Beth Benjamin, currently the director at Owensboro Innovation Academy, has been named the Owensboro Public Schools District Counseling Director.
Benjamin has been in her current role at OIA since its start in 2015. She brings more than 24 years of experience serving in numerous positions throughout the OPS system.
“Leaving the Owensboro Innovation Academy was an extremely difficult decision for me,” Benjamin said. “However, since the COVID pandemic, I have seen the growing need for mental health services not only in our community, but especially in our schools. When this position came open, I knew it was an opportunity for me to get back into counseling to help make an impact in that area while still being involved in educational opportunities for our students.”
In her new position, Benjamin will be responsible for the promotion of the mental health and wellness of students. In addition to providing evidence-based interventions at the school level, Benjamin will also partner with school counselors, Family Resource Coordinators, social workers, and student assistance coordinators to promote family engagement across the district. She will also coordinate the dual credit program with school counselors.
“Our district has seen the growing need for mental health services and has been a pioneer in this field for the state of Kentucky,” OPS Superintendent Dr. Wendy Duvall said. “We created a districtwide position for mental health with our ESSR funds back in 2020, but when those funds ran out this year, we knew this was a position that was necessary for the success of our students, and we are excited to have Mrs. Benjamin take on that role.”
The search for a new director of OIA will begin immediately.
