Kristen McMahon has worked as a guidance counselor at Riverview High School for eight years. She manages students with last names H – M, totaling over 400 young adults. McMahon believes the most significant role of a guidance counselor is to ensure the mental well-being of students. Her main priority is making sure that students are succeeding in both school and at home.
McMahon enjoys helping students from many places and backgrounds. She says that “It’s like wearing many hats, all day.” As she talks about her role, it quickly becomes obvious that she is passionate about her job, and that she enjoys it.
McMahon continues to show her enthusiasm for her job when she is asked about her personal goals for the next five to ten years. She said “I know I don’t want an administrative role at the school or any other job; I'd rather continue being a guidance counselor who helps kds”.
When asked why McMahon chose to work at RHS, she stated that it was because she had previously been a guidance counselor at Sarasota High, but when she visited and witnessed Riverview's environment, she decided to migrate over.
Discussing the highlight of her career, McMahon said, “Helping students who struggle to graduate” and “rooting for the underdog”. She went on to say that she believes her job is rewarding, as all the demanding work she puts into struggling students pays off when they graduate and she is able to see them succeed.
McMahon is an alumnus of Sarasota High School, and has a bachelor's degree in science with a major in psychology. After graduating college she went on to the University of Dayton, where she received her master’s degree in education/school counseling.
McMahon continues to show her enthusiasm for her job when she is asked about her personal goals for the next five to ten years. She said “I know I don’t want an administrative role at the school or any other job; I'd rather continue being a guidance counselor who helps kids."
Outside of being a guidance counselor, McMahon is an aunt to two girls, one of whom was adopted from Japan. She loves to spend time with her nieces, and she mentioned them several times. She is also into the “sporty side” of life, being a huge fan of Ohio State.
Some of McMahon’s hobbies include photography, spending time with her nieces or babysitting them, “hanging” out with her friends, attending the local farmer’s market on Saturdays, and finally enjoying her job as a guidance counselor.
When asked what her personal goals are for the next five to ten years, she simply stated, “I want to buy a house.” She continued to explain that she currently rents in downtown Sarasota.
Students at Riverview will surely appreciate having this caliber of guidance counselor, one who is dedicated to her students and very passionate about her job. She puts in her best effort to help as many people on campus as possible.