About Us

Meet the Counselors 

Melissa Roberts- 6th Grade Counselor

Originally from Boston, Ms. Roberts got her Bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She received her Master's Degree in Counseling from the Citadel. She loves working with kids to help them see their potential and problem solve. She and her husband, Ian, have four children, Elle, Ian, Rhys, and Liv. In her free time she loves to cook, read and have dance parties in the kitchen with her family.

Janie Dawson- 7th Grade Counselor

Ms. Dawson received her Bachelor’s Degree from Elon University in Elementary Education. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education in School Counseling from the Citadel. She enjoys working with middle school students and problem solving with them during some of their most challenging years. She has two children, Anna and Lucas and a dog named Remy. Her hobbies include reading, Netflix, spending time with family and hiking.

Stacie Gachineiro- 8th Grade Counselor

Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Gachineiro received her Bachelor's Degree from Monmouth University in both Elementary and English. She obtained her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Georgia Court University. For the last 4 years she has been teaching 6th Grade English/Language Arts here at Laing Middle School. She loves working with all students to help them see their potential and support them by providing the tools needed to achieve their goals. In her free time she loves going to the beach, reading and watching sports, listening to music (preferably country music) and spending time with her family and friends.

Shelby Gist- All Grades/Testing Coordinator

Ms. Gist grew up on James Island and went to the University of South Carolina for her undergrad degree.  She completed her Master's at The Citadel and has been working for CCSD for 21 years. Ms. Gist has been the school counselor at West Ashley Middle and Oakland Elementary.  She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, teaching dance/zumba and watching college football.  She is excited to be working at Laing!