Meet Your Counselor

Quandera Spring

Quandera Spring (A-D)

Business and Entrepreneurship, Concurrent Credit
Email: qspring@bryantschools.org
Phone: (501) 653-5305

Greetings, I’m Ms. Spring!  It is always a pleasure to meet and converse with you! Please feel free to stop by my office.

I was raised in the small town of Lonoke, AR. I have one son and one daughter. The greatest gift I can share with the world is my love of knowledge. “One comes to school to be educated, but Education is not school!”  Reading is my first love! My other hobbies include traveling, eating, and making memories with my family. Everything you pursue in life comes with a lesson. Life is our greatest teacher! 

Before coming to BHS, I was an English teacher and then an Elementary Counselor. I have worked with all grade levels. Each group has taught me so much about myself and vice versa.

Why did I become a counselor? Well, I LOVE LOVE LOVE TO TALK!!! I am the best version of myself when I can flourish in a positive atmosphere full of laughter and excellent communication. I  thrive on building relationships with my students. It’s always important for me to know them beyond the work they turned in for a grade. Many times, students would come to me and need to talk about their situations. I found myself wanting to “save”, “guide”, and “assist” (any other synonym you can think of) them all!!! One day, I was feeling stressed, tired, and frustrated (as a classroom teacher), and a  young lady stepped into my room very timid and shy.  “Ms. Spring,  I know you aren’t my teacher. I had a dream about you last night. I was told to tell you to keep doing what you are doing. We need you!”

I immediately got up from my desk and gave her a hug. Little did she know, that I needed to hear that just as much as she needed a hug from me that day. From that moment on, I realized that I was meant to stay in Education, and to reach more students, I would need to step out of my classroom because the amount that poured in was overwhelming. I am grateful for the journey and the memories I have made during my educational years. I am walking in my “purpose” and guiding others the best way I can.

Quote:  “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes

Jenny Watkins

Jenny Watkins (E-Kh)

Arts and Communication House, Concurrent Credit
Email: jwatkins@bryantschools.org
Phone: (501) 653-5313

Hi!  I’m Mrs. Watkins!   Thank you for stopping by!  Please do so in person so I can meet you!

A little bit about me: I’m originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas and graduated from Fort Smith Southside so I know a little bit about large schools and lots of opportunities.  I love to be with family – that includes (fri-mily) and to go on quick trips.  I love to read although I didn’t in high school.  My husband and I have two fur babies – Chip and Dale! 

I was originally an elementary music teacher and absolutely loved the games and dance parties we had daily!  I became a counselor because I thrive off building relationships, have a strong desire to help, and like to celebrate the successes of others.   I have experience with working with teenagers and because I am currently in graduate school and at one time, was an admissions counselor for a college, I can help guide students through the ins and outs of planning for their future.   I strive to remind students they are heard and valued.

Favorite Quote: “I know it may seem small and insignificant, but it’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.” – Dr. Suess

Brenda Rodgers

Brenda Rodgers (Ki-Rh) 

Human Services, Education, and Health Science House, Concurrent Credit
Email: brodgers@bryantschools.org
Phone: (501) 653-5407

Hi!  I’m Brenda Rodgers!  Hope to see you soon.

A little bit about me:  I’m from Little Rock but lived in Northeast Arkansas for many years.  I have four children and a half dozen grandchildren.  I enjoy reading John Grisham, taking care of my family, working in my flower garden and helping others. 

I taught special education for many years before going back to obtain my school counseling degree.  I have been a counselor at all grade levels.  My passion has been working with secondary students preparing them for their post-secondary experiences.  

Favorite Quote:  “Some of the most important things you can communicate to a child are that feelings are OK, mistakes are fixable, and there’s nothing they could do that would push you away or make you love them less.  Behavior is not perfect, it is communication.  Embrace the imperfect and show children they are worth holding close to your heart.  No matter what.”   ~Kelly Bartlett

Brenda Rodgers

Karla Rodgers-Jones (Ri-Z) 

STEM , Concurrent Credit
Email: krodgers@bryantschools.org

Hi!  I'm Karla Rodgers-Jones!  Hope to see you soon.

A little bit about me:  I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I recieved my education through the Little Rock School District and graduated from Little Rock Central High.  Currently I reside in Sherwood, Arkansas with my husband and dog.  I enjoy reading, bowling and long walks during my spare time.  Also I dedicate volunteer hours at Saint Mark Baptist Church with KINGDOM KIDZ MINISTRIES.  

My work experience includes teaching 10 years and counseling 3 years on the elementary level.  This is my first year being a high school counselor at Bryant, and I LOVE IT!!  My desire to become a counselor came from wanting to help students overcome personal and social issues but also be a relatable face for minority students.

Favorite Quote:  "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle

Amy Oury

Amy Oury (ELL)

ELL Academy, Virtual, Concurrent Credit
Email: aoury@bryantschools.org
Phone: (501) 653-5314

¡Hola! My name is Amy Oury. It’s wonderful to meet you.

I am from Little Rock and have always worked in Central Arkansas.  My husband, Coach Oury ;-),  and I have 2 fantastic kids who keep us laughing. Both of our kids are seniors this year; one in high school and one in college. My life is never boring!

Before I came to Bryant, I was a Spanish teacher! I taught Spanish for 19 years and loved it. I decided to leave the classroom and become a counselor when I realized how much time I spent talking to my students about their lives and their futures. I am fortunate that I can combine my love of languages with my job as the counselor for the ELL Academy. 

Favorite Quote: “A person’s a person no matter how small.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Ryan Jones

Ryan Jones  

Counseling Specialist, NCAA
Email: rjones@bryantschools.org
Phone: (501) 653-5315

Hey there, I’m Mr. Jones and its great to meet you!

A little bit about me: I’m originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which makes me a huge Philly sports fan! I love to travel and I look at life as if it were a big adventure. I have a beautiful wife and two adorable daughters with huge personalities! 

I became a counselor because it’s what I love to do and its something I believe in. In my opinion, everyone can benefit from some counseling!  I have a wide variety of experience in counseling youth and adult males, which has led me to my career as a high school counselor. Building relationships with my students is a key part of the counseling experience and its what I strive to do everyday. 

Favorite Quote: “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.”