Heather Anderson is a passionate educational leader and school counseling advocate dedicated to advancing Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) mission of educating and supporting every student in achieving college, career, and civic readiness. As the Interim Director of School Counseling Services, she works to ensure all students have access to high-quality school counseling services that promote academic success, social-emotional wellness, and postsecondary preparedness. Committed to CCSD’s vision of fostering excellence and equity, Anderson leads systemic improvements in K-12 school counseling services by championing data-driven, research-based, and sustainable student support systems that empower both students and educators.
In her role, Anderson provides leadership to 185+ school counselors across 80+ schools, equipping them with the professional development, resources, and collaboration needed to deliver comprehensive, data-informed counseling services that are aligned with the ASCA National Model (American School Counselor Association) and CCSD’s Pillars of High-Quality Instruction, Partnership with Teachers/School Leaders and Wraparound Services.
A strong advocate for all, Anderson has spearheaded district-wide efforts to enhance transition supports, crisis response, and multi-tiered school counseling interventions and supports. She has also played a pivotal role in integrating social-emotional wellness initiatives into CCSD’s broader educational framework to promote academic success. Before leading CCSD’s school counseling services department, Anderson served as a lead school counselor at the elementary and middle school levels. As the district’s Social-Emotional Wellness Coordinator, she played a key role in shaping student support systems that foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills, equipping students with the tools needed for academic and college/career success. Her experience in school-based counseling, crisis intervention, and counselor mentorship has positioned her as a leader in developing innovative, responsive student support services.
Anderson holds two master’s degrees from The Citadel’s Graduate College—a Master of Counselor Education and a Master of Education in Social Science. Anderson started her professional career at The Citadel from 1996-2005 serving in the Public Affairs Office and The Citadel’s Graduate College. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA), demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. Anderson plays an active role in shaping educational policies and student support initiatives at both state and national levels. She serves on numerous committees such as the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness Sensory Garden Committee, and as a National PREPaRE Crisis Trainer with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), equipping schools with evidence-based crisis response strategies. Previously, she served on the board of SEL4SC, advocating for systemic, research-driven social-emotional learning policies that empower educators and transform student outcomes.
At her core, Anderson is not only a dedicated school counselor and licensed professional counselor but also a relentless advocate for students. With unwavering passion and a deep sense of purpose, she works alongside key stakeholders to remove barriers, create opportunities, and empower every student to reach their fullest potential. Committed to both academic excellence and personal growth, she strives to shape pathways that uplift, challenge, and transform student success—both in the classroom and beyond.