By Zach Jarvis and Nico Zabellos

Mullen in her office in the Saunders Family Library. Photo credit: Nico Zeballos & Zach Jarvis.

The Match had the much-appreciated opportunity of stopping by Upper School counselor Taylor Mullen’s office in the Saunders Family Library recently to chat about her semi-new arrival to Collegiate and the Richmond area. Mullen’s cheerful personality is always her first noticeable characteristic. The Delray Beach, Florida native spoke of her first six months being a school counselor. Her main focus when she first got here was to immerse herself into the Collegiate community through the eyes of the students. She felt that there is a specific stigma attached to seeing a counselor, which she’s working to break through, using a candy bin to welcome students into her office to get to know them, and for them to get to know her.

Upon entering her office, they’d discover the very colorful and welcoming environment. The various fidget toys, pictures, and other trinkets make it a great place for a necessary break from the chaos of the school day. When she’s not helping students on campus, she’s coaching girls varsity lacrosse, using her five years of NCAA lacrosse experience.   

In Mullen’s life outside of Collegiate, she has explored Richmond through restaurants in Scott’s Addition and other neighborhoods, including Wood and Iron, Lucky AF, and Tazza Kitchen, with the latter becoming one of her go-to spots when eating out.

Mullen stressed that she wants to learn more about Richmond and the Collegiate community. Mullen’s love of learning and her passion for helping others always come through, even in a short conversation with her.