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For Jennifer Cotton, helping others has never been just a career choice — it’s been a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Cotton, a licensed clinical social worker based at the Mainline clinic on the Drew Central campus, spends her days supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students across the Drew Central School District. From kindergarten through 12th grade, she works with children navigating everything from everyday stressors to more complex behavioral health needs.
Her journey began in Greenbrier, where she graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1997. After briefly attending the University of Central Arkansas, Cotton sought a change and moved to Monticello in 1999 to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM).
“I was ready for something new and fresh,” she said.
In Monticello, she found more than just a smaller academic setting — she found a home. It was there she met her husband, a Monticello native, and ultimately decided to build her life in Drew County.
Cotton graduated from UAM in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology before earning her master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Along the way, she said educators played a vital role in shaping her path.
“I’m thankful as this helped me achieve my goals,” she said.
Though she briefly explored other majors during her undergraduate years, Cotton said she was always drawn back to mental health.
“You can’t outrun your heart,” she said.
While attending college and graduate school, Cotton worked at Delta Counseling Associates in Monticello. She later spent a decade with Centers for Youth and Family Services before joining Mainline Health Systems, where she has now served for seven years.
Today, her work places her directly inside the school environment — something she says makes a meaningful difference.
“I like being able to wrap the kids from a lot of different angles as the entire school staff is part of the team,” she said. “This is where the kids spend most of their time, and we are here to help them any way we can.”
Cotton’s days are rarely predictable. She typically sees six to eight students daily, though her schedule often shifts to meet urgent needs.
“My door is always open,” she said. “I will move things around if I need to so everyone is seen.”
Her impact goes beyond counseling sessions. One moment that stands out in her career involved a student who chose to share a gender reveal with Cotton and the clinic staff.
“It made us feel so good to be a part of the experience,” she said. “I like knowing I’m their safe place.”
As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Cotton said the need for accessible mental health services — especially in schools — has never been greater.
“The world is struggling, and that trickles down to the kids,” she said. “I see eighty students and have a wait list. There is such a need.”
Her role underscores a growing recognition of the importance of early mental health intervention, particularly in school settings where children spend much of their time.
Despite the emotional demands of her work, Cotton emphasizes the importance of maintaining her own well-being. She prioritizes setting boundaries, disconnecting from work when possible and staying present with her family.
“It’s hard because I’m a people pleaser,” she said. “But I turn my phone off and try to decompress on the way home.”
When asked what advice she would offer others considering a career in mental health, her message is both honest and encouraging.
“If it is your calling, persevere,” she said. “Don’t go into it to save the world — you can only save one person at a time.”
For Cotton, that perspective is grounded in what she values most: her family. She describes her two children as her greatest accomplishment. Her daughter is a high school sophomore, and her son is preparing to graduate from college.
Beyond her work and family, Cotton said the sense of community in Drew County is what makes it special.
“It has become home to me,” she said. “People care about each other and rally around each other when someone is in need.”
Through her dedication, compassion and steady presence, Cotton continues to embody what it means to be a healthcare hero — meeting people where they are and reminding them they are not alone.
