Jolene McGinty is originally from Nulato, Alaska.  Her family has also lived in Nenana, Huslia and Kaltag as her father was a teacher and principal at these sites.  He and her mother worked in the district office that was once located in Nenana.  Her parents, four sisters, two brothers and herself have always been a part of the YKSD family in one way or another. 

When Jolene first graduated from high school she had dreams of becoming a pilot, however she started working in the Human Services field, she truly believes that her profession found her and she absolutely loves it. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work with a minor in Elementary Education. She went back to UAF for a Masters of Education Degree in Counseling. 

She has been employed with Yukon-Koyukuk School District since 2011 and she has gained a considerable amount of knowledge from each parent, student, and staff member that she has had the chance to work alongside. She started out at YKSD as a Student Support Specialist and is currently working as an Itinerant Counselor serving students in Ruby, Nulato, Koyukuk, Minto, and Kaltag.