Dr. Kellyson S. Poe recently retired after serving as an educator for 20 years. She was a teacher for three years at Gordon Elementary School. She served as a school counselor for 17 years. The schools Dr. Poe served at as counselor include Tar Heel Middle School of Tar Heel, NC; South Robeson High School of Rowland, NC; J. V. Martin Jr. High School, Stewart Heights Elementary School, South Elementary School, and the Dillon County Alternative School.

Dr. Poe’s achievements include a Bachelor of Education from Benedict College, a Master of Education in School Counseling from South Carolina State University, and a Master of Education and Doctor of Education from Capella University. During the 2012 – 13 school year she was Stewart Heights Elementary Teacher of the Year and Dillon District Four Teacher of the Year. She is the daughter of Clifton and Deborah Swinney. Dr. Poe believes that the School Counseling profession is crucial in supporting a healthy school atmosphere as Counselors provide support to students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Even though she said goodbye to her position, she says she will never say goodbye to the community she served and loves dearly.