LCMHC

Dana is a proud two‑time graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned her master’s degree in counseling. Before joining Bright Path, she served as a school counselor for 20 years in Nash and Wake County schools.

After retiring in 2025, Dana realized her passion for supporting children and teens remained strong, and the Educational Liaison role at Bright Path felt like the perfect next chapter.

Dana’s interest in working with young people began long before her professional career. In high school, she played field hockey, participated in art club, and served as co‑editor of the yearbook for three years.

That experience sparked a lifelong love of photography, as she spent countless hours taking and developing photos in the school lab. She’s also grateful to still be close friends with her best friend from those teenage years.

As a teenager, Dana once dreamed of becoming a forensic psychiatrist. While her path ultimately led her in a different direction, she earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice before completing her master’s in counseling. Looking back, it’s clear that her desire to understand, support, and advocate for others has always been at the center of both her personal and professional journey.