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.