Experienced teacher and counselor Kimberly Mahan’s experience and heart make her leadership success inevitable.

The top 5%.

That’s what Gabrielle Crawford, Clark County School District (CCSD) director of student services, said about Kimberly Mahan. Kimberly’s innovative leadership and dedication to student success make her the ideal Counselor Education Alum of the Year. 

“Her ability to lead with integrity, innovate, and foster a positive school culture sets her apart,” Gabrielle praised. 

Kimberly’s journey at UNLV spans nearly two decades and three degree programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in counselor education in 2016. Now, she is pursuing her second master’s in educational policy and leadership.

Her decision to pursue leadership came after stepping into the counseling department chair role at Green Valley High School, where she began working more closely with administrators.

“I got a glimpse into the administrators’ world and discovered that I enjoyed working with them and providing input on school procedures,” Kimberly said. 

However, counseling remains at the heart of her work.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is making students laugh when they’re having a bad day,” she shared. 

Beyond the walls of Green Valley High, Kimberly is making an impact across CCSD and the UNLV community. She collaborates with peers at other schools to improve counseling practices and support student mental health across the district. She also helps middle schools and Green Valley High stay connected and ensures students and parents receive important school updates and event information.

At a pivotal moment in her career, receiving the Alum of the Year Award is both a celebration of her past achievements and a source of motivation for the future, as she prepares to graduate this spring. 

“Exploring a different career path after nine years of school counseling is not an easy decision, and this award makes me feel like my time in this position truly mattered,” Kimberly said. 

Looking ahead, she hopes her legacy will be centered on mentorship and paying it forward, a lesson she learned from one of her earliest mentors in education.

“I hope that anybody who has worked with me will remember something valuable I may have taught them, and will pay it forward when they are in a position to do so,” she said.

We are honored to celebrate an inspiring alumna for her dedication to students and her commitment to service.

Written by: Sakinah Musa