she shows up for students at Brown Middle School. Whether she is listening, guiding, or encouraging students to believe in themselves, her impact is felt every day. Thank you, Ms. Williams, for all you do for your students and school community.
