Hello!

I am Eric Cleaves and I am from Atlanta, Ga and a graduate of Fayetteville High School. I graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health and received his Master's Degree in School Counseling from The University of West Alabama. I am married to Tiffany and we have two boys. (MJ and Isaiah) I am super excited about being part of Madison City Schools and James Clemens High School. 

Go Jets!

Contact me if you are a part of the 2026 cohort -- sophomore class.

I grew up outside of Florence where I attended Rogers High School and later ran cross-country and served as an ambassador for the University of North Alabama.  Madison, however, has been my home since 2007.  I worked as a seventh and eighth grade langauge arts instructor for twelve years and now as a guidance counselor at James Clemens.  Since joining Madison City, I have sponsored First Priority, worked with Student to Student, and served as a cross-country and track coach for mulitple years.  Working with students and their familes both in school and in my church has played a big role in my life in addition to spending time with my own family.  I look forward to meeting you and working with you.

I am a sunshine state girl, born and raised, having lived in Florida most of my life. I grew up in a family of basketball coaches so I love all things sports-related and had the opportunity to play both volleyball and basketball at the collegiate level. After graduating from undergrad I spent my first couple of years in education as a Kindergarten teacher and then went on to pursue a masters in counseling. I spend my summers traveling to Kenya to work, serve, and learn alongside some pretty incredible people at a children's home and it's become one of my favorite places in the world. This is my first year in the Madison City School District and I am excited to be a Jet at James Clemens! I love my work as a high school counselor because I get to play a small role in helping students reach their full potential; not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals. Watching students come into their own person is a gift I am thankful to experience on a daily basis! I look forward to meeting both students and their families so please don't hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance. I am here to help and support in any way that I can!

I've been employed with Madison City Schools since 1997, first at Discovery Middle, where I taught for nine years as a special educator, I then transferred to Bob Jones for six years as a guidance counselor. I am now very excited to be a JET at James Clemens! As your guidance counselor, my goal is for all to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and assist students in realizing their full academic potential.

I was born and raised in Illinois, and now reside in Madison, with my husband, Brett, and children, Bryson and Briana. They are my joy!  I love traveling with my family, going to sporting events, and being active in church events.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance to you and your family, rsmith@madisoncity.k12.al.us or (256) 216-5313.

"I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is power. One of my main goals on this planet is to encourage people to empower themselves." - Oprah

Hello and welcome to James Clemens High School!  I will be your college and career resource.  This is my eleventh year with Madison City Schools and I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a great team of people.  I have 33 years of experience, 9 of those as a fourth grade Language Arts teacher and 24 as a counselor.  As your child's College and Career Counselor, I will assist him or her in the college application process, financial aid, NCAA, scholarships, and career opportunities.

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics (Human Development and Family Studies) from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts degree in Education (Counseling) from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.  I am married to my high school sweetheart and have two wonderful children.  I love to travel, snow ski, and go camping.  I am partial to the Texas Tech Red Raiders during football season, but please don't hold that against me as I will do my very best to make this a wonderful year for you and your family!  

For scholarship information, please follow check the Guidance page on the JCHS website.  Thank you for trusting me to assist your child through high school.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.