Jefferson High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Devon Pearrell as the dean of students.

Pearrell has extensive experience working with stakeholders and community members to build positive school climates. Pearrell is a trained Positive Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach, which is an identified best practice.

More than 200 students at Jefferson High School are considered at risk for not graduating. One of the goals for the position of dean of students is to decrease that number by offering educational and emotional support on a regular basis to students who are considered high or medium risk.

Sherry McCall Ross, principal of Jefferson High School, chaired the search and interview committee.

“We need an asset on our team who is always focused on relationship building in order to find out the particular challenges that hold students back socially and academically,” Ross said. “I’m confident that Devon will build a positive way to work integrally with the administrative team and school counseling department to provide the leadership that finds ways to make constructive connections with our students.”

Pearrell has been providing counsel to youth since 2010, when she began her career as a youth- services case manager at the Children’s Home Society in Martinsburg. Currently, she serves as an attendance and social worker for Berkeley County Schools in Martinsburg. She is responsible for tracking and supporting at-risk students by serving as the point of contact for their parents/ guardians and conducts home visits when necessary.

She previously served as a mental-health specialist for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program at the Children’s Home Society. In addition to counseling clients, she provided crisis intervention and conducted workshops for parents.

“I’m eager to start connecting with the students at Jefferson High School. I truly believe when youth feel they have a cheerleader, they are more inclined to succeed,” Pearrell said. “This is an exciting time in my career, and I hope to support Jefferson High School as a valuable member of the team.”

Pearrell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from West Virginia University in 2008 and 2010, respectively. She then earned a social-worker endorsement from Marshall University. She has spent her career in Berkeley County supporting youth in various capacities.

“What set Devon way apart were her valuable certifications,” Ross said. “She is a trained Positive Behavioral and Supports Coach and Nurtured Heart trainer. These skills can really make a difference in how we approach working with our students and their families.”

Pearrell will assume her duties as dean of students on Dec. 1.