Mrs. Dwyer

Mrs. Dwyer is a mental health counselor at AHS. She’s been working at AHS for five years, and plans to continue making a difference with kids and their mental health! 

Dwyer has a master’s degree in Art Therapy, and she has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an Art Minor. She explains that she’s always loved art and psychology, so she felt like it was a great way to combine the two: “I always loved both art and psychology so it was a perfect way to combine the two.” She also shared that she later went on and took additional courses to become an LPCC, which stands for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. 

Dwyer comes from a big family, as she has four brothers. This played a part in why she wanted to become a counselor: “I come from a big family and was usually the peacemaker between my brothers. I was also the friend that everyone came to for advice.” Dwyer further explains that she always wanted to work with kids: “I always wanted to work with kids and to help them. I had originally wanted to be a pediatrician but didn’t want to go to medical school, so I decided to be a counselor instead.” 

When it comes to qualities, Dwyer feels that her ability to listen to students would be her best trait: “I think probably my ability to listen to students and build relationships with them [is my best quality].” Dwyer believes that being a good listener, as well as having a judgment-free attitude are the most important parts of good communication. 

Dwyer’s favorite part of working in the ACSD is being able to work with students at both Harmon Middle School and Aurora High School. She explains that this is because she loves the teen years as there’s so much change going on in that age group: “I love the teen years, there is so much change that happens during middle school and high school. It is so rewarding to see students becoming who they want to be and watching them overcome difficult times.” She also shares that the staff has been lovely to work with: “I also love working with the staff as well, everyone is so supportive of each other.” 

When it comes to her favorite memory, Dwyer shared that the memory that holds her heart was after the 2020 pandemic: “Honestly, I started when we had the first full school year with COVID, so everyone had masks on and there were the dividers on the desks…so my favorite memory is when I was finally able to see the students’ faces that I worked with the following year.” She made the sweet comment about seeing their smiles for the first time: “It was so nice to [finally] see their smiles!!” 

Looking back on her time in high school, Dwyer explains what her experience was like: “I went to Magnificat, which is an all-girls Catholic High School. We wore uniforms, [and] it was great because no one cared what they looked like, [and] there was no drama. I played softball for a little bit, got involved in clubs and yearbook. We spent a lot of time with all-boys schools, watching sports and going to dances. Overall, I really enjoyed high school.” 

Dwyer reveals that her family has had the biggest impact on her: “My parents were great role models on how to balance patience, love, and boundaries, especially having five kids. My husband and kids [are] always being so supportive!” 

Outside of school, Dwyer explains that she enjoys a range of activities, most of them being with her family: “My favorite thing to do [outside of school] is watch my kids play sports and spend time with my family traveling, going to dinner, or just hanging out.” 

One thing students might not know about Mrs. Dwyer is that she also works at the Cleveland Browns Stadium, in the suites: “I also work at the Cleveland Browns Stadium in the suites, so I have met some pretty cool people. I had Baker Mayfield’s family as one of my suites, I met Evan Mobley from the CAVS, and a lot of former Browns players and coaches.” 

Mrs. Dwyer has definitely made an impact on students at AHS. Because of her, a lot of mental health issues can be improved within children at both Harmon Middle and Aurora High School. If you ever need a listening ear and some good advice, keep Mrs. Dwyer in the back of your mind!

Written by: Maddie Mink