About Dr. Loren Dittmar
Born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, Loren's early years were shaped by frequent moves and transitions — attending multiple schools across three districts in Rockland County. Though once considered one of the most at-risk students in his school, Loren defied the odds. With the support of a few caring educators who believed in him, he graduated from Pearl River High School in just three years, ranking in the top 10% of his class.
At just 16, Loren began college at New School for Social Research in New York City, where he studied Psychology. After discovering the field of Music Therapy, he transferred to the State University of New York in Fredonia, where he pursued three majors in Psychology, Music Therapy and Applied Music (Percussion). During his time there, he was deeply involved in student leadership, serving as President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and participating in several academic and service organizations.
After completing his bachelor’s degrees, Loren began his professional career in mental health, working with adults experiencing mood and psychotic disorders and later with at-risk youth in the Job Corps program across New York state. His passion for helping young people led him to pursue a Master’s in School Counseling from St. Bonaventure University (2005). He continued his education while working full-time, earning his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University in 2014.
School Counseling & Leadership
In 2006, Loren and his family moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where he began working as a Graduation Coach at Glynn Academy and soon transitioned into the School Counselor role. Over nearly a decade, he guided three graduating classes, served on the University of Georgia High School Advisory Board, and was named Glynn County School Counselor of the Year (2015).
In 2016, Loren took a leap of faith and moved his family to California, where he spent five years as a high school counselor with Simi Valley Unified School District. After his daughters graduated high school, his family felt called to return to the Southeast, where Loren accepted a counseling position in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Loren's most recent school-based position was the Director of School Counseling at a title I high school in North Charleston, where he led a dynamic team dedicated to equity, student voice, and postsecondary success. His years in school counseling leadership continue to inform his work today—connecting deeply with educators, counselors, and administrators across the country.
National Trainer & Speaker
Today, Dr. Dittmar serves full-time as a national trainer, speaker, and consultant, partnering with schools, districts, and organizations nationwide to strengthen student mental health and expand comprehensive school counseling programs.
As a national trainer with Hatching Results and the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI), Loren has presented across the country on topics such as:
School Mental Health & Wellness
Suicide Prevention
Group Counseling in Schools
Trauma-Informed Practices
Counselor Wellness & Vulnerability
Parenting Through a Pandemic
Known for his authenticity, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, Loren brings powerful personal experiences that move and motivate audiences. Participants often describe his sessions as “the most meaningful and inspiring of the conference.” (check out more testimonials here).
Professional Service & Recognition
Over the past two decades, Dr. Dittmar has been a passionate advocate and servant leader in the school counseling profession. His leadership includes:
He was honored as Glynn County School Counselor of the Year (2015) and continues to advance the profession through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.
Dr. Dittmar has also served as an adjunct professor in graduate counseling and psychology programs at California Lutheran University, The Citadel, and Concordia University Irvine. After over 20 years of providing counseling services, he has a deep passion for teaching the next generation of School Counselors and Therapists. He also taught undergraduate courses in Psychology for the College of Coastal Georgia from 2013-2019.
Dr. Dittmar believes in meeting every student and professional with genuineness, openness, and unconditional positive regard — the same compassion he shows his own family. He lives by the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child” and is deeply committed to being part of that village for every student, educator, and counselor he serves.
