Class of 2024 Spotlight: Matthew Kirk

Degree

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling

Hometown

Upper Marlboro, Md.

Plans post-graduation?

I have been offered a position as a licensed graduate professional counselor with Families First Counseling and Psychiatry, where I am currently interning.

 

What professional and personal opportunities have you had during your time at Marymount?

I have had the privilege of engaging in a plethora of personal and professional development activities. These include co-presenting with a School of Counseling faculty member at the Maryland Counseling Association State Conference, penning an article on pastoral counseling that was published in a state and regional newsletter and submitting a manuscript for professional publication on the role of school counselors in establishing a college-going culture for Black and Brown boys. I also received a number of awards, including being named a Marymount University Summer Research Fellow (2022), a National Board of Certified Counselors Minority Program Fellow (2023) and a HRSA C-Sharp Scholar (2023). Finally, I also had the privilege of serving the greater community as a member and former executive board member of the Mu Upsilon Gamma chapter of Chi Sigma Iota International Professional Honor Society, the premier honor society for the counseling profession.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned at Marymount?

I came to Marymount with no background whatsoever in counseling. I have a B.A. in history and a M.Ed. in student affairs, but no experience in psychology or counseling. I was very nervous and worried that I would fall behind the rest of my peers, who more likely than not had a strong foundation in the core concepts of the program. All of my fears, however, were for naught. Over the course of my tenure as a student in the School of Counseling, I truly believe I have learned everything I need to start my journey in the field of counseling and be successful in my endeavors. I’ve gleaned fountains of information from faculty, and the clinical experiences I’ve obtained have helped shape me into an eager counselor-in-training who is ready to transition into being a consummate professional counselor. The learning experience at Marymount has been invaluable to me.

What is your favorite thing about Marymount?

I truly value the relationships I have established and fostered with faculty, staff and my fellow students. I have been supremely blessed to be mentored by some of the leading practitioners and educators in the counseling profession, as well as learn from some of the future leaders of our field.