Jackson County School District

Meet your Mental Health Support Staff!

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or social-emotional well-being, support is available. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor to share your concerns. If additional support is needed, they can connect you with the Jackson County Schools Mental Health Team. We are excited to partner with families to support the well-being and success of all Jackson County students.

Cassidy Hood, LCSW

I have been proudly serving with the Jackson County Board of Education since 2024. I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Before stepping into this role, I worked in child welfare with the Department of Human Resources, where I developed a deep passion for supporting children and families during some of their most challenging times. I'm from Rainsville, AL and graduated from Plainview High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Auburn University then graduated with my Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. I’m a proud mom to my son, Truitt. We love traveling and finding new adventures wherever we can.

Laura Givens, Mental Health Support

 This is my 3rd year with the Jackson County Board of Education.  Prior to my role within the school system, I worked for the Alabama Department of Human Resources for 14 years and in childcare settings for several years.  I grew up in Pisgah and was blessed to have the opportunity to move back home 6 years ago.  I graduated from Pisgah High School in 2000 and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004.  I have been married to my husband ( Michael) for almost 15 years and we have 3 wonderful children; Kenyde (age 13), Leyton (age 11), and Lylliana (age 11).  We enjoy spending time together as a family, traveling together (our favorites include Daytona Beach and the Great Smokey Mountains), and attending church.  We love Alabama football.

Alyson Williamson, Mental Health Support and Mental Health Services Coordinator

I have been employed with the Jackson County Board of Education since 2005 and currently serve as the Mental Health Services Coordinator. Prior to this role, I worked as the Special Services Counselor within the school system. Before joining the Board of Education, I worked in the community mental health field. I was employed at Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare as a therapist and as a Group Home and Case Manager Supervisor. I also worked at Decatur-Morgan Mental Health Center as a Children’s Day Treatment Therapist. I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. I later earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master of Arts in Community Counseling from the University of Alabama. I moved to Scottsboro in 1993. I am married to my husband, Kip. We have two daughters, Kayla and Abby, and a son-in-law, Chris. We are also proud grandparents to two granddaughters.

School-based Therapist

We have school-based therapists available to see students during the school day. This is possible because of a partnership with Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare.