A South Carolina private school counselor lost her job on Saturday after she allegedly admitted to police that she carried on an inappropriate relationship with a male student.

FOX Carolina reports that Kenleigh Prendergast, 25, allegedly admitted to police on March 30 that during school hours she would call, text. and Facetime a teen male student (16 or 17 years of age) that she met at the Spartanburg Day School in Spartanburg. After school, the pair would meet up at Prendergast’s home or at her private counseling office outside of school, according to police.

The relationship reportedly began in January and ended a few days befor authorities became involved on March 25.

On March 31, authorities informed the school administration that the counselor had been arrested. The school immediately fired Prendergast and issued a public statement indicating the school puts student safety first.

“Spartanburg Day School was contacted on March 31 by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and informed that an employee, Kenleigh Prendergast, was charged with sexual battery with a student. Ms. Prendergast was hired in August of 2017 as school counselor. Effective immediately, Ms. Prendergast’s employment with the school has been terminated. SDS puts the safety and wellbeing of our students above all things, and will cooperate fully with the Sheriff’s Office throughout this process.”

According to Psychology Today, Prendergast stated that she “developed a passion for working with teens struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem/confidence and difficult life transitions (new school, parents divorcing, romantic break-ups, etc.).”

Prendergast was charged with sexual battery, according to NBC.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Kenleigh Prendergast/Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office]