School Counselors
Antuane "Ramon" Moore
Mr. Moore is a dedicated educator with 26 years of experience in the field of education. Throughout his career, he has taught a wide range of subjects, including Fifth Grade, Choral Music, Government, Biology, and Special Education. Mr. Moore is a proud graduate of Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Union University. He has also completed post-secondary coursework at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. His academic achievements include earning an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, further demonstrating his commitment to professional growth.
Currently, Mr. Moore serves as a Professional School Counselor at J.L. Francis Elementary School in Richmond Public Schools, where he supports students' academic, emotional, and social development. He brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a well-rounded background to his counseling role, helping students navigate both school and life challenges with confidence and care.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Moore enjoys spending quality time with his daughter, Jakya, who is currently in the 8th grade. He is also a talented musician—an accomplished singer and organist—who performs professionally and provides vocal coaching. Whether he's working with students, mentoring others, or sharing his love for music, Mr. Moore’s passion for education and the arts continues to make a lasting impact on those around him.
Lafawndra Stith-Russell
Mrs. Stith-Russell is a proud graduate of the former John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint Community College), where she earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. She went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Committed to advancing her knowledge and skills in education, Mrs. Stith-Russell pursued graduate studies at Virginia State University, where she earned two Master’s Degrees—one in Counselor Education and the other in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction.
With a passion for supporting students and fostering academic success, Mrs. Stith-Russell is honored to serve the students, families, and staff of J.L. Francis Elementary School. Her strong educational background and dedication to lifelong learning allow her to make a meaningful impact within the school community every day.
School Counseling Services
Classroom Guidance Lessons: We hope to visit your child’s classroom monthly to work with the students on a range of topics including anti-bullying, study skills, character development, understanding self and others, identifying and dealing with feelings, team building, goal setting, internet safety, celebrating diversity and more! Our goal is to address developmental issues common to ALL elementary school-aged students. Letters will be sent home after most lessons in hopes that parents will extend these discussion topics at home.
Small Group Guidance: We will be running a variety group guidance session throughout the year on multiple topics. Small group counseling is available to all students in need, and may be requested by parents, students, or school staff. Parental permission is required. Groups are designed so that students may gather together in a confidential setting to work through an issue that is preventing them from doing their best in school. They have the opportunity to interact and connect with peers, practice new skills, provide and receive feedback, and set goals as needed. Topics include anger management, friendship/social skills, study skills, grief/loss, divorce/changing families, etc.
Individual Counseling: Individual counseling is available to all students in need, at the request of the student, parent, or staff member. While students may see us at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions. Students are able to express concerns in a safe environment, where problem solving can then take place.
Additional Services include (but are not limited to): Assessment resources and support (504 plans, SOL testing/Gifted testing, etc.), school-wide character development program, school-wide community service projects, consultation with parents and teachers, participating on the school’s Child Study Intervention Team and more!
Disclosure Statement
Your child will be participating in the school counseling program on a regular basis, unless you have mailed in an opt-out request. The opt-out provision excludes short duration personal/social counseling which is needed to maintain order, discipline, or a productive learning environment, or to assess instances of suspected child abuse and/or neglect. A student may meet with the school counselor when he or she requests to, when parents/guardians, teachers, administrators or other school staff members refer the student, or if the counselor initiates contact. Written parental consent is required before students can participate in small group counseling or individual counseling that will be conducted on a continuing basis. Information and records of personal/social counseling will be kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or unless required by law. Unfortunately, we cannot provide intensive, long-term counseling services.