By Perry Smith

Starting at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, Katie Finn joined the Collegiate community as one of two new Upper School counselors, along with Taylor Mullen. With a background in social work and years of experience in both private practice and school settings, Finn is ready and eager to support the students of Collegiate.

Finn’s journey into becoming a counselor began in social work. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1992 and later became a licensed clinical social worker. After earning these credentials, Finn established a private practice, which she now continues alongside her work at Collegiate.

When asked what inspired her to get into the field of counseling, Finn said she “just loves working with young people.” She grew up in the Richmond area but moved out of state to live in Oregon for 28 years. Finn explained that when she returned to Richmond, she wanted to reconnect with the community and saw a school setting as the perfect way to do so. Finn’s desire to build relationships and support students was a leading factor in why she chose to work at Collegiate.

Before Finn came to Collegiate, she previously worked at the all-girls Catholic school St. Gertrude High School. When talking about her experience here, Finn said she “wanted to be more involved and more engaged” and also missed the aspect of working with boys, which eventually led her to Collegiate. She then described that she “really like[s] the teaching aspect of my job now.” Finn’s job at Collegiate not only includes supporting students but also teaching a four-week series on mental health as part of the 9th Grade Health and Wellness I class. Finn explained that she enjoys the variety of roles she plays at Collegiate, which allow her to contribute to many different areas of school life while still working closely with students.

Finn’s work at Collegiate mainly focuses on providing support to students struggling with personal, school-related, or sports-related struggles. In addition to Finn’s teaching in Health and Wellness, she serves on the Student Support Team and the Student Support Group. In these committees, Finn works with other faculty members to address and help with student needs. Finn is also a co-sponsor of the STAR program, where Upper School students tutor and mentor immigrant students at Quioccasin Middle School.

In Finn’s personal experience, a few primary struggles she sees when meeting with students are keeping up motivation for schoolwork, working through social and friendship conflicts, and regulating stress and anxiety. By offering a space for students to feel safe to open up about their emotions and conflicts, she provides guidance along with strategies to students to better face these struggles. Finn makes sure that her “number one priority is to be available for students who are looking for support.”

Finn makes sure that her help and support to students is easily accessible. When discussing different ways students could schedule a meeting with her, she said “unless the curtains are pulled, they can just drop in and see if I’m available, and sending an email is also a good way to plan ahead.” Her openness to allowing students to drop in allows a reliable and easily approachable way for students to receive the support they need.

I asked Finn if she could share one piece of advice for student success, what would it be? Her response was simple yet meaningful: “Communicate clearly, and trust your gut.” She discussed how she believes a student’s confidence in their own abilities, along with honest communication, can better lead a student to personal and academic success.

Beyond Finn’s work in high schools, she has experience in early childhood development, after having worked as a mental health manager in Portland Public Schools’ Head Start Program in Oregon for six years. The private practice she has maintained since 2008 allows her to continue to work with people outside of the school setting.

Finn is an engaged member of the school community but makes sure to save time outside of school to engage in her personal interests as well. She is currently swimming with the Masters team at ECAC and enjoys practicing yoga to stay active. Finn has also earned herself a major fitness achievement, participating in a marathon as well as a half-marathon. Outside of work, Finn enjoys spending time with her yellow lab Roy Kent, taking him on walks. One aspect of Finn’s life that is very important to her is to “spend a lot of time staying in touch with people.” Finn has four siblings, three children, and one grandchild. She still has family and friends in Oregon, and she loves being able to go there to visit them.

With her diverse background, passion for community, and desire for student well-being, Finn has been a spectacular addition to the Collegiate community. Whether she is leading mental health discussions, guiding students through challenges, or just being a friendly face on campus, Finn is making a positive impact on the Upper School. Finn encourages students to reach out, whether they need advice or simply a welcoming space to talk.

Photos courtesy of Katie Finn.