Mrs. Payne began her career as a School Counselor at Oconee County Primary in 2020. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as her M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees in Professional School Counseling from the University of Georgia. She and her husband live in Athens with 2 sweet Goldendoodles, Henry and Lucy and, kitty, Annie. She loves gardening, reading, and going on trips!

She enjoys helping the Little Chiefs develop their socioemotional, academic, and career skills. She teaches classroom lessons each month and facilitates small groups with students of similar interests and needs. She is available to meet with parents, teachers, and students, no matter the need!