Today, our guest is Deirdra Hawkes, the Director of Programs and Advocacy at ASCA. We discuss the significance of taking a break to recognize the efforts of school counselors both during NSCW, and also regularly during the year. Deirdra also emphasizes the importance of teachers and staff as we work together to help students, and encourages us to have conversations about what is beneficial for students to learn and the various ways we can continue to support our communities. She also shares some practical ways that school counselors can help advocate for the school counseling profession at the school, district, and state level. Deirdra Hawkes is currently ASCA Director of Programs and Advocacy. Prior to this role, she engaged students, teachers, administrators and parents as a school counselor and Dean of Counseling and Student Services. She earned her B.A. in French Language and Literature from NC State University, M.A. in School Counseling from NC Central University and her M.A. in School Administration from East Carolina University. She is passionate helping others understand how school counselors impact positive change in their students and supporting school counselors in their efforts to do so. Outside of ASCA, Deirdra enjoys quick trips to the beach, time with family and being a soccer mom.