In early February, recent graduates of Merrimack’s M.Ed. in School Counseling program returned to campus to participate in their first alumni networking event. This interactive gathering brought together alumni from the classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024 with current students to share post-graduate experiences, offer career insights, and provide valuable advice as students prepare to transition into professional roles.
Program Director Christine Shaw, Ph.D., guided the event, allowing for current students to engage in small group breakout discussions on a range of networking and experiential topics. Some topics included interview tips, job search strategies, and insights into working in the field, as well as navigating challenging situations and excelling in the School Counseling graduate program. This event was a great opportunity for current students to connect and network with alumni and gain first hand advice on navigating the program and planning for their careers.
Merrimack’s M.Ed. in School Counseling graduates each shared their professional experiences, highlighting the realities of school counseling and offering words of wisdom to future counselors. Jess Alveda, M’23, a counselor at Quinn Middle School and social media liaison for MASCA (Massachusetts school Counselors Association), reassured students to “ask as many questions as you can, because no question is a stupid question and you will have a million of them, and that’s okay.” She acknowledged the nerves that often come with starting a new position and encouraged students to “use [new co-workers] and teachers as resources” and to “[not] give up on the students who see the world from a different lens.”
Bryce Henderson, M’22, a counselor for K-4 students in Methuen Public Schools, emphasized that it is important to “rely on your team, because there is always something you didn’t know could happen.” He advised current students to “become best friends with as many teachers as you can, they are your life and connection into the school.”
Victoria Kelliher, M’24 and Aaron VanDeKoppel, who obtained his School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling Post-Master’s License at Merrimack in 2024, shared how some of their most impactful counseling sessions were unplanned. Victoria noted, “there is a lot of stuff you can’t plan for. Some of my best group sessions were unplanned, so don’t be too hard on yourself.” Similarly, Aaron reflected on a recent unplanned session where he compared “food to friends” with his K-5 students. With 15 years of experience, he highlighted how his work and needs change everyday, so the way he navigates situations will change as well. He spoke to the adaptability required in school counseling, stating, “as much as curriculums are helpful, I love the phrase ‘programs don’t change people; people change people.’”
Kadyn Germain, M’24 and Molly Staunton, M’24 closed the session with advice on the importance of relationship-building. Kadyn stressed the value of making early relationships as a counselor, saying, “building connections with [students] and their families is really important because you will already have dialogue with them when things get difficult.” Molly added to the conversation, encouraging students to take advice from their mentors in the field: “take the risks even if they are scary. Be a sponge and ask all the questions.”
Dr. Shaw also took the time to recognize current graduate students who are balancing full-time roles in special education, teaching, and counseling while completing their degrees. These students exemplify the dedication and commitment required to succeed in the field.
As the event concluded, Dr. Shaw acknowledged both the challenges and rewards of a career in school counseling, reminding students and alumni that learning is a lifelong process. She encouraged attendees to take pride in both their successes and struggles, emphasizing that each experience contributes to their growth as professionals. Merrimack’s Alumni Networking Event not only celebrated the achievements of graduates, but also provided invaluable guidance to students preparing to launch their careers in school counseling.
