2026-2027 Officers & Directors Candidates

xxGSCA is pleased to announce the nominees for GSCA Officers and Directors for the 2026-2027 year. Information regarding each nominee follows. GSCA are encouraged to read the candidates' information, watch their candidate video, and vote for the future of GSCA from November 7 until 5 pm on December 4, 2025

President-Elect

Erin Bundrige, Henry County Schools

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Vision for GSCA

My vision is to position GSCA as the trusted professional organization and home for all school counselors in Georgia. GSCA should be the one-stop shop for resources, advocacy, and support—an organization counselors join not only for the conference, but for the meaningful, year-round benefits it provides. I envision professional development that is relevant, practical, and accessible, along with leadership opportunities that allow counselors at every stage to grow and contribute. I also see stronger partnerships with counselor education programs to engage and inspire future professionals. Just as important, GSCA must remain fiscally responsible and advocate strategically for the policies and practices that strengthen both our profession and student outcomes. By broadening membership statewide, extending engagement beyond the conference, and championing school counselors through advocacy and accountability, GSCA will ensure every counselor feels represented, supported, and connected while amplifying our collective impact on Georgia’s students.

Statement on Goals and Qualifications

Hello, my name is Erin Bundrige, and I am honored to be a candidate for President-Elect of the Georgia School Counselor Association. I bring 21 years of experience in education and 13 years of active GSCA and ASCA membership. I currently serve as the Coordinator of School Counseling for Henry County Schools, where I lead with a commitment to excellence, advocacy, and student success. My leadership with GSCA began in 2018 as Middle School Liaison, followed by Middle Director, Treasurer, Conference Chair, and now five years on the Executive Board as I move into my sixth year of service. I am proud to serve nationally as a Lead RAMP Reviewer for ASCA and to have guided the school counseling department at Woodland Middle School to become the first RAMP-designated program in Henry County Schools. I have presented at both GSCA and ASCA conferences and attend each annually to remain engaged and at the forefront of best practices. Additionally, during my time as a school counselor in Henry County Schools, I served on the district’s Counseling Extended Leadership Team, helping to design professional development for student services staff and providing support to both new and veteran counselors. My journey in education began in 2004 as a middle grades teacher, a role I stepped into immediately after college. During those years, I continued my studies, earning a Master’s in Middle Grades Education and a Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction. While I loved teaching, I realized my heart was pulling me toward school counseling because I wanted my impact to extend beyond one classroom and be felt by every student in the building. That passion led me back to school once more, where I earned a Specialist in School Counseling to prepare for this work. Over the years, I have served as both an elementary and middle school counselor and have worked in multiple districts across Georgia. These experiences have allowed me to see the needs of students and counselors in urban, suburban, and rural schools alike, and they deepened my commitment to ensuring GSCA remains responsive, inclusive, and representative of every counselor in our state. I am grateful to have been recognized as Henry County Schools’ School Counselor of the Year (2021), GSCA Emerging Leader (2021), and GSCA School Counselor of the Year Semi-Finalist (2022). These honors reflect not only my dedication to the profession, but also the collaborative spirit of the teams I have served alongside and the students who inspire me every day. My vision is aligned with GSCA’s Strategic Action Plan. As the only professional counseling organization in Georgia, GSCA carries the responsibility to unify, support, and advocate for every counselor in our state. I envision GSCA as the premier professional organization and trusted home for school counselors, one that provides meaningful, year-round benefits beyond conference.This vision reflects GSCA’s four goal areas: Engagement: Broaden membership statewide so every counselor feels represented, supported, and connected. Advocacy: Serve as the unified voice for counselors by championing student mental health, building community partnerships, and advocating for policies that strengthen both our profession and student outcomes. Governance: Cultivate strong leaders and ensure fiscal responsibility to sustain momentum and long-term stability. Professional Development: Expand practical, accessible learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, partnerships, and collaborations with counselor education programs. By aligning my vision with GSCA’s Strategic Action Plan, we can inspire counselors across Georgia to see GSCA as their professional home. Together, we will broaden engagement, strengthen advocacy, cultivate leaders, and expand professional development. When every counselor feels connected, supported, and empowered, GSCA will stand as the premier voice for our profession and a driving force for student success statewide. Above all, I belie

If elected, what two goals would you like to accomplish during your term?

Goal 1: Expand and Diversify Professional Development I will strengthen GSCA’s commitment to professional growth by offering consistent, year-round opportunities in both virtual and in-person formats that are accessible to counselors at every career stage. These sessions will highlight practical strategies, innovative tools, and proven best practices shared by counselor educators and colleagues across Georgia. The focus will be on making professional learning relevant, responsive, and immediately applicable so members walk away with tools that directly strengthen their work with students.

