Counseling Staff

  • Esmeralda Felix – School Social Worker

    With 18 years of experience in social work, I am dedicated to supporting students and their families by addressing social and emotional challenges that may impact academic success. As a school social worker at the Opportunity Center. I collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and community resources to provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to ensure a positive student learning environment.

    I am committed to fostering a supportive school environment where students feel safe and empowered to reach their full potential. By providing individualized interventions, I help address challenges related to family dynamics, mental health, and behavioral concerns. My passion lies in building strong relationships with students, families, and school staff to promote positive student outcomes.

    Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy watching our two boys play hockey and basketball, hiking, mountain biking, and volunteering with the unhoused population in St. Louis. I look forward to continuing to serve and support the students and families of Hazelwood School District.

    Contact:

    Phone: 314-953-5215

    Email: efelix@hazelwoodschools.org 

  • Derrick Elmore – School Counselor

    My name is Derrick Elmore, and I am excited about being in my 2nd year at the Opportunity Center. This is my 20th year in the Hazelwood School District. I have been in the education field since 1997. I have enjoyed a rewarding career and will continue to do so while I am here. My goal is to help guide our students into the future to ensure that they are productive citizens. I am here to provide our students with educational and emotional needs. My door is always open to provide support to our students utilizing any available resources.

    Contact:

    Phone: 314-953-5216

    Email: delmore@hazelwoodschools.org 

  • Rodney Prather – School Counselor

    After informally coaching and mentoring peers, friends, and loved ones for decades, I left a promising sales management position to go back to school for a Masters of Education in Counseling at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After leaving the corporate world, I spent a few years as a stay-at-home dad to our newborn, before beginning my career as a school counselor in St. Louis area public schools in 2016. My passion is for building positive, trusting relationships with students and their families, and leveraging those relationships to help them to address their social and emotional needs and challenges. I use individualized lessons and conversations to provide practical, solution-focused coaching and counseling to individuals and small groups. I am appreciative of the opportunity to work with the Opportunity Center team and the Hazelwood School District.

    Contact:

    Phone: 314-953-5285

    Email: rprather@hazelwoodschools.org