Student Support & Guidance

Melanie King is the Upper School Counselor dedicated to the academic, emotional, and social development of 9th-12th grade students. A DWS alumni (‘03), Melanie attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate study in Psychology, and then completed her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Valdosta State University. Melanie has practiced counseling in the educational setting for over 15 years. In addition to her primary role, Melanie enjoys serving as the sponsor for Student Ambassadors and Student Council as well as coaching cheer. Melanie is married to Thomas, and they have three daughters, Mary Evelyn, Lilly, and Sarah. In her free time, Melanie enjoys reading especially in her beach chair.

Patrice Mitchell serves as the Lower School Counselor, where she is dedicated to supporting the personal, academic and social-emotional growth of every student. Through engaging weekly classroom guidance lessons, she helps students develop important life skills using age-appropriate activities such as puppets, music, books, skits, magic tricks and role-playing.

In addition to classroom guidance, Patrice provides short-term individual counseling to support students as needed, helping them navigate challenges and build confidence in a caring and encouraging environment.

Patrice earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Georgia Southwestern College. She also holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Valdosta State University.

Patrice and her husband have four children and four grandchildren. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, walking and playing pickleball.

Cammie Winkler serves as the Middle School Counselor, supporting students in grades 6–8 through a whole-child approach that prioritizes academic, social, and emotional growth. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia and her Master of Education in School Counseling from Arkansas State University, where she specialized in crisis and trauma.

Cammie utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Counseling, person-centered techniques, and trauma-informed practices, while integrating social-emotional learning to support student development.

She has three years of experience in school counseling and previously worked four years in a hospice setting. In addition to her counseling role, she serves as the 6th–12th grade Testing Coordinator, Varsity Football and Middle School Basketball Cheer Coach, and a sponsor for Student Council and Middle School Student Ambassadors.

Outside of school, Cammie is engaged to Connor and enjoys spending time with their two dogs, Miller and Jag.

• Assist students with course selection and academic planning
• Create student schedules
• Monitor student progress and provide interventions when needed
• Support study skills, organization, and time management development
• Coordinate standardized testing and interpret results

• Provide individual and small group counseling
• Help students develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience
• Address concerns such as peer relationships, conflict resolution, and stress
• Respond to crisis situations and provide appropriate support

• Partner with teachers and staff to support student needs
• Provide referrals to DWS Academic Support Center 
• Provide referrals to outside agencies and community resources when needed
• Facilitate parent meetings and conferences

• Lead school counseling initiatives such as SEL advisory programs and character education
• Participate in school improvement planning
• Advocate for the needs of all students