Updated Acceptance Dates

Acceptance letter dates for McKeel Academy Mulberry have been updated to match our other schools. The corrected dates are as follows:

McKeel Academy of Technology: February 2, 2026
Preschool (MAC, MAM, SMA): February 2, 2026

McKeel Academy Central: February 9, 2026
McKeel Academy Mulberry: February 9, 2026
South McKeel Academy: February 9, 2026

School Counseling Resources

Online Course Request

If you would like to request to take Driver’s Education online, please go to the National Highway Safety Administration website to submit a request. When your account has been activated and you are enrolled in the course you will receive an email from the National Highway Safety Administration.

For all other online courses, please follow the link below to complete a request. A student must complete this form and they must be logged into their @mckeelschools.com provided Google account.

Online Course Request Form

School Counseling Resources


Ms. Lindsey Hilligoss

School Counselor for Middle School Students, Last Names A-K

Hello Wildcats! My name is Ms. Hilligoss and I am the Middle School Counselor for last names A-K. I attended Mckeel during my Middle School years and missed it so much that I had to come back! I graduated from Southeastern with my B.A. in Psychology and M.S in Professional Counseling and have had a heart for students ever since. A few of my simple pleasures are traveling to the mountains, eating enchiladas smothered in queso, and drinking a crispy Mcdonald's coke.

I look forward to everything I will learn from our students this year and happy to be back in the Wildcat family! 

Feel free to email me at lindseyhilligoss@mckeelschools.com or call 499-2818 ext. 226


Ms. Olivia Kerst

School Counselor for Middle School Students, Last Names L-Z

Hello Wildcats!

My name is Olivia Kerst and I am the School Counselor for 7th and 8th graders with last names L-Z. As a previous student of McKeel, I am super excited to be back! I graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Behavioral Healthcare. I am also studying towards my Master’s and Ed.S in School Counseling at Florida State University. 

I look forward to a wonderful year working with you and your students!

If you need to set up an appointment with me, please email oliviakerst@mckeelschools.com or call 499-2818 ext. 285.


Mrs. Christina Pynes

School Counselor for High School Students, Last Names A-K

Hello Wildcats!


This is my fifteenth year as a School Counselor at McKeel Academy and my 21st year in the field of education.  Prior to being a counselor, I was in the classroom and taught first and fourth grades.  This year, I have the pleasure of working with students with the last names A through K, in grades 9th through 12th.


Some information about me...
I attended the University of South Florida for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees.  My degrees are in Elementary Education and Counselor Education.  I hold professional certificates for Guidance And Counseling as well as Elementary Education.  I am also ESOL endorsed.

If you would like to set up an appointment with me concerning your student, please feel free to contact me by phone at 499-2818, extension 235 or via email at the link listed below.

I look forward to a wonderful year working with you and your student!



Mrs. Sandy Mathieu

School Counselor for High School Students, Last Names L-Z

Greetings Wildcat Family!

My name is Sandy Mathieu and I serve as one of your high school counselors.  I am honored to be a part of this great team.  I have been a school counselor for over ten years.  I graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's  Degree in Criminology and a Masters in Counselor Education.  I have served as a Family Support Worker as well as taught and counseled in Elementary and Middle School. 

Currently, I am working with students from 9th-12thgrade with the last names from L-Z.   I look forward to serving the students, parents and staff at McKeel Academy.