Staff Highlight: Firemariam “Fre” Debele | School Counselor
At Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences, fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment is an essential part of helping students grow and thrive. This year, we are excited to welcome Firemariam “Fre” Debele as our School Counselor, bringing a passion for student well-being, meaningful connections, and social-emotional learning to the Barnesville community.
Originally from Howard County, Maryland, with family roots in Ethiopia, Fre brings a wealth of experience in social work, counseling, and student support. Before joining Barnesville, she spent two years working in the Baltimore City Public School System as a school social worker and therapist. During that time, she worked closely with students, families, and educators, gaining valuable experience that continues to shape her approach to supporting young learners.
Fre holds two associate degrees in Social Studies and General Education, a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. Her educational background and professional experience reflect her commitment to understanding and supporting the emotional, social, and developmental needs of students.
Building Connections and Supporting Student Well-Being
For Fre, one of the most rewarding aspects of working in education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and help them navigate life’s experiences and challenges.She believes that every student deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. Through compassionate listening, relationship-building, and a student-centered approach, Fre hopes to create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking guidance when needed.
Drawn to Barnesville’s strong values and emphasis on community, Fre was particularly inspired by the meaningful connections the school fosters among students, faculty, and families.
As she begins her journey at Barnesville, Fre hopes to bring joy, calmness, and greater awareness of social-emotional well-being to the school community. Her goal is to help students recognize the importance of mental health while creating a welcoming space where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow.
Beyond the Classroom
Outside of her role as School Counselor, Fre enjoys spending quality time with her family, learning about different cultures, and discovering meaningful ways to connect with others. Her appreciation for community and cultural understanding carries into her work, helping her build authentic connections with those around her.
Looking Ahead
As Fre settles into her role, she looks forward to getting to know the students, families, and colleagues who make Barnesville such a special place.
With her dedication to student well-being, compassion, and commitment to fostering positive relationships, Fre is a wonderful addition to the Barnesville community.
Please join us in welcoming Fre to Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences! We look forward to the positive impact she will make as she helps our students imagine, explore, grow, and achieve.
Barnesville School
21830 Peach Tree Road
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
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