Devyn LeBlanc
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Jackie Akers, born and raised in Madison, has worked as a school psychologist for 16 years. She first decided she wanted to become a school psychologist when she was a junior in high school. Akers had met a school psychologist and was immediately interested. Before deciding this was the career for her, Akers wanted to be an educator. After graduating high school, Akers went straight to college. She began furthering her education at North Florida College where she received her Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree. She then transferred to Florida State University (FSU), where she received both her Master of Science (M.S.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees.
Akers currently operates her own business, Psychological Services for Schools and Families LLC, to provide her services. Akers primary role as a school psychologist is to evaluate students for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs to ensure that children get what they need to be successful in school. Akers works as a school psychologist for all schools in Madison, Hamilton, Taylor and Jefferson Counties. She also provides some counseling in Hamilton County and is available for private evaluations and counseling outside of school times. “I enjoy working with children and their families who have developmental or learning differences and trying to help them advocate for services and resources to meet their unique needs,” stated Akers.
Outside of work, Akers enjoys spending time with family, playing with her dog and watching “Golden Girls.” She is married to Josh Akers and together they have one daughter, Libbie. Jackie is the daughter of Frank and Rhonda Galbraith. Her father, Frank, was a principal at Madison Primary School for many years, and her mom worked as a secretary for ESE for the Madison County School District.
For more information about school psychology, visit nasponline.org.