Meet Ashley Emmons, Lead School Counselor at CASC

For six years, Ashley Emmons has been helping high school students at Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC) find their path – academically, socially, and beyond graduation. Now in her third year as Lead School Counselor, Ms. Emmons plays a big role in shaping the counseling department’s mission of preparing students for life after high school. 

“We support students socially, academically, and in their post-secondary plans,” Emmons explained. “The forefront of what we do is making sure they have everything they need to earn their high school diploma. That’s always the end goal.” 

Supporting Students Every Step of the Way 

As a high school counselor, Ms. Emmons’ caseload is based on students’ last names – which means she often works with the same group of students from ninth through twelfth grade. This allows her to build relationships and guide them throughout their high school journey. 

Each student meets with their counselor annually for an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP), where they discuss academic progress, select a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, and explore college or career goals. 

“Every year, students have an IGP meeting with us,” Emmons said. “We talk about what they’ve done, what they still need, and what their plans are after high school – whether that’s a four-year university, a two-year college, the military, or going straight into the workforce.” 

These meetings often include parents or learning coaches as well. 

“We highly encourage parent participation,” she added. “If they can’t attend live, we make sure they get the same information and resources afterward.” 

Preparing Students for the Next Step 

Ms. Emmons’ work extends far beyond graduation requirements. CASC emphasizes college and career readiness, offering students opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and participate in dual enrollment programs with South Carolina colleges. 

“We have partnerships with more than 15 colleges statewide,” Emmons shared. “Many offer free tuition for students taking six or more credit hours per semester. It’s a great way to save on college costs and get a head start.” 

Students at CASC can choose from a variety of CTE pathways – from health science and game design and development to early childhood education and hospitality and tourism management. 

“Game design and development have become one of our most popular pathways,” Emmons said. “Students are excited about it, and we’ve even had some go on to earn full-ride scholarships for esports.” 

Emmons is also encouraged by growing interest in new courses that focus on well-being. 

“Our new Family Systems and Mental Health pathway has been really popular,” she said. “Students are genuinely interested in learning about mental health – not just as a career path, but to better understand themselves and others.” 

A Voice for Both Students and Counselors 

In addition to her direct work with students, Emmons is the Lead School Counselor, acting as a liaison and advocate for the counseling department. 

“I’m not their boss,” she explained with a smile. “I’m their voice and point of contact. Questions, ideas, and concerns – they often come through me. I run our department meetings, manage our website, and attend schoolwide meetings to bring back information for the team.” 

This leadership role allows her to ensure the counseling team stays visible and connected across the virtual school. 

“When you work in a virtual school, being present is challenging because you’re not passing people in the hallway,” she said. “My goal this year is for our team to be more visible – for staff and students to really know who their school counselors are, what we do, and how we can help.” 

Wearing Many Hats, Making a Difference 

Emmons jokes that counselors “wear a lot of hats,” but behind that phrase is a deep dedication to her students. Whether she’s helping a senior finalize college applications, connecting a student to support services, or brainstorming ways to increase engagement schoolwide, Emmons’s focus never wavers. 

“We want every student to know there’s someone in their corner,” she said. “Our job is to guide, advocate, and help them see that their goals – whatever they are – are within reach.” 

Cyber Academy of South Carolina is proud to have educators like Ms. Emmons, whose leadership, compassion, and advocacy help students thrive in a virtual learning environment – and beyond. 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

Take control of your education with school choice! Explore Cyber Academy of South Carolina and discover how our flexible online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

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