ETS – Meet our Counselors

Meet our Counselors

Ms. Linda Cooper - ETS Project Director

Ms. Cooper earned her BS from Western Kentucky University with a major in psychology and a minor in history, and earned a Masters in Social Science from Campbellsville University with a triple major in psychology, sociology, and political science. She has worked in grant management for the past 26 years and is currently the project director for Educational Talent Search (ETS) program through Berea College. Ms. Cooper is a first-generation college graduate. She is married and in her spare time loves to read, listen to music, hike, and be outside as much as possible. She has recently rescued TWO kittens (Stevie and Parker).  

Contact Ms. Cooper

Mrs. Crystal Smith - Clay County ETS Counselor

Mrs. Smith is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and completed her Master’s in Counseling from Morehead State University in May 2024. She is married with two sons, a daughter, and two dogs. She enjoys crafting, concerts, all things 80’s, and good food! Being a first-generation student herself, Mrs. Smith is honored to work with ETS students to prepare them for life during and after high school. She started her journey with ETS in December 2022.    

Contact Mrs. Smith

Mr. Russell Gilreath - McCreary Central ETS Counselor

Mr. Gilreath attended SCC and received a BS from UK. He completed his Masters and Rank I from EKU in Counseling. He has been married for 36 years and has two sons and three grandsons. He loves vocational activities such as working on cars, carpentry work, and running his sawmill. Mr. Gilreath started public school 53 years ago and has never left. 38 of those years have been in the same school (34 consecutive) as either student, teacher, counselor, or college coach.  

Contact Mr. Gilreath

Mrs. Briann Hedgespeth - Pulaski County ETS Counselor

Mrs. H graduated from Lindsey Wilson College in 2020 with a degree in Psychology and Sustainability. She is getting married in December of this year! She has worked in TRIO for the past four years and has enjoyed her time working at PCHS. She likes reading, hiking, and traveling! She has two dogs and a cat that keep her on her toes. As a former ETS participant, she hopes to inspire her students to want more for their future and to pursue success.

Contact Mrs. Hedgespeth

Mrs. Kelsey Hargis - Southwestern High School Senior ETS Counselor

Mrs. Hargis is a Berea College alumna and has a Masters from University of the Cumberlands. She met her husband at Berea and now works with him! They have two boys, a sassy dog named Roxy, and recently adopted a cat (Mitty the kitty). She has worked with ETS since 2013 and it is her dream job– she loves working with her students and helping other first-generations see their potential. She enjoys cooking, gardening, live music, and adventures with her boys.

Contact Mrs. Hargis