Meet the Counselors

Ms. April Hamlin

My name is April Hamlin and I am honored to be the 12^th grade counselor at Athens High School.  I look forward to guiding our students through their Senior year while connecting them with the right people and resources to help further their current and future plans. Growing up in a military family, I attended school all over the world, but graduated from Athens High School in 1990, then attended Auburn University, graduating in 1994 with a French/English B.A., and going on to earn a Master’s of French Studies and a Master’s of Education, also from Auburn University.  I taught French and English for 3 years at Sparkman High School, received a Master’s in School Counseling from Alabama A&M in 2000, and have been a School Counselor grades Pre-K-12 since February of 2001. I have two amazing children, Van Hamlin and Thea Hamlin.  These two young adults have been a vital part of my experience as a school counselor and have definitely helped me see the parenting side of having teenagers! We love to travel, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends at our home or playing on the Elk River.

Please feel free to contact me at any point concerning your 12th grade student!

Mrs. Laura Lou Smith

Born and raised in Athens, Alabama, I am a proud product of Athens City Schools, graduating from AHS in 1999. I completed my undergraduate studies at Auburn University and earned my Masters degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I served as a school counselor for 10 years at Clay-Chalkville High School. I met and married my husband, Derrek, while living in Birmingham. In the summer of 2016, I returned with my family to Athens.  We have two children who we both look forward to raising here as Athens Golden Eagles!

Mr. Michael Pettey

As a resident of Athens for over 20 years, I've grown to love this community. After serving as a School Counselor for over 20 years in a neighboring system, I'm excited to be part of the AHS family as both 10th grade Counselor and Head Men's Soccer Coach.  My wife, Denise is an AHS grad and has been a teacher in Athens City Schools.  My oldest son, Carter graduated from AHS in 2022 and  I have a son, Cade that now attends AHS and plays soccer.  Our entire family now can say "It's  A Great Day to Be a Golden Eagle!"

Mrs. Shannon Carter

As the freshman counselor, I am excited to support our newest high school students as they begin this important chapter of their educational journey. I’ve been in education since 1999, spending 13 years teaching special education before transitioning into school counseling, where I’ve proudly served for the past 13 years. My background gives me a deep understanding of student needs, and I’m committed to helping each freshman feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Outside of school, I’m married and the proud parent of three amazing daughters who constantly inspire me to be the best educator and counselor I can be.