If you’ve ever stepped onto the campus of Fort Walton Beach High School, you’ve likely felt the energy and chances are, Courtney Barnes is behind it.

• A lifelong local, she teaches Leadership, coaches competitive cheer, leads the step team, and somehow still finds time to style shoes at Steve Madden. Whether she’s motivating students, planning events, or juggling practices, she brings a spirit that makes the campus feel alive.

Her mornings start with prayer, kids, and caffeine and her days move fast from there. Between open communication with students, creating content with CapCut, and keeping her classroom full of purpose and positivity, Courtney thrives on connection.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I am a life-long local!!!

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

I’m the Leadership Teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, where I also coach competitive cheer and the step team. I’m basically the person keeping the energy high and the students moving with purpose. And when I’m not on campus, you can find me at Steve Madden working as a shoe stylist, living out my fashion-girl dreams one pair at a time.

What’s your morning routine?

I start every morning with prayer, then jump straight into getting my boys ready for school…. which is basically a workout on its own. Once we survive that routine, I grab my Dream Coast energy drink and officially start my day.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

A typical workday for me includes mentoring students, planning events, and keeping practices high-energy and organized. Then I switch gears to Steve Madden, helping customers find the perfect shoes and bringing my creativity and style to every interaction.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

The first thing I do when I get to work is connect with students. I make it a point to say good morning and check in with everyone I see, whether I teach them or not, because those small moments of connection set the tone for the day.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

I can’t live without CapCut for content, Canva for everything visual, and Google Drive to keep my lesson plans and events organized. BAND helps me stay connected with students, my phone is basically an extra limb, and my Dream Coast energy drink is my ultimate tool to keep me energized and ready to tackle the day.

Apple or Android?

Apple!! Because my life moves at 100 mph, and only an iPhone can handle this much fabulous chaos.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

My go-to drink depends on the mood but it’s either a 7Brew Ice Blondie, extra sweet with caramel drizzle, or a BBL Clean Energy Tea from Dream Coast (my students put me on, iykyk lol).

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

My favorite go-to lunch spot is my grandma house. I love that she lives so close to my house and job.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Obviously, Dream Coast Nutrition!!!!

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with your heart and show up consistently. People remember how you make them feel, so focus on impact, not perfection.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t let other people’s circumstances, situations, or experiences put limits on you.

How do you unwind after a long day?

After a long day, I sit in my car once I get home and just enjoy at least 20 minutes of quiet before I end my night. It’s my time to decompress and reset before jumping into family time or the next day.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know that I’m actually an introvert. Even though I’m often the life of the party most of the time, sometimes I just want to fly under the radar and enjoy some quiet time.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

I’m falling in love with who I’m becoming and its inspiring me to keep working on the future me. So I guess the future me is inspiring me to keep going.

Early bird or night owl?

I’m a night owl! That’s when my energy spikes, my creativity flows, and I feel like I can conquer anything.

Most used emoji?

😂

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Yes, when I’m doing computer work or planning events, I love having music on. Gospel, ’90s R&B and hip-hop, trail ride music, and I’m even starting to get into country keep my energy up and my vibe right. I skip the tunes when I’m coaching or teaching so I can stay fully present with my students and athletes.

Favorite motivational quote?

Your potential is yours alone!

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

I have a desk on wheels! I can raise it to stand, lower it to sit, or roll it wherever I need it…keeps me moving and ready for anything the day throws at me.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

My advice would be to focus on the relationships you build with your students. Showing up, checking in, and genuinely caring about them makes all the difference! The connections you create are what leave a lasting impact.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

I’d just add that I’m so grateful and thankful for this opportunity. Working with my students every day is an honor, they teach me just as much as I teach them, and every high-energy, busy day is one I wouldn’t trade for anything!