School counselor Kayla Byrd, a BHS graduate, said that she had always admired and wished to be like her school counselors while growing up, which led her to become one. 

After high school, she went to Western Carolina University and studied psychology. After college she decided to do clinicals, which means she was a therapist with other people in Asheville.

During this, she was thinking about whether she wanted to go into the school system or not. This led to her applying for the job at BHS and she was hired, but not before they told her she had to get her master’s degree. She got her degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and has been at BHS for seven years. 

Kayla Byrd pictured in the 2011 Brevard High yearbook serving for the volleyball team.

Byrd’s favorite part of the job is getting to interact with all the students, and her least favorite is all of the state-mandated requirements that limit her day-to-day work. 

Some fun facts about her are that she loves to travel and hang out with her two nephews. Her favorite place she has traveled to was Mexico in 2024.

When it comes to mental health at BHS, as high school can be a challenging time. Byrd said the number-one thing to remember when going through school is to remember that “things could get better,” which is her personal philosophy. She said to remember that high school is just a small part of a big life and it really does go by fast.

Byrd said that sleeping, exercising, eating well and basic self care are the best things for our brains and bodies. If someone you know is struggling, the best thing is to go to a trusted adult, even though at times it can feel like “snitching.”

Feeling the pressure to support and take care of your peers can be overwhelming and challenging, and talking to a responsible adult is the best way to go, Byrd said.

Students at BHS often stop in the guidance office to do just that.

“Sometimes when I’m having trouble figuring anything out, I’ll just go sit and talk to them,” said Ephraim Drennen.

“My high school counselors have very much helped me with my college decisions and next steps,” BrantLee Anders added.

By Averie McCall. Photo by Scarlett Vanderlinden.