With the 2024-2025 school year, comes new staff around Shadow Ridge. Joining the Mustang family in the counseling department is Dr. Hannah Small. Dr. Small has had an impressive career thus far. 

Dr. Small shares, “I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, my masters degree from Capella University, and most recently my doctorate also from Capella University. I have been lucky enough to work in several different schools throughout the years! Being a military spouse who has traveled a lot, I have worked as a school counselor in California, Virginia, and now Nevada. Most recently I was a school counselor in a charter school in Nevada before moving to Shadow Ridge. I have worked with both middle and high school students and have learned that high school is by far my favorite place to be!”

With her impressive resume that she brings to Shadow, she will be a great resource for students as she is ambitious and excited to begin getting to know all of the amazing Mustang students she will be getting to work with this year. 

“My position on campus is a school counselor. I will be working with students last names Lou-N. My role includes helping students with academic, social and emotional issues, as well as connecting students to resources as needed to best help them succeed!” Dr. Small says, “I am excited to get to know all my new students on my caseload and understand what goals and dreams they have! I love getting to know my students and listening to what ambitions they have both during high school and after!”

Getting to know her students and learning more about the people they hope to become is an extremely rewarding thing for Dr. Small.

“My favorite part about my job is working directly with both students and families. I love talking with students about what their post secondary journey looks like and what ambitions they have. I also enjoy seeing students out and about on campus participating in sports, clubs and activities,” Dr. Small shares. 

While Dr. Small is an impressive individual within school walls, outside of school she also has many amazing attributes like running. 

Dr. Small says, “Fun hobbies I have include spending time with my husband and two children, and running! I love running and often run half marathons in my free time! My favorite races are at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in California!”

Along with her family, she finds companionship in her furry friend Paddington.

 Dr. Small adds “I have one dog named Paddington; Paddy for short. He is a white Cockapoo who is about to turn 10!”

Dr. Small is originally from England. 

Dr. Small says,  “A fun fact about me is that I was born and raised in England! Most people mistake my accent for Australian, however I grew up in England and moved to the United States at age 17!”