Goal 2: Strengthen Membership Engagement and Leadership Pathways I will expand opportunities for members to connect and contribute through presenting at conferences, serving on committees, or engaging in regional initiatives. Intentional support for graduate students, new professionals, and seasoned counselors will ensure every member has a clear pathway to involvement. By deepening engagement and cultivating leadership from within, GSCA will continue to grow a vibrant, inclusive community where members see lasting value in their participation. Together, these goals advance GSCA’s strategic plan by expanding professional learning, strengthening member engagement, and elevating the collective voice and impact of school counselors across Georgia. These efforts will ensure GSCA remains the trusted home for every school counselor in Georgia, providing value, connection, and belonging, while strengthening our collective impact so that every student benefits.

Experience

My six years on the GSCA Executive Board, including service as Conference Chair, have given me meaningful leadership experience and the chance to collaborate with colleagues to strengthen our organization. In my role as a district coordinator, I support counselors across the school system, which has sharpened my ability to support large-scale programs and advocate for needed resources. Being involved with ASCA, including serving as a Lead RAMP Reviewer, has broadened my perspective and connected me to innovative practices that continue to inform my leadership in Georgia. Combined with my years as a school counselor, these experiences reflect both a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges of our profession and the leadership skills needed to move GSCA forward with purpose and impact. Together, these experiences have prepared me to lead with clarity and vision while advancing our profession and strengthening GSCA’s impact as your next President-Elect.

Why should GSCA members vote for you?

Members should elect me as President because my passion for this work is backed by over two decades of service as a teacher, counselor, and now district coordinator. I bring both frontline experience and system-level leadership, giving me a unique perspective on the challenges counselors face and the solutions that can truly make a difference. My commitment is to ensure GSCA remains the trusted home where every counselor feels supported, represented, and empowered. With six years of service on the GSCA Executive Board and active involvement with ASCA, I have seen firsthand the strength of our collective voice. I am prepared to expand meaningful professional development, create clear leadership pathways for counselors at every stage, and advocate for policies that elevate our profession and improve outcomes for students. I will also ensure that GSCA is recognized statewide as the leading voice for school counselors and that we continue to steward our resources wisely to secure long-term organizational strength. I am running because I believe deeply in the transformative power of school counseling and I want every counselor in Georgia to see GSCA as their advocate, their community, and their professional home. I ask for your vote so that together we can strengthen our profession, amplify our impact, and advance the success of every counselor and every student in Georgia.

President-Elect

Mark Ellis, Fulton County School district

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Vision for GSCA

My vision is that GSCA will work with district leaders to provide professional learning and support to counselors to ensure that all Students receive Academic, Social, and Emotional support and are College & Career Ready.

Statement on Goals and Qualifications

My name is Mark Ellis, and I am running for President-Elect. This is my 21st year as a GSCA, ASCA, and Fulton School Counselor Association Member. I have a Masters of Art in Counseling and a Specialist in Ed Leadership Admin & Supervision. My certifications include: Georgia Educator Certificate in School Counseling (P-12); Georgia Educator Certificate in Ed Leadership Admin & Supervision; and National Board Certified School Counselor & National Board Certified Counselor. I have 22 years of experience with the Fulton School District. Six of the years were at the district office where I provided leadership, professional development, and support to 235 Counselors and Graduation Coaches. I also have 6 years of experience as a Counseling Department Chair. I have one year of experience as the Coordinator of the Mobile Assessment Team at Anchor Hospital. In addition, I have held 10 GSCA leadership positions, and I have 20 years of leadership experience with the Fulton School Counselors Association which include President, President Elect, Conference Chair, and Recognition Dinner Chair. My awards and honors include: Georgia School Counselors Association (GSCA) Supervisor of the Year 2013 - 2014; GSCA Region 3 Secondary School Counselor of the Year 2007 - 2008; Fulton School Counselors Association (FSCA) Supervisor of the Year 2012 - 2013; FSCA Advocate of the Year 2013 - 2014; Fulton Counselor of the Year 2006 – 2007; and Anchor Hospital Service Excellence Award April, 2002.

If elected, what two goals would you like to accomplish during your term?

First goal is to increase our college and business partners by 5%. As FSCA President and District Counseling Coordinator, I partnered with 8 colleges and 8 businesses. Second goal is to increase the GSCA membership by 10%. As FSCA President I increased the FSCA membership 17% in 2 years.

Experience

GSFC Website Advisory Committee
GA DOE Capstone Committee
GSCA Performance Management Committee, Counselor KEYS
Fulton Charter System Instruction Committee Fulton Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Advisory Board
Fulton CTAE Committee
Fulton Future Focus Fair Committee
GSU Advisory Board
UWG Counseling & Educational Psychology Advisory Board
Mercer University School Counseling Advisory Board

Why should GSCA members vote for you?

I have 22 years of experience with the Fulton School District. Six of the years were at the district office where I provided leadership, professional development, and support to 235 Counselors and Graduation Coaches. I have 20 years of leadership with the Fulton School Counselors Association. GSCA Supervisor Award Recipient.