Guidance And Counseling
Meet Our Counselor
Mrs. Valencia Malone
Office: 205-231-8133
Cell: 205-774-8349
Degrees and Certifications:
Professional School Counselor
I am a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a B. S. and a Master’s Degree in Special Education in the areas of Learning Disabilities and Mild Learning Handicap. I am also a graduate from the University of West Alabama where I received an Ed.S in Collaborative Special Education and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling.
For 24 years, I have worked as a special education teacher in two school systems, Madison County and Birmingham City. As a teacher, I have taught students with the following exceptionalities: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional Disability (ED), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Throughout my teaching experiences, I have thrived on helping children and young people with disabilities access the general curriculum and accomplish academic and social goals. I am excited about serving as the counselor for Barrett Elementary this school year. This year will be my sixth year assisting all students in the areas of academic achievement, career, and social/emotional development, ensuring that they become productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.
Youth Suicide Warning Signs
Expressing hopelessness about the future.
Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress.
Increased physical symptoms—such as fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches—are commonly associated with emotional distress.
Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations.
Changes in sleep (increased or decreased).
Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context.
Recent increased agitation or irritability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etpab8EcCsY
Suicide Prevention
Help for You
Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe through a crisis. Call or text 988 any time or chat online with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit FindSupport.gov to get support to find resources on:
Help for Someone You Know
Learn how to recognize the warning signs when someone’s at risk—and what action steps you can take. Learn how to talk about mental health to help you speak to a loved one who you may think is experiencing any mental health concerns.
If you believe someone may be in danger of suicide:
Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk to a caring professional.
Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
Listen without judging and show you care.
Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Prevention Strategies and Approaches
Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. For instance:
Faith communities can work to prevent suicide simply by helping people navigate the struggles of life to find a sustainable sense of hope, meaning, and purpose, in addition to encouraging individuals to engage in behavioral health care.
Schools can implement suicide prevention programs that provide early intervention, while workplaces can encourage employees to utilize employee assistance programs that provide mental health resources and a nurturing, supportive environment for all.
Local health care organizations can integrate routine mental health screenings into primary care visits, train staff in evidence-based interventions, and partner with community organizations to provide follow-up care and support after a crisis.
Community centers can host mental health support groups that incorporate wellness activities, and local businesses can promote and encourage mental health awareness by providing resources to employees and customers.
You can contribute by reviewing suicide-related data, assessing the needs and readiness of your community, organization, tribe, state, or territory for suicide prevention, and by developing and implementing policies, programs, and practices to prevent suicide in these areas. Discover what's happening in your state or territory and explore ways to work with others for a bigger impact.
Effective Suicide Prevention Model
The Effective Suicide Prevention Model from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides a flexible framework to develop, implement, and evaluate prevention efforts in various settings. This model emphasizes three key elements—strategic planning, key success factors, and a comprehensive approach—that work together to maximize impact and efficiently utilize resources.
Valencia Malone, Ed.S
205-231-8133
Professional School Counselor