Dr. Allison Spargo joins Cumberland Academy of Georgia as its new Director of Counseling Services

Cumberland Academy of Georgia, an Atlanta-based special needs school, is proud to announce Dr. Allison L. Spargo as the new Director of Counseling Services. Her priorities will include engaging both students and parents as they enroll at Cumberland, guiding current students as they prepare for future endeavors and discovering opportunities to further strengthen students’ confidence and educational experience.
Allison Spargo, Cumberland Academy's New Director of Counseling Services
Dr. Allison Spargo joins Cumberland bringing ten years of experience in working with developmental transitions across the lifespan. Her extensive training is centered on families and systems theory with special interests in empowering adolescents, young adults and their families as they move from families of origin to independence. She has earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice from Georgia State University as well as a Master’s of Education from the College of William and Mary.

The counseling staff at Cumberland is truly unique in their approach and do not act as guidance counselors but rather as therapeutic counselors. They play an active role in student success and assist with coordinating service projects throughout the grade levels as well as lead a “Future Prep” course for high school students. During “Future Prep”, students have the ability to plan and dream about their future goals while learning how to complete applications and work on communication skills; however, the support doesn’t stop there.  Starting in the 8th grade, Cumberland students enter the “Creating Futures” program which provides students with a picture of life after high school and a connection to a result of hard work. Students will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the college process and college life.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Spargo to our school. Her capable leadership and fresh perspectives will further advance the experience we provide our exceptional students. Our staff is already impressed with her knowledge and student engagement methodology. We expect Dr. Spargo to add significant value to our school and look forward to having her on board,” said Debbi Scarborough, founding director at Cumberland Academy of Georgia.

As the Director of Counseling Services, Dr. Spargo has a proprietary role in the social and emotional learning (SEL) of Cumberland students. She started on April 9, 2019.

“The quality of care and attention-to-detail the Cumberland faculty and staff provides students is outstanding. One of the school’s principal strengths is its daily focus on social and emotional learning. I am eager to help reinforce this approach while offering my own expertise,” said Dr. Spargo. “I am also excited to really get to know the incredible group of students Cumberland develops. This is a truly special school.”

About Cumberland Academy of Georgia:

Cumberland Academy of Georgia specializes in the needs of students in grades 4 through 12 who have high-functioning autism, Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. Cumberland was founded in 2007 by Debbi and Matthew Scarborough, and is a fully-accredited, independent, non-profit school that seeks to provide a safe and supportive academic atmosphere for its students. Cumberland accepts applications year-round. To schedule a family tour, please contact Terri Brooks, director of admissions, at 404-835-9000, or email admissions(at)cumberlandacademy(dot)org.