Guiding Hearts. Strengthening Minds. Growing the Whole Child.

At St. Peter Claver Catholic School, we believe that students thrive when they are known, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and emotionally. Our School Counseling Office exists to help every child develop confidence, resilience, healthy relationships, and the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with strength and hope.

Our counseling program supports students in:

  • Academic development and goal setting

  • Social-emotional learning

  • Healthy peer relationships

  • Self-advocacy and executive functioning skills

  • Coping with stress, anxiety, and change

  • Crisis response and stabilization

  • Family support, referrals, and community resources

We are proud to partner with the Mercer University School of Medicine to expand the impact of our program. Through this collaboration, graduate-level Marriage and Family Therapy interns work alongside our licensed counselor to provide additional small-group support, short-term coaching, and classroom guidance. This partnership not only strengthens services for our students today — it also helps form the next generation of culturally competent, family-centered therapists for tomorrow.

In a school community that values discipline, dignity, and belonging, our counseling team walks alongside students and families with compassion, professionalism, and deep respect for each child’s story.

Partnering with Families

At SPCCS, counseling is not separate from learning — it strengthens it. When students feel safe, supported, and understood, they are better able to focus, engage, and excel.

We view parents as partners and are available to provide guidance, consultation, and referrals when needed.

For questions or to connect with our School Counseling Office, please contact:
Ms. Sarah Payne
spayne@spccatholicschool.org

 

MEET OUR TEAM

Sarah Deep Payne, LAMFT

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
School Guidance Counselor

Sarah Payne brings more than a decade of experience in the mental health field to St. Peter Claver Catholic School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia College & State University and a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine.

As a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Sarah has worked in a wide range of settings, including private practice, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Her clinical background includes crisis stabilization, trauma-informed care, family conflict resolution, mood disorders, anxiety, and support for students experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Sarah works with children as young as three, as well as adolescents, families, and groups. She integrates evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Narrative Therapy and is trained in Play Therapy to support younger students in developmentally appropriate ways.

A proud alumna of St. Joseph's Catholic School and Mount de Sales Academy, Sarah understands firsthand the value of Catholic education and the partnership between school and family. She is deeply committed to helping SPCCS students grow in confidence, character, and emotional well-being so they can flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Ryasia Brandy

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
Mercer University School of Medicine

Ryasia Brandy brings more than six years of experience mentoring and supporting youth to her role at SPCCS. Originally from a small rural town in Mississippi, she carries a deep commitment to ensuring that children in underserved and overlooked communities receive the resources and affirmation they deserve.

Ryasia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Albany State University and is currently completing her graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercer University School of Medicine.

Her professional interests include child development, identity formation, and culturally responsive care. Ryasia is especially passionate about helping children feel seen, heard, and supported as they grow. At SPCCS, she assists with classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and short-term student coaching under the supervision of our licensed counselor.

She believes that when you invest in a child, you invest in the future — and she is honored to serve families in a community that values faith, resilience, and academic excellence.

 

Christyana Alston

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
Mercer University School of Medicine

Christyana Alston is a second-year graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Mercer University School of Medicine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University, where she was actively involved in organizations dedicated to promoting the overall well-being of local communities.

Christyana is passionate about reshaping the way mental health is understood and discussed, especially in communities where stigma has created barriers to care. Her goal as a future therapist is to help dismantle harmful misconceptions and create safe, affirming spaces where individuals and families feel empowered to share, grow, and develop healthy ways of navigating emotional experiences.

She has a special heart for working with children and believes that equipping young people with tools for emotional regulation, communication, and healthy relationships is an investment in their lifelong well-being.

Christyana was drawn to St. Peter Claver Catholic School because of its deep commitment to nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. She is honored to serve alongside a team dedicated to ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and capable of thriving.