The Kennedy Middle School Counseling Department has two full-time school counselors.The counselors are available to help your child with personal and social development as well as academic advisement and development. We also have a part-time career specialist who does much of the career exploration with our students.   

The counseling office truly is the heart of any school, and it is no exception here at Kennedy Middle School. We are here to help your child have the best middle school experience possible. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns you may have for your child. We may be reached through email or by phone, and you are certainly welcome to stop by when you are on campus. We will be glad to assist you or to set up an appointment if we are busy with students. 

Students come first in the counseling office. Students are welcome to send us an email to request an appointment or to come to the office in person to set up a time to be seen. Students are typically not pulled from academic courses, but counselors will see students at any time there is an emergency. It is best if students obtain a pass from their teacher to come to see a counselor or career specialist; a pass is verification that the teacher knows where the student is. 

School Counselor

I am honored and excited to begin my nineteenth year as a school counselor at Kennedy Middle School.  It truly is a privilege to serve the students and families entrusted to me. I look forward to doing all I can to make middle school the best experience possible for you. 

I taught full-time at the middle school level for three years prior to obtaining my Master of Education degree in Counseling and Guidance Services from Clemson University.  I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from USCA.  Math is my favorite subject, and I enjoy the challenge of finding solutions to real-world problems, whether or not numbers are involved.  I have found that with a positive attitude and a lot of determination, most anything is possible.  

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and helping others.  Prior to the pandemic, I was an active volunteer with a cat rescue and hope to be back with that soon.   In addition to spoiling my family and my own cats, I enjoy mysteries, decorating, growing flowers, cooking, finding things to be thankful for, and laughing as much as possible. 

Phone: (803) 641-2470

Email Paula Deen

Degrees and Certifications:

Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance Services from Clemson University

Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken

Work with students last name L-Z