Makaya Parris began her UT-Knoxville Specialist in Education degree in the summer term 2024. Makaya earned her BS in Social Work at the UT, Martin. She earned her Master of Social Work through Union University and earned a certification in School Counseling from UT, Martin. She’s served as a Trauma-Informed Counselor in Chester County Schools and currently serves as an Elementary School Counselor in Hardin County.