The Power of Peer Mediation By Resilience Coach: Orlando Dobbin Pactolus Global School is the kind of school where you immediately feel the
School of the Month: Pactolus Global School
Key Contact
Eastern Regional Manager
Orlando Dobbin
Eastern Regional Manager
Orlando Dobbin, Jr. is an Eastern North Carolina native and a proud graduate of the North Carolina Public School System. He received his undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Professionally, Orlando has experience working as a house parent in foster care group home settings, program coordinator with Appalachian State’s Gear Up program, and as a school counselor in Guilford, Chatham, and Wake County Public Schools. Additionally, Orlando has served as an Emerging Leader within the North Carolina School Counselor Association, an Affinity Group leader for the American School Counselor Association, and has presented at various conferences on numerous topics related to student mental health. Furthermore, he was recently one of fourteen individuals selected to participate in a Masterclass on Happiness in Finland, where he explored Finnish secrets to happiness.
Orlando is passionate about removing barriers and creating systems and structures that provide students with the opportunities and support they need to reach their potential. He specializes in using a strengths-based approach to foster positive change for students and the educational systems they navigate.
In his free time, Orlando loves to be outdoors, enjoying activities such as playing sports, biking, hiking, and camping. Additionally, he enjoys participating in storytelling events and competing in triathlons.
As the Eastern Regional Director with the NC Center for Resilience and Learning, I help schools across Eastern North Carolina implement trauma-informed practices. By providing coaching, professional development, and collaborative support, I work alongside educators to build resilience and foster safe, supportive learning environments for both staff and students..
A high-quality, equitable education means schools are environments where students have access to the tools, support, and resources they need to unlock their potential and share it with their communities and the world—no matter their zip code. It’s about creating a place where students feel like they belong, feel seen, and feel empowered to dream big and accomplish their biggest dreams.
Providing an environment where students can thrive means creating spaces where they feel inspired daily, have opportunities to discover themselves and their interests, and know that their unique perspectives are valued and appreciated. It’s about ensuring their academic, social, and emotional needs are met while developing systems and structures that allow them to experience belonging, build community, and grow into the leaders they have the potential to become.
Growing up in rural Eastern North Carolina, I saw firsthand how inequities can limit the potential and development of youth. I also witnessed how schools and the education system can be a powerful force in providing students with the support, resources, and care they need to pursue their dreams and become the best version of themselves. Being part of a team that works to create systems and structures enabling future generations of children—just like me—to reach their goals through the Public School Forum is truly a dream come true.
