The Difference Maker

New North Marion Middle School Counselor Comes with Not Only Experience But Also Heart

Story by Jillian Daley/Photo by Amber Helvie

“Caring” and “talented” aren’t words specifically listed on Renee Hanson’s resume, but her colleagues call the new North Marion Middle School Counselor a warmhearted professional who succeeds in uplifting students every day.

“She’s always available; she facilitates; she’s an advocate; she’s a problem solver; she goes the extra mile,” said Bob Murrell of Keizer, a colleague of Hanson’s. “She makes a difference for kids every day.”

Murrell is a retired school administrator and counselor who volunteers at Whiteaker Middle School in Keizer, where Hanson had been employed for the past seven years. In fact, Hanson’s fondness for her fellow Whiteaker employees is part of why she found herself at North Marion this fall. Hanson was the Counselor at Whiteaker for three of the four years that current North Marion Middle School Principal Tami Badinger guided Whiteaker as its Assistant Principal.

“She is a big part of why I came here,” Hanson said of Badinger.

Badinger said that she knew Hanson would be a terrific hire.

“Her experience as a counselor and her ability to build relationships with staff and students is outstanding," Badinger said. "Renee is extremely detail-oriented and compassionate. Her work and guidance are always focused on what is best for students. NMMS is very lucky to have such a talented counselor!"

Hanson’s Education and Experience

Not only does Hanson have a gift for counseling, she has a strong mix of experience and education in her chosen field. A school counselor for 11 years, Hanson has a Master of Science in School Counseling from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She’s been working with young people since 2003 when she started running a recreation facility for youths through the City of El Cajon (near San Diego). Although she worked for the city, she collaborated closely with local schools. 

While in graduate school at OSU, she worked as a Special Education Instructional Assistant in Salem-Keizer from 2008 to 2009, gaining  insight into teaching. After graduating from OSU in 2011, she landed her Counselor role at a charter school, and in 2014, she joined Whiteaker.

In 2019, she added another role to her résumé, the Coordinator of Whiteaker’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which offers college and career readiness support to students. North Marion’s burgeoning AVID program debuted last school year at the Middle School. She’s not the Coordinator but is currently the AVID School Counselor. She is teaming up with the AVID Site Team to support staff, students, and families. She’ll help plan field trips, create a welcoming AVID Elective classroom, and provide career and college planning along with her regular duties at the Middle School

“We are off to a busy start here at the Middle School,” Hanson said. “The overall culture in the building is positive, and I am really enjoying it. I really enjoy the entirety of back-to-school, the nervousness from students, them getting lost and struggling to open lockers; and then watching them figure it out so fast, make friendly connections, and find who they are in such a short time is always such a gift to watch unfold.”

Hanson’s Early Years

Hanson’s strength as a professional is even more impressive as she is the first person in her family to attend college. Her father chose to join the Army and serve in Vietnam over his own ambition to pursue college, and her mother became a department lead for the state government without a college degree. Yet while Hanson was the first in her family, she wasn’t the last. She inspired her twin sister and her stepmother to enroll at a university. 

They inspire her too. Hanson said that family is important to her, so she prefers to stay close to those she loves. Although Hanson earned her undergraduate degree in California, she has mostly stayed close to the Salem area where she grew up, returning to study for her master’s at OSU. She has now settled in Salem with her husband and two sons. 

What Hanson’s Colleagues Say About Her

While she may still make her home in Salem, her professional departure to North Marion Middle School has her Whiteaker colleagues feeling a bit bereft.

“I have been with the Salem-Keizer School District for 27 years, and Renee is one of the best counselors I have ever worked with,” Whiteaker Counselor Pat Curran said. “She truly cares about students, staff, and families, and will do everything she can to advocate for them.”

That sentiment extends throughout the Salem-Keizer area, including McNary High School employees who work closely with staff at Whiteaker, one of McNary’s connector middle schools. McNary Data Specialist Rochelle Gould calls Hanson a friend and a colleague who gives her heart completely to the community where she works.

“Renee is devoted and caring, and she always strives to do her best for students, parents, and staff,” Gould said. “She loves to become a part of the community to create a partnership between the school and families by providing services, support, and care and connection.”

Murrell would agree with that sentiment about his caring colleague. Yet he made it clear that while he is sad to see Hanson leave, he is also happy for the North Marion community.

“You guys have a real jewel there,” Murrell said.

To share stories on the North Marion School District, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us