Mental health can often feel like a taboo subject; something that should be kept secret from friends and family. Riordan’s new wellness counselor, Madison Kelleher, is shaping a new narrative. 

Previous to Riordan, Kelleher worked as a therapist and School Counselor at Ygnacio Valley High School. What led her to Riordan ultimately was an opening as a Wellness and Support Counselor that she learned about through long term friend Greg Callaghan, who is a teacher here. 

“Ms. Kelleher has been one of my closest friends for over 20 years. She is chill, funny, fair, and able to help other people find new perspectives and ways to think about things going on in their life,” Callaghan commented. 

When Kelleher was in her sophomore year of high school, she lost a close friend after she had taken her life. It formed a new perspective on life and its limited nature, as well as how many people struggle with their mental health silently, specifically teenagers.  

“I think the biggest struggle with teens today is the belief that you’re in this alone. The number of times I have a student come to me with something they think is horrible or unimaginable yet little do they know I’m seeing four to five other students with nearly the same struggle or challenge. You’re not alone,” Kelleher stated.

As a community, this is important to understand. Kat Belfor ’27 said, “People can be judgemental and everyone has their own thing going on so it’s crucial to be able to talk to someone who will give you that space without a bias.” 

Nobody is truly alone, and no one can ever know the extent of someone’s suffering unless there is a safe environment to talk about it. If everyone opens their minds to other people’s experiences and listens to their stories, it might just save someone’s life. 

If you or someone you know is thinking about harming themselves, or needs emotional support, there are crisis lines available via phone, chat, or text. Contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.