Hello and welcome. My name is Tina Benjamin-Arthur AKA “Mrs. B-A”. I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I have lived in the Florence area since 1998. I have worked in the counseling field for approximately 27 years, with 17 of those years being with Florence One schools as a School Based Therapist/Behavioral Health Counselor. This is my first year working at Alfred RUSH Academy. I have worked at the Florence Career Center for 17 years along with providing services to the Palmetto Youth Academy, Moore Intermediate School as well as other high, middle and elementary schools in the district for crisis support/counseling services. On a part time basis, I have worked for 16 years with the Florence One Extended Day Afterschool Academy as a Site Coordinator, Area Coordinator, Staff Trainer and Behavioral Health Counselor. 

Prior to coming to the district, I worked as a Clinical Correctional Counseling Supervisor at Evans Correctional Facility for 2.5 years and as a Clinical Correctional Counselor at Lee Correctional Facility for 3.5 years. In South Carolina, I have worked in Family Preservation Services as a Homebased Therapist, Lake City PDMH in the Restorative Independent Living Skills Program, The Pee Dee Disability and Special Needs Program, and the Youth Advocate Program. In Philadelphia, I have worked in therapeutic foster care, a therapeutic group home and mentoring programs.

My educational background includes a B.A. degree in Psychology from Howard University, a M.A. degree in Counseling/Human Services from Liberty University, a PHD ABD in Counseling Services at Capella University with a transfer over to Andersonville Theological Seminary to complete my PHD studies in Christian Counseling. I am a Suicide Awareness trainer in SAFE TALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills through Livingworks and the State Department of Mental Health. 

My motto is “Everyone has a purpose and a special gift provided by God that just needs to be nurtured and supported so that change is possible”. As I tell my students (aka “my kids”) something is wrong with all of us; the only difference between me and you is that I know my issues which I have to work on every day with the tools I have in my box. I believe in the kids that I serve and have served throughout my tenure. My passion is for kids with challenges who walk into my office who are, I consider,  misunderstood but not forgotten. Structure, Support and Guidance is the key.    

Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, Declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you Hope and a Future.