In the landscape of modern education and school counseling, few professionals bring the depth of experience and commitment found in Shonedra M. Redd. With multiple degrees, over a decade of experience, and recognition from counseling associations, Redd’s work has impacted students across elementary, high school, and early college settings. Currently based in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, she continues to be a dedicated force in school systems, offering academic guidance, emotional support, and structured planning for student success.
This article explores Shonedra Redd’s path through academia, her years in the classroom and counselor’s office, and the values that have shaped her mission to serve students and their families.
From Fashion Merchandising to Faith and Counseling: The Academic Journey
Shonedra Redd’s journey began at the University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising between 1999 and 2004. While this field may seem unrelated to her current work, it reflects the diverse foundation on which she built her future.
After her undergraduate years, Redd turned her attention to theological studies. She enrolled at Dallas Baptist University in 2008 and pursued a Master’s Degree in Theology/Theological Studies. This program helped shape her ethical grounding and human-centered approach to problem-solving and education.
But it was her return to Dallas Baptist University for a second master’s degree—from 2015 to 2018—in Counselor Education and School Counseling that would redefine her professional path. This academic preparation paved the way for her entry into school systems across Texas and Georgia, where she would go on to serve in both teaching and counseling capacities.
Entering the Field: Special Education and Teaching
Redd’s career in education began in 2011 with Lewisville Independent School District (LISD). Over the course of more than eight years, she served as a Special Education Teacher, working directly with students who required customized learning approaches. Her role was not limited to instruction—it also included developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), collaborating with general education teachers, and liaising with parents and administrators to ensure that every student received the resources and support they needed.
These years in special education gave Redd a practical understanding of student behavior, educational psychology, and the structural gaps that many students face. It also provided her with the skills to handle emotionally sensitive situations—skills that would become vital in her next professional chapter.
Transition to Counseling: A New Chapter
In 2019, Redd transitioned from teaching to counseling within the Garland Independent School District. She began as an Elementary School Counselor, working with younger students on emotional regulation, school readiness, and social development. Here, she laid the groundwork for habits and coping strategies that would carry students through their educational careers.
By October 2021, she took on a more complex role at an Early College High School within the same district. This position demanded not only emotional intelligence but also logistical planning—coordinating between high school requirements and college-level coursework. In this role, Redd helped students navigate dual enrollment, financial aid questions, career exploration, and mental health concerns.
Her service did not go unnoticed. In 2020, she was awarded the Bronze Award from the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA), which recognized her efforts and the tangible difference she made within the school community.
Moving to Georgia: A Continued Commitment
In May 2024, Redd joined Forsyth County Schools in Georgia as a High School Counselor. The transition from Texas to Georgia was more than a change of geography; it was a recommitment to her core values. At Forsyth, she currently works full-time to assist students in planning their futures—whether through college admissions, vocational training, or direct workforce entry.
Her work involves one-on-one sessions with students, family meetings, academic advising, crisis intervention, and group guidance. She also works closely with faculty members to support struggling students and to promote a healthy school environment.
Redd’s approach emphasizes transparency, accountability, and trust. She does not overpromise outcomes, but she ensures that every student she works with has a path forward.
Core Areas of Expertise
Over the years, Shonedra Redd has built a strong profile in several key areas of education and student services:
1. Student Counseling
Whether at the elementary or high school level, Redd has consistently delivered structured support for students experiencing academic, social, or emotional challenges.
2. Early Childhood Education
While her current focus is on adolescents, her earlier roles involved early childhood development, laying a foundation for lifelong learning habits.
3. Teaching
Her years in the classroom gave her a practical perspective on what students face daily. This understanding informs her current work as a counselor.
4. Special Education
Her background in special education adds depth to her ability to understand and assist students with diverse learning needs.
5. Theology and Ethics
Her theological training continues to inform her approach, providing a strong ethical framework that prioritizes student dignity and long-term development.
The Human Side of Counseling
School counseling is often misunderstood as a background job—something that happens behind closed doors. But in reality, it’s a position that touches every part of a student’s experience. Redd has often spoken about the emotional labor that comes with her role. Whether it’s helping a student cope with family instability, or guiding someone through a failed exam, she remains steady.
Counseling isn’t just about listening. It’s about making real-time decisions that could affect a student’s graduation status, future career path, or emotional health. Redd’s ability to stay grounded while navigating these high-pressure situations speaks volumes about her leadership and resilience.
Recognition and Community Impact
The LSSSCA Bronze Award is not just a resume line—it represents years of consistent effort, collaboration, and student outcomes. Award criteria include data-driven program development, impact analysis, and leadership within the counseling field.
Redd has also participated in community outreach programs, college fairs, and family education nights. These events often extend beyond the school campus and into the neighborhoods that students come from. Her willingness to engage beyond school hours signals her investment in student growth as a community matter—not just an institutional responsibility.
A Counselor Who Understands the System
Having worked across both Texas and Georgia school systems, Redd understands the challenges that educators face—especially in public education. Budget constraints, high counselor-to-student ratios, and increasing mental health demands are just a few issues she confronts daily.
Rather than being overwhelmed, she seeks out systems that allow for better service delivery. This includes staying up-to-date on academic policy changes, participating in counselor development training, and maintaining open lines of communication with parents and faculty.
What Sets Shonedra Redd Apart
It’s not just the degrees or the awards that set her apart—it’s her consistency. Redd does not see her work as a stepping stone; she treats each role as an opportunity to make lasting change. Whether she’s helping a student choose between a trade program and a community college, or calming a parent who’s worried about academic progress, she brings clarity and calm into the conversation.
Her career is marked by adaptability, growth, and a commitment to each student’s individual story.
Final Thoughts: A Career Still Unfolding
Shonedra Redd’s story is not about instant impact or viral recognition—it’s about sustained work over years in service of young people. From special education classrooms to the counselor’s office, from Texas to Georgia, she has stayed committed to helping students reach their full potential—no matter their background.
Her career serves as a reminder that the most important education professionals are often those working behind the scenes, solving problems in real time, and showing up every single day.