For Josey Hyatt, returning to Jasper County Junior High as a counselor is more than a career—it’s a homecoming. A Newton native and alumna, Josey has brought her experiences full circle by stepping into a role where she can make a difference in the lives of local students.

Josey’s journey to counseling wasn’t a direct path. Initially pursuing a degree in education at Eastern Illinois University, she quickly realized teaching wasn’t her calling. “I loved the idea of working with kids, but the classroom setting didn’t feel like the right fit,” she recalls. Encouraged by her childhood best friend, who was also navigating career decisions, Josey pivoted to counseling. Together, they enrolled in EIU’s dual-license program for clinical and school counseling, providing the foundation for their shared career goals.

After completing her internship at Jasper County Junior High last year, Josey stepped into a full-time role this fall. She now serves as the sole counselor for approximately 200 seventh and eighth graders, offering guidance on everything from social-emotional challenges to mental health support.

“I focus mostly on social-emotional and mental health counseling,” Josey explains. “Whether it’s anxiety, family struggles, or self-esteem issues, I’m here to listen and help them navigate it.”

Her responsibilities extend beyond traditional counseling sessions. Josey organizes initiatives like Blessings in a Backpack, discreetly providing food for students in need, and coordinates with local resources to meet other critical needs. “Just last week, I helped a student get a bed after their family moved into a new apartment,” she shares. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this work.”

Josey’s role also includes building trust with students, offering them a safe space to express themselves without fear of judgment. “I’m not an authority figure like a teacher or principal,” she says. “That allows students to open up in ways they might not otherwise.”

Working with seventh and eighth graders presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Josey appreciates the unique developmental stage of her students, describing them as impressionable yet increasingly self-aware. “At this age, they’re starting to take accountability for their actions, but they’re also still kids who need guidance,” she says.

Her efforts to connect with students extend beyond the counseling office. A former athlete herself, Josey has volunteered as an assistant volleyball coach and plans to work with the junior high softball team next year. “Sports are a great way to see a different side of the students,” she says. “On the field or court, you see their raw emotions, competitiveness, and friendships. It’s a more genuine version of themselves.”

Josey’s ties to the Newton community run deep, and she values the support and camaraderie of her colleagues, many of whom were her own teachers. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms and treated me as a peer,” she says. “Their mentorship has been invaluable as I navigate this new role.”

Reflecting on her time as a student, Josey acknowledges how much the counseling role has evolved. “When I was in school, it was more about academics and scheduling,” she says. “Now, it’s about mental health and helping kids through challenges that weren’t talked about as openly back then.”

Through her work, Josey aims to destigmatize issues like food insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt, fostering an environment where students feel safe and supported. “These kids can’t focus on learning if they’re hungry or dealing with emotional struggles,” she says. “Being here for them, even if it’s just to listen, can make a world of difference.”

For Josey Hyatt, counseling isn’t just a job—it’s a way to give back to the community that shaped her. “Newton has always felt like home,” she says. “It’s a place where you never meet a stranger, and I’m grateful to be part of something so special.”