Meet Our Counselors
Melissa Berry
My name is Melissa Berry, and I joined the Ringgold Middle School Counseling team in the Fall of 2023. While I enjoy working with all age groups, middle school has always held a special place in my heart.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Washington & Jefferson College in 2002. I went on to earn my Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Duquesne University in 2006. I am also Student Assistance Program (SAP) certified, and I am a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association (PSCA), and the Washington-Fayette-Greene County Counselors Assocation (WFGCCA).
I have been a school counselor since the Fall of 2006, and I am so happy that my career journey has brought me to Ringgold Middle School. It has been wonderful being able to work with the students, families, and school community, and I look forward to continuing working together to help our students reach their dreams.
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
Taylor Clawson
My name is Taylor Clawson, and I recently joined the School Counseling team at Ringgold Middle School. I am the School Counselor for grades 5-8 and last names O-Z, I am very excited to get to know all students and families. I earned my master's degree from Duquesne University and my bachelor's degree in psychology and Kinesiology from McDaniel College. I’m enthusiastic to be here and committed to supporting students in their academic success, career readiness, and social/emotional well-being. As a member of the American School Counselor Association, the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association, and the Allegheny County School Counselor Association, I stay connected to best practices and resources to better serve our school community. Additionally, I am student assistance program (SAP) certified and a part of our school’s team. My goal is to ensure every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Outside of school, I enjoy running, coaching soccer, and reading a good book.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Anelou
Stephanie Goodwin
My name is Stephanie Goodwin, and I am the newest school counselor at RMS, assigned to students with last names H-N. I worked at the high school in the fall as a long term sub for Phoebe Dailey while she was on maternity leave and really loved being part of the Ringgold family. I am very excited to be back!
I started my career in Human Resources (using the 2 degrees I earned from Purdue University) and decided after several years that I wanted a new career path so I attended Ball State University to earn a Masters in Counseling. I worked as a high school counselor while living in Indiana (the state, not the city in PA 😉) and then my husband's job took us to Wilmington, NC. We lived there for 16 years where I worked as an elementary school counselor and then a middle school counselor. We moved to the Pittsburgh area in the summer of 2025 with our 3 children (Sophie, Daxton, & Ella) and 2 rescue dogs (Cal and Jackson).
I love to read and play board games & cards (although I don't get as much time to enjoy these activities as I'd like since we have such a busy family calendar), exercise, spend time with my family, and travel.