Kristen Macks, M.Ed.
Kristen Macks is a licensed school counselor for grades K-12. Originally from Waynesville, Ohio, Kristen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ohio University in 2006. She then went on to earn her Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) from Wright State University. During her time in graduate school, Kristen worked as a case manager at Turtle Creek Center, a halfway house for incarcerated males in the state of Ohio. It is there that she began her training as a group facilitator, coordinating Corrective Thinking groups which are based on a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. Kristen facilitated multiple groups weekly with offenders, conducted alcohol and drug evaluations and treatment plans, while also connecting clients with resources in the community in an effort to prevent recidivism.
Kristen completed her practicum at Mason High School and received her M.Ed. in 2009. Following graduation, she accepted a job as a counselor for Oak Hills High School from 2009-2011 where she maintained a caseload of close to 600 students. While working at Oak Hills, Kristen served as the special needs counselor, testing coordinator, and scholarship coordinator. In 2011, Kristen returned to Mason High School where she worked for the next several years as a counselor and continued addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
Kristen has extensive experience with 504 Plan and Individual Education Program (IEP) implementation, the college application process, ACT & SAT accommodations, and experience working with individuals with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
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One of my favorite things about running groups is seeing the connections that can be made in such a short amount of time. Kids often enter group feeling nervous and alone, and 60 minutes later they are laughing together and exchanging phone numbers. Just giving kids a safe environment where they can be themselves, learn from each other, and realize that they are not alone in their struggles can be so impactful.
It's really an amazing thing to see!
While working in the schools, Kristen greatly increased her experience with group counseling as she facilitated several groups including a Girls Group, Grief Group, and New Students Group. Through these groups, students were able to develop new friendships, share their feelings and experiences, learn new coping skills, build a stronger sense of self confidence, and develop a strong support system with other classmates who could empathize with their challenges. Her experience running groups at Turtle Creek and in the schools made evident to Kristen the powerful and rewarding opportunity that small group interactions provide. She is excited to offer an engaging group counseling experience to middle school and high school students in need of social, emotional, or academic supports.
To read more about her group offerings and the benefits of group, please visit our Groups section or click here.
Kristen is a member of the Ohio School Counseling Association and American School Counseling Association. She lives in Mason with her husband Ryan and two sons, Charlie and Archie. She enjoys exploring nature, playing sports with her boys, and traveling.