My work as a School Counselor and part-time Professional Learning Specialist at Hatching Results has given me the leadership, collaboration, and advocacy skills to drive systemic change. I recently won the Advocate of the Year Award from Cobb School Counselor Association and the Writer of the Year Award for Georgia School Counselor Association. I am a R.A.M.P. award recipient and passionate about ensuring that comprehensive school counseling programs always include anti-bias, anti-racist work to increase student achievement and equity in schools.  I currently work as a 9th grade school counselor.

Testimonials:

“I find Jennifer’s work engaging, practical, student-centered, and socially just in focus. I witnessed first-hand her ability to crosswalk the practical school counseling prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies with the ASCA standards. For attendees, it is extremely helpful, as she was able to give concrete examples from personal experience. Further, Jennifer showcased her natural facilitation skills and reflection questioning for others to consider ways to improve their own practice in schools and communities. Bottom line, Jennifer is a change agent and positive leader who understands students and communities and how to break down that information into tangible bites through an antiracist lens to assist other practitioners in communally improving students’ lives every day.”-Kara P. Ieva, PhD, NCC, NCSC; Associate Professor, Rowen University 

“Jennifer Susko has left a significant impact on my graduate school experience and is one of my biggest inspirations in the school counseling field. She is a leading example of advocating for all students and acting as a change agent in the school counseling role. She taught us to create units and lesson plans so that students can connect with the content and how to use biblio-counseling to reflect our students’ identities. Her powerful public speaking and efficacious writing skills have shown me what it looks like to be a fierce presence at school board meetings and community protests. It is an honor to learn about advocacy, systemic change, and leadership from someone so intensely immersed in anti-racism and social justice work. With Susko in a training role, many professionals will benefit from her knowledge and experience supporting students.”-Jordan Wilks; Georgia State University school counseling graduate student

My work in Spanish speaking countries has shaped who I am as an educator and leader. In Guatemala, with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, I created and implemented a comprehensive school counseling program where none existed, using the ASCA National Model and ensuring it was sustainable after I left. In the Dominican Republic, also with  Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos,  I led caregiver workshops on trauma-informed practices. Working entirely in Spanish in both countries strengthened not only my communication skills, but also my cultural awareness and ability to connect authentically with Spanish-speaking communities.

Additionally, I volunteered in Cuernavaca, Mexico with Por un Mejor Hoy, where I engaged in community-based projects rooted in participatory travel. This philosophy emphasizes contributing to communities through service, skills and collaboration rather than simply observing or taking from them. Through this work, I deepened my appreciation and respect for Mexican culture and the broader Hispanic and Latino community. These experiences fostered a genuine love for the people, traditions and values I encountered-something my current students often recognize, even affectionately calling me “Miss Mexico.”

In a diverse district like Cobb County Schools, cultural competence is not optional-it is essential. My experiences not only improved my Spanish-speaking ability, but they prepared me to advocate for inclusive policies, equitable resources, and programs that truly reflect and serve our entire community. 

I believe strong schools are built through strong communities. I have been actively involved in local civic and community efforts that support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and advocate for positive change.

My involvement includes:

• Co-Founder, Stronger Together
  
  

• Co-Founder, Cobb Community Care Coalition
  
  

• Volunteer with Keep Cobb Beautiful
  
  

• Involvement with Georgia Coalition for Equity and Justice (GCEJ)
  
  

• Volunteer on local campaigns supporting community-centered leadership

Through these efforts, I have worked alongside neighbors and community leaders to address local challenges and build networks of support that strengthen Cobb County for everyone.