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Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education
The faculty of Counselor, Leadership and Special Education are well-known scholars and practitioners who actively mentor candidates.
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Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education Degree Paths
Real World Education Experience
Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education Faculty and Staff


Paul Hard
Department Chair | College of Education
334-244-3240
phard@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 304C
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Sheila Austin
Professor of Educational Leadership | College of Education
334-394-5700
saustin1@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 324
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Sara Bicard
Professor | College of Education
334-244-3401
sbicard@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 211E
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Eric Darch
Assistant Professor | College of Education
334-244-3108
edarch@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 304D
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Lessie Garcia-Lattimore
Administrative Associate | College of Education
334-244-3879
lgarcia@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 311E
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Yuh Guo
Associate Professor | College of Education
334-244-3026
yguo1@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 304B
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Kate Simmons
Professor | College of Education
334-244-3590
ksimmon2@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 211E
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education


Jana Sparks
Associate Professor | College of Education
334-244-3147
jsparks2@https://staging.aumedu.dev
Education Building, 305C
Counselor, Leadership, & Special Education
Dr. Jana’ Sparks is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership and in the Department of Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education in the College of Education at Auburn University at Montgomery. Dr. Sparks joined the faculty after seventeen years in the public school system. In the public school setting, she has served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, New Teacher Mentoring program coordinator and has taught a variety of grade levels in the K-12 setting. Scholarly endeavors include peer reviewed presentation at international, national and state conferences on topics such as new teacher mentoring programs, quality staff development, and innovative leadership practices. Dr. Sparks teaches a variety of graduate and Educational Specialists level courses that provide opportunities for future leaders and instructional leaders to enhance their personal and professional career. Her commitment to education is noted by the following awards and recognitions: 2020 Valdosta State University Alumni, Graduate of the Last Decade award, and the 2021 AUM College of Education Department Service Award. Dr. Sparks is currently serving as the Program Chair for the Instructional Leadership program.
Ed.D. (2016) Valdosta State University
Ed.S. (2005) Troy University
M.Ed (2003) Troy University
B.S. (2000) Delaware State University

