Melisa Christiansen, M. Ed. has been a school counselor in Jordan School District since 2009. Melisa earned her Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling from the University of Utah. Melisa had the privilege of opening and being the lead Counselor at Copper Mountain Middle School for 9 years. Over the years, Melisa has served on many different district, state and national committees. In 2019, Melisa was awarded the UACTE School Counselor of the Year for the State of Utah and in 2020 her team, at Copper Mountain Middle School, was named the Utah School Counselor Association School Counseling Team of the Year. Melisa is passionate about school counseling. She is excited for the opportunity to be a School Counselor Specialist and be part of all the changes that are happening with school counselors in Jordan School District.
Hillary Emmer, M.Ed., has served as a School Counselor Specialist for Jordan School District since February 2022 and has worked in education since 2008, beginning her career as a choir teacher before becoming a school counselor in 2015. She helped open Copper Mountain Middle School as a school counselor and has received multiple awards for excellence in both teaching and counseling. Hillary served on the Utah School Counselor Association (USCA) Executive Board for six years, including as President from 2020–2021, and co-produced Season 1 of USCA’s podcast, The Sounding Board. She also served three years on the Jordan Education Association (JEA) Executive Board. Hillary holds degrees in Educational Psychology (M.Ed.), Music Education (B.M.E.), Psychology (A.A.), Speech (A.A.), and Organizational Communication (A.A.), and is currently pursuing her K–12 Administrative License and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah. She is passionate about advancing equity-centered, data-driven school counseling practices and supporting the development of strong, comprehensive K–12 programs that meet the needs of the whole child.
Amy Gibson, M. Ed. is honored and excited to be joining the Jordan School District Counselor Specialist team! Amy is a Utah native. She graduated from Orem High School. Amy met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart and has been married for many trips around the sun. She has three amazing children and one grandbaby. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Social Work from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Education with emphasis in School Counseling from Utah State University. She is currently working on a post graduate certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Amy has had the privilege of working with award-winning teams. For the last two and one-half years, she has worked with a “magical” mental health team to create the counseling program at the new Hidden Valley Middle School. In connection with this work she received the peer-nominated Crystal Apple award. Amy has a passion for counseling, advocating and connecting with others and wholeheartedly believes in the motto, “Every student, every day.” She is looking forward to this new chapter in her career and is ready to advocate, support, connect, and serve her fellow counselors! Some of Amy’s favorite activities are spending time with her family and friends, high-kicking, laughing, playing volleyball, and traveling.
Brandt Haberman, M. Ed. received his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University before going on to earn his Master's degree in School Counseling from Western Kentucky University. He then obtained his National Board Certification as a National Certified Counselor, English and a Second Language Endorsement, and the College and Career Readiness Certificate demonstrating his dedication to advancing his skills and knowledge in the field. Brandt has been a strong advocate for the role of counselors as mental health professionals that care for the whole student. He believes that counseling can make a significant difference in the lives of students and can help them overcome challenges, be authentic, and achieve success in their goals. Brandt has been especially focused on suicide prevention, recognizing the critical need for intervention and support for students struggling with mental health issues. In just a few short years, he has helped bolster suicide prevention programs and resources in Jordan, making a positive impact on the lives of students. Brandt also serves as a member of the Jordan Education Association Executive Board and has most recently been serving as the Counseling Department Chair for West Jordan High School. He is well-respected by his colleagues and students alike, known for his kind and compassionate approach to counseling and his unwavering commitment to student success.