Advocacy & Government Relations 

The Advocacy & Government Relations Committee is responsible for recommending leadership development opportunities for both board and general members as well as providing school counseling program suggestions and identifying emerging leaders in the field. 

The committee is currently moving towards a focus on advocacy and government relations. The committee will work to support South Carolina school counselors in advocating for equitable and accessible comprehensive school counseling programming for all students. The committee will also monitor and report on government activity surrounding related education policy and offer advocacy tools and information for counselors to utilize. 

Advocacy & Government Relations Director of Operations:

  Ashley Foggie- Alewine

More About Ashley Foggie- Alewine

My name is Ashley Foggie-Alewine, and I am a Professional School Counselor at M.S. Bailey Child Development Center in Laurens County School District 56. This is my second year working as a School Counselor. I love my district. Go Red Devils! I have so much fun working with preschoolers. There’s never a dull moment. I enjoy providing students, teachers, and families with their needed support.

I am currently serving the Palmetto State School Counselor Association (PSSCA) as the Advocacy and Government Relations Director of Operations. My goal as director is to advocate more in our communities on a local and state level to see how we can make a difference wherever our help is needed. Serving on the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee is an excellent opportunity to promote and protect the rights of students and their families through social justice.

We also want to raise awareness of changes occurring in the School Counseling profession. I love spending time with my husband and two daughters when I am not working. As a family, we love playing with our pets, being outdoors, and traveling. We have four dogs, two cats, a turtle, and a snake. We also enjoy trying out new restaurants. There’s nothing like family time and good food.

If you are interested in assisting in any of the above, please contact me!

Cari Lawson

My name is Cari Lawson, and I am a School Counselor at Oakbrook Elementary School in Dorchester District Two. This is my eighth year as a school counselor but my twelfth year in education. I taught first and fifth grade before transitioning to my dream job. I have wanted to be a School Counselor since I was seven years old and I love every minute of it. I am passionate about my students, families, and communities.

I am currently serving the Palmetto State School Counselor Association (PSSCA) as the Advocacy and Government Relations Co-Director of Operations. My goal is to empower school counselors to advocate for their positions and inform the community at large of the impact that we have on others. Change happens one person at a time and we have the opportunity to stand in the gap for those who cannot voice their needs.

I adore spending time with my husband, son and dog. Our favorite place is Disney World but we travel anywhere we can. I also enjoy spending time with friends, volunteering, reading, thrifting and growing in my faith. I serve on the board of a local non-profit organization that directly impacts my neighbors and community.

We would love to have your voice on our side so reach out if you are interested in helping!