Get to Know the Staff

Ms. Shira Parrish

Ms. Shirra Parrish

Counselor ( Last Names A-Go)

I am one of 3 counselors at Rocky Mount High School (RMHS). As a native of Rocky Mount, NC, and a graduate of RMSH, it is now a pay-it-forward opportunity through working with students in multiple capacities (educator, counselor, swim coach, cheerleader coach, and softball assistant coach).  My first years working with Nash-Rocky Mount Schools were spent at Tar River Academy where I taught Social Studies at the Middle School level.  Being in the classroom may not be a pre-requisite to the work of a counselor, however, that experience reaffirmed that education is not a one-size fits all case.  I received a BS degree in Parks Recreation and Tourism Management with a concentration in Sports Management and completed the NC Teach program at North Carolina State University (NCSU-GO PACK!). I received a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. 

Mr. Phillip Curtis

Mr. Phillip Curtiss

Counselor ( Last Names Gr-Pa)

I am originally from New Jersey but moved to North Carolina in the 3rd grade.  I grew up in the Greensboro area, where most of my family still lives.  I began college at Campbell University, transferred to UNC-Greensboro and received a BA in Psychology.  I worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting for some time, and later returned to UNC-Greensboro for an MEd in Counseling and Educational Development.  I am a National Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors and have been a member of the International Alliance for Invitational Education since 1994.  I have been a School Counselor at Rocky Mount High School for over 20 years, and I really care about all of our students I try to help them through all kinds of situations, offering genuine concern, informational resources, connections to organizations, and sometimes just someone with whom students can talk and trust.

Lizzy

Ms. Elizabeth Silver

Counselor (Last Names Pe -Z)

I was born and raised in Nash County but currently reside in Halifax County. I am a 2018 graduate of Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School and Nash Community College. I have recently graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I double majored in Women and Gender Studies and American Studies with a concentration in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and a minor in African and Diaspora Studies. Through working at RMHS I have gained a passion for working with students and am currently working on my master's degree in school counseling. #GDTBATH

Mrs. Renee Kerns

Mrs. Renee Kerns

Social Worker

I was born and raised in Nashville, NC, and graduated from Northern Nash High School. I attended East Carolina University where I received an undergraduate degree in Social Work and a graduate degree in Counselor Education. I have worked in the human services field for over 20 years.  In addition to being a School Social Worker, I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in the private practice setting.