New Graduate Support Specialist
Access Academies Welcomes New Graduate Support Specialist at Most Holy Trinity School & Academy
Access Academies would like to welcome Nicholas McDowell as the Graduate Support Specialist for Most Holy Trinity School and Academy. He will serve students in grades 6-12.
Through the NativityMiguel Model of Education program, McDowell will play a critical role in the extended school day program at the middle school level. He will also provide tutoring, mentoring, tuition assistance, counseling and other forms of assistance to graduates through their high school years.
“Advocating for students and their families has been a passion of mine throughout my professional career. I didn’t have someone looking out for me while I was in school, and it was challenging. I wanted to go to college, but didn’t know how to get there,” he said.
Professionally, McDowell has worked for non-profits for the past ten years. Most recently, he worked as an after school director for Provident Counseling to improve the mental and behavioral health of school-aged children in urban settings. A former semi-professional football player for Gateway Soul and the St. Louis Saints, he also coached youth-aged sports, which gave him the opportunity to build relationships with kids while setting boundaries and earning respect as a mentor.
“Nick has served as a substitute teacher and volunteer over the past year at Most Holy Trinity. In that time, he has built a great relationship with the students and their families. They respect him, but more importantly, they trust he will advocate for their children,” said Jessica Kilmade, principal.
McDowell began work officially June 2 with the kickoff of the extended school year program, but hit the ground running before that date by cheering 8th graders at their graduation ceremony before taking them to Six Flags. He also has called, mailed letters, and made personal introductions to the high school students. He currently is assisting with building renovations at Most Holy Trinity while simultaneously working the extended school year program and the week-long Summer Scholars program at St. Louis University.
For more information regarding this release, please contact Julie Linder, Communications Director of Access Academies, by calling (573) 2658-0639.
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