The Jag
By Laci Winship
Reporter
The Blue Springs South counseling department has expanded their staff for this upcoming school year. Kiona Grimes has accepted the counselor position for last names Q-Sti, and loves being a Jaguar.
“Blue Springs South intrigued me because of all the things that were offered to students and what looked like an amazing and small-town community, which is hard to find these days, to raise our son,” says Grimes.
She attended Kirkwood Community College for her associates degree, then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa to finish her bachelor’s in English education, minoring in nutrition. She graduated with her master’s from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and moved to Blue Springs after contacting another South counselor.
“I was lucky enough to connect with Mrs. [Lisa] Peterson, the lead counselor, via email and after interviewing truly felt this place was home,” Grimes said.
Prior to counseling, Grimes was a high school English teacher.
“[I] loved talking to kids about real life problems that didn’t always involve academics,” she says, “I always felt I needed to get to know who kids were socially and emotionally before I could reach them academically.”
In addition to her students, Grimes also loves the counselors/administration she works with, and she connected with them right away.
“We work hard, have fun and get stuff done,” she says.
In addition to her involvement in school, Grimes also appreciates her time outside of school.
“I enjoy lifting weights and going shopping,” she says.
When it comes to accomplishing academic and personal goals, Grimes’s inspiration comes from one person in particular. Her mother.
“She’s extremely selfless, caring and laid back, but she is there for anyone, any time they need,” she says, “She put herself through school as a single mom to me (before she met my stepdad) and always found a way to give me the best educational opportunities she could. I am in awe of her strength constantly.”
Grimes loves providing for students and is excited to continue building relationships throughout this year.
“The thing I love most about counseling is getting to be an extra life line/support for both students and staff,” she says, “Sometimes we all just need someone to talk to, I feel called to be that person for others.”
