Who We Are—Departmental Contacts
Caroline Friend (last name O-Z)
Caroline Friend is excited to begin her first year as a school counselor at Carrboro High School! She is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University, where she completed both her undergraduate and graduate programs. She holds a Master's in Professional School Counseling, and a Bachelor's in Dance Studies with a minor in Psychology. Ms. Friend is passionate about helping students set and achieve meaningful goals and helping students navigate the highs and lows of high school. With an extensive background in dance, Ms. Friend continues to share her love of movement by teaching dance and group fitness classes. In her free time, Ms. Friend enjoys going to a yoga or pilates class, reading, being outdoors, spending time with her friends and family, and eating sour candy (big fan of sweet treats).
Mr. Kareen Taylor (last name A-F)
Kareen Taylor made the transition to Carrboro HS as a school counselor during the Spring of the 2018-2019 school year after supporting students for the previous four years at Culbreth MS in Chapel Hill. Kareen earned his B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and M.A. in School Counseling from North Carolina Central University. Mr. Taylor strives to help students develop their social, emotional, and academic skills to help them optimize their potential as they become responsible citizens. In his free time, Mr. Taylor enjoys fishing, playing chess, and spending time with his family.
Mr. Ken Lathan (last name G-N)
Ken Lathan is entering his 4th year as counselor and Head Football Coach at Carrboro HS. He has over 14 years of experience in both counseling and coaching with stops in South Carolina, Georgia, and now North Carolina. Ken is a graduate of both the University of South Carolina-Columbia (Business Administration) and South Carolina State University (M.Ed Counseling). He has a passion for helping young people reach their fullest potential. He absolutely loves football, (Go Gamecocks and Bulldogs), and interacting with students. Coach Lathan is married to his beautiful wife, Bolu Abe-Lathan and has a beautiful daughter, Kendyl-Gray. Coach Lathan will have appointments scheduled throughout the school day, but due to coaching duties, he will see his last appointment at 4pm during the fall semester.
Ms. Lydia Kiefer
Ms. Kiefer brings nearly a decade of counseling experience to support and guide students through their personal challenges at Carrboro High School. She holds an undergraduate degree in Music Performance and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill. She is licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) as well as a Professional School Counselor. Ms. Kiefer's background includes work in private practice and various school systems, utilizing person-centered counseling, Trauma Informed Care, SPARCS, and other therapeutic modalities. Outside of CHS, Ms. Kiefer enjoys spending time with her spouse, rock climbing, exploring particle physics, and petting friendly cats.
Non-Counselor Contacts
- Secretary/Registrar - Lillian Martinez
- General assistance, records requests, withdrawals
- Social Worker - Tara Oliver x25041
- Truancy/attendance concerns, students/families in special circumstances, socioemotional response and programming, community agency liaison, dropout prevention, crisis intervention
- Career Development Coordinator - LaTonya Coley x25044
- CTE and ASVAB testing, military recruitment liaison, career and college planning response and programming
- Durham Tech Career and College Promise (CCP) Liaison - Arielle Beamon
- On campus once/week; opportunities for juniors and seniors to earn FREE, transferable college credit or career certifications while in high school; postsecondary options at DTCC
- 504 Coordinator - Anthony Swaringen x25082
- 504 program and case management.
- CTE Special Populations Coordinator - Sarah Mack x25033
- Provides collaboration, coordination, monitoring, and support services to ensure that students classified as Special Populations gain equal access to, progress through, and succeed in Career and Technical Education programs.
- Nurse - Tori Toles x25040
- Medical assessment and intervention services
- Data Manager - Kelly Furr x25006
- PowerSchool student information system management