Counseling & Guidance

Our guidance department is on campus to ensure that each student has an opportunity to receive assistance in planning for their future. From choosing classes to applying for internships, our counselors' doors are open to all students.

School Counselor / iAcademy Coordinator

Our school counselor is on campus to assist students with course selection, and planning for their future, and any other counseling needs.

TBD

As of August 2026, our interim, part-time counselor is Sonja Lewis.

Career Development Coordinator & District Work-Based Learning Coordinator

The Career Development Coordinator (CDC) supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) and coordinates career development services for students participating in CTE courses. The CDC works collaboratively with administrators, student services personnel, and teachers to ensure the delivery of career development services. CDCs facilitate linkages with parents, business/industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations to support students' transition to postsecondary education and employment.

In addition, Mrs. Crawford is also our district work-based learning coordinator. As such, she is on hand to assist students with furthering their education through internships and co-ops.

Although housed on the CATS campus, she is available to assist students at all of the Iredell-Statesville Schools high schools.

Lauren Crawford

I help students discover their strengths, explore career pathways, and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. My goal is to ensure every student has a clear plan for success after graduation, whether that’s entering the workforce, pursuing certifications, or continuing their education. I partner with teachers, counselors, and local businesses to provide hands-on experiences and guidance that make career goals achievable and meaningful.

Student Resources: Support Is Here

Everyone needs support sometimes. Whether you are dealing with stress, struggling in a class, experiencing conflict with others, worried about a friend, or facing challenges at home, you do not have to handle everything on your own. Our school community is here to help you find the support and resources you need to be successful in school and in life. Start by talking with a trusted teacher, counselor, administrator, family member, or other caring adult. You can also explore the resources below for additional support.

💚 Mental Health & Well-Being

Your mental health is an important part of your overall well-being and your ability to learn and thrive. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, lonely, or simply not like yourself, reaching out for support can help.

Where to start:

Talk with your school counselor or another trusted adult.
Ask about available school-based counseling and support services.
Connect with a mental health professional or community resource.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or use online chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. You do not have to be experiencing a crisis to reach out.
NC Peer Warmline: Call 1-855-PEERS-NC (1-855-733-7762) to talk with a trained Peer Support Specialist who understands challenges related to mental health and substance use. The service is free, private, and available 24/7 by phone, with text and chat options also available.

🆘 Crisis & Immediate Support

If you are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support from a trained crisis counselor. You can also use online chat.

NC Peer Warmline
1-855-PEERS-NC (1-855-733-7762)
Talk with a trained Peer Support Specialist who understands what it is like to face mental health or substance-use challenges. Phone, text, and chat support are available 24/7.

North Carolina Crisis Services
North Carolina provides additional options including mobile crisis teams, community crisis centers, and walk-in services for mental health and substance-use concerns.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or get help from a trusted adult immediately.

📚 Academic Support

Having difficulty in a class does not mean you are failing—it means you may need a different kind of support. Don't wait until the end of the semester to ask for help.

Where to start:

Talk with your teacher about assignments, projects, or concepts you don't understand.
Meet with your school counselor to discuss academic concerns.
Ask about tutoring, study resources, credit recovery, or other academic support available at your school.
Talk with a trusted adult if something outside of school is making it difficult to focus or keep up with your work.
If you have accommodations or learning supports, make sure you understand how to access them and who can help you.

Remember: Asking for academic help is a strength, not a weakness.

🤝 Bullying, Conflict & Peer Concerns

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and included at school. If you are experiencing bullying, harassment, exclusion, threats, or ongoing conflict—or if you are concerned about something happening to another student—tell a trusted adult.

You can:

Talk with a teacher, counselor, administrator, or other trusted adult.
Report concerns through your school's established reporting process.
Save relevant messages or information if the concern involves online communication.
Reach out if you witness bullying or are worried about a friend.

You don't have to figure out how to handle the situation by yourself. Adults at school can help determine the appropriate next steps.

🌱 Substance Use & Recovery Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, you are not alone and help is available. You can talk with a school counselor, trusted adult, healthcare professional, or community support provider.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services provides information and services related to mental health and substance use, including crisis services, community crisis centers, mobile crisis teams, and walk-in services.

Need someone to talk to? The NC Peer Warmline is available 24/7 at 1-855-PEERS-NC (1-855-733-7762) and connects callers with trained Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental health or substance-use challenges.

🏠 Food, Housing & Basic Needs

Sometimes challenges outside of school can make it difficult to focus on school. If you or your family are experiencing food insecurity, housing concerns, transportation challenges, difficulty paying bills, or other basic-needs concerns, please reach out to a trusted adult at school. We may be able to connect you with school and community resources.

NC 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects North Carolina residents with local resources for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and other essential needs. Call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162, or search for resources online. NC 211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You do not need to be embarrassed about asking for help. Everyone deserves access to the resources they need to be safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

💙 Concerned About a Friend?

If you notice that a friend is struggling, you don't have to know exactly what to say or how to solve the problem. Listen, take their concerns seriously, and connect them with a trusted adult. If you believe someone may be in immediate danger, get an adult or emergency help right away.

You don't have to carry someone else's problems alone. Getting an adult involved is a way of caring about your friend.

Remember: Asking for Help Is a Strength

You don't have to wait until a problem becomes a crisis to ask for help. Whether you need academic assistance, someone to talk to, help with a difficult situation, or connection to community resources, there are people who want to help.

Start with one person. Start with one conversation. Start today.