Department Chair

(2026) Health & Human Sciences & Services (H2S2)

(2024) Health Science, Human Services, TAP

I grew up in a military family and I moved around a LOT as a kid. I know exactly what it is like to be the new kid at school.  After high school, I lived in Louisiana until 2006, where I worked as a purchasing agent and a legislative auditor.  When I moved to Knoxville, I realized that I really wanted to work with people and not numbers.  I worked with at-risk children in the Knoxville community for 9 years.  During that time, I decided to go back to school to become a school counselor.  I have been at Bearden since my counseling internship in the Spring of 2016. I look forward to working with you! If you need to set up an appointment with me, please click Here. 

(2026) Business, Leadership & Communication (BLC)

(2024) VE, Business, NJROTC, Athletes

Coach Tanner is a Bulldog through and through!  After graduating Bearden High, Mr. Tanner earned a Bachelor's in History from UTK and a Masters in School Counseling at Liberty University.  A Bearden faculty member since 2007, Mr. Tanner has served in the classroom and coached football, baseball and track.  Additionally, Coach Tanner serves on the Bearden Foundation.  Fortunate for you, it is in his current role as a School Counselor where Coach Tanner enjoys supporting students the most. 

In his free time, Mr. Tanner enjoys running, golf, and attending Bearden sporting events.

Schedule an appointment with Mr. Tanner

Class of 2025 School Counselor

I was born and raised in Knoxville and went to high school right here in West Knoxville! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee in 2016. I eventually realized my passion for working with and helping children and adolescents, so I returned to graduate school and earned my Master’s Degree in counseling from the University of Tennessee in 2022. After spending my internship here at Bearden High School for the 2021-2022 school year, I am thrilled to join this counseling team full-time! Bearden High School is a truly special place, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you!

Let’s meet! Schedule an appointment with me here: https://calendly.com/kathryn-parrott/15min

Schedule an appointment with Ms. Lee 

Career & EPSO Counselor

What a joy it is to truly love what you do! My professional journey has allowed me to work with students through the K-20 span.  Prior to joining Secondary Education, I worked 13 years in College Admissions and Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee.  During the summer, I teach a College Access graduate course at Carson-Newman University. I've traveled the state, region and to the White House to advocate for school counselors!  But it is within the walls of Bearden High School where I feel most at home - working with students, faculty, and families on a daily basis.  

On the homefront, I share my time with 3 wise men - Kurt, Nathan, and Preston and a lovely Miniature American Shephard named Ashwin.

Schedule an appointment with Ms. Anderson

Director of College Counseling

Susan Bolinger is excited to be at Bearden High School to continue counseling students toward their next steps after high school.  Mrs. Bolinger earned her Bachelor's degree at The University of Tennessee and her Masters in Higher Education at Vanderbilt. Mrs. Bolinger also holds an EdS in Schoold Counseling from UT.  She has worked in college admissions and college advising, in addition to recently working at Hilton Head Preparatory School and Farragut High School in college counseling. In school year 2019-20, Mrs. Bolinger joined the Bearden School Counseling team where she coordinates college admissions and scholarships in the College Counseling Office. 

Schedule an appointment with Ms. Bolinger

School Social Worker

Registrar

School Counseling Secretary and Records Management