We were lucky to catch up with Vittoria Jackson, M. Ed., Psc recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Vittoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
**A Heartfelt Reflection on My Journey with a Special Family**
Every year, my heart is drawn to a family—one that God places in my path, allowing me to use my gifts to serve in a meaningful way. In the fall of 2024, I met a mother from Detroit, a single mom navigating life with three school-aged children, two of whom had spectrum disorders. The youngest two, ages 5 and 7, had never been to school. They had been overlooked for far too long, shuffled through a system that failed to meet their needs, leaving them chronically absent and struggling with significant academic and developmental gaps.
When I first met this family, the mother shared the deep challenges she faced—her two youngest had severe behavioral struggles and learning disabilities, and she felt lost in a world that offered little support. But when I met those babies, they immediately captured my heart. Their soft, brown skin, wild curls, and tender spirits spoke to me in ways that words could not.
Every morning, I met Mom at the front door, gently encouraging her, reassuring her that she was not alone. Every afternoon, I stood at that same door, celebrating small victories, no matter how minor they seemed.
The two youngest were non-verbal, but I quickly realized that their silence did not mean they had nothing to say. I spent an hour each day working one-on-one with the little boy, teaching him foundational skills—holding a pencil, lining up, washing his hands. Over time, I discovered that he knew far more than he could express, his mind alive with knowledge but trapped without the tools to communicate. I suggested placing him in Kindergarten, knowing it would give him the structure and skills he needed to thrive.
Once he was settled, my attention turned to his baby sister. She functioned more like an infant than a 5-year-old—her steps uncertain, her legs stiff and reluctant to bend, her world comforted only by a pacifier, her cries speaking for her when words could not. For six weeks, I spent nearly three hours a day with her, simply walking, gently guiding her away from the things she clung to for security and into the world around her. Slowly, the crying subsided. She let go of her pacifier. Her steps grew stronger, her hands reached for new things, her laughter emerged. And one day, she smiled at me—not just a fleeting moment, but a real, knowing smile.
Somewhere along the way, they became my family. I found joy in doing their hair, painting little nails, buying clothes and toys, ensuring their bellies were full. What began as an act of service became something much deeper—love, commitment, and an unbreakable bond.
In February 2025, I received the **Maryland School Counselor Association’s Counselor Educator of the Year Award**—a prestigious honor that I had prayed for, hoped for, and worked toward for over seven years. I had been nominated before, but each time, the moment slipped away. This time, it was different. This time, the nomination came from the very people who mattered most.
This family—my family—saw me, just as I had seen them. They recognized every small act, every moment spent, every ounce of love poured into their lives. And in return, they gifted me with something I could never have imagined: the realization that the work we do in quiet places, in unseen moments, is never in vain.
God is doing something new in my life, and I am humbled beyond words. This award is not just mine—it belongs to the children who have changed me as much as I have changed them. It belongs to the families who trust me with their babies, to the moments of laughter, of struggle, of perseverance.
I am deeply grateful. Not just for the recognition, but for the love, the lessons, and the opportunity to witness transformation—both theirs and my own.
Vittoria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For over two decades, I have followed a path shaped by passion, purpose, and a deep love for serving others. My journey has been anything but traditional—from wedding planning and celebrity fashion design to a fulfilling career in education and family science. Over the last 12 years, I have immersed myself in these fields, spending six of those years as a Professional School Counselor. Through it all, one truth remains: I am here to **create, connect, and cultivate**—whether through meaningful programs, heartfelt mentorship, or empowering families and students to thrive.
**A Journey Rooted in Education and Service**
My academic journey began at Howard University’s Smith School of Business, and I later transferred to the University of Maryland, where I earned my undergraduate degree. My passion for guiding and supporting students led me to Loyola University, where I obtained a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. This foundation has shaped my approach to both **counseling and entrepreneurship**, allowing me to build spaces where students, families, and educators feel seen, supported, and empowered.
With **eight years of mentoring experience**, I take pride in my ability to communicate, inspire, and organize programs that make a tangible difference. Using the **ASCA National Model**, I craft tailored programs that help students unlock their full potential. Beyond that, my work expands into designing **culturally responsive educational initiatives, counseling curriculum, and community-driven projects** that bring lasting impact to schools and families.
**Creating Space for Healing and Growth: The Counseling Garden**
In the past three years, I’ve been dedicated to **designing out-of-school programs for economically disadvantaged students and families**, emphasizing:
✔ **Cultural diversity & inclusion**
✔ **Community building & service learning**
✔ **School attachment & academic success**
✔ **Leadership, entrepreneurship, & communication skills**
Seeing the growing need for culturally responsive support, I took a leap of faith and launched **The Counseling Garden**—a startup dedicated to **helping children and families develop and maintain healthy relationships with themselves and others** through enriching experiences and therapeutic services.
Here’s what The Counseling Garden offers:
🌱 **For Educators** – Comprehensive counseling program planning, curriculum writing & design, classroom setup, event coordination, and more.
🌱 **For Families & Children** – School-based programming, academic and informational content, and a YouTube platform featuring mindful mornings, policy breakdowns, and practical tools to navigate school life.
**What Sets Me Apart?**
I bring a **heart-first approach** to everything I do. My work isn’t just about strategy—it’s about impact. It’s about **creating spaces where children feel safe to dream, where educators feel supported, and where families feel empowered** to build brighter futures.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the many gifts and talents God has placed within me, but I also know this: **each one was meant to be activated to serve a greater purpose.** Every counseling session, every program I build, every curriculum I write—it’s all part of a bigger calling to **uplift, strengthen, and inspire.**
What I Am Most Proud Of?
In February 2025, I was deeply honored to receive the **Maryland School Counselor Association’s Counselor Educator of the Year Award**—a recognition that meant the world because it came from the very people I serve. This award wasn’t about personal achievement; it was a reminder that the small, unseen acts of love and service **never go unnoticed.**
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: **to create spaces where every child, every family, and every educator feels valued, seen, and capable of thriving.** If my work can plant a seed of hope, healing, and possibility, then I know I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?
A few years ago, I discovered a platform called DonorsChoose, which is traditionally used by teachers to fund classroom projects. Seeing its potential, I decided to create a few projects of my own. Through generous donations and several matched funding opportunities, I was able to raise $7,000 in my first year alone—a pivotal moment that helped bring my vision to life.
When I run school-based programs, I typically partner with community schools, which often have more flexible funding for beyond-school-hour initiatives. These partnerships allow me to provide enriching experiences for students without placing financial burdens on families.
However, as I continue to expand The Counseling Garden, I am actively seeking additional funding for standalone programs. Now that the organization is officially established, my goal is to secure grant funding to continue offering free programs and educational content for families and children. I am committed to creating equitable access to meaningful learning experiences and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has opportunities to grow, explore, and thrive.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I believe the most important factor in succeeding in my field is understanding the power of connection and purpose.
When I was studying Family Science in undergrad, my counselor and advisor said something to me that I have carried with me every day since. I often wondered why strangers would open up to me, why people were drawn to me—sometimes even making me uncomfortable. She simply said, “Vittoria, people are drawn to the God in you.”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. I lacked humility and wasn’t deeply rooted in my faith. But as I grew in my relationship with God and embraced the woman I am in Christ, I realized that these qualities were not by accident—they were planted in me for a purpose.
Now, I understand that my calling is to be a disciple, to spread love, and to serve others using the gifts God has given me. True success in this field isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about having a servant’s heart, the ability to connect deeply, and the willingness to uplift others in ways that leave lasting impact.
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