Arkie Peterson is the school psychologist for the Pecking School as well as other schools in the area. Her figure and dress remind Torey of a country western singer. Because she serves several schools, Arkie has a very full schedule. During one of her first visits with Torey, Arkie admits that she, like most others, tried to get Jadie to speak voluntarily. Arkie allowed the attempt to get Jadie to speak to turn into a power struggle. When Arkie became frustrated with the girl, she had her placed in the special education class.