Kalmanovitz School of Education Alumni Spotlight: The Path Jodi Weaver, MFT ’23 Took to the Counseling Profession Has Made Her Work Even More Meaningful

For as long as she can remember, Jodi Weaver, MFT ’23 knew she wanted to be a therapist. But her path to the counseling profession with a degree in Marriage & Family Therapy took a few turns along the way—which in hindsight, made her journey even more meaningful.

During her undergraduate years, Weaver’s professors encouraged her to pursue a teaching credential before entering graduate school. That advice opened doors to a career in education where she discovered a love for working with children, schools, and families.

“While teaching, I fell in love with being on a school campus,” Weaver recalls. Her passion for leadership eventually led her to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership and serve as an elementary school principal. “I loved being a teacher and a principal,” she says, “but I always knew my true calling was to become a therapist.”

When it came time to pursue graduate studies, Weaver began researching counseling programs across the Bay Area. Saint Mary’s College’s Kalmanovitz School of Education stood out immediately.

“I was drawn to the flexibility of the program, with options to specialize in several areas, including Marriage & Family Therapy and school counseling. Having the ability to explore multiple paths within one program was important to me,” she explains. “I also learned through informational interviews with recent graduates that Saint Mary’s has a strong reputation in the community, and SMC interns and alumni are highly respected and well-prepared.”

Weaver graduated from the Counseling program in 2023. After taking the summer to recharge, she began her career as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at a private practice in Walnut Creek, working under the supervision of her former professor, Michelle Hider ’15, LMFT. Weaver now counsels teens, young adults, individuals, and families, supporting them as they navigate challenges and build resilience.

Reflecting on her graduate experience, Weaver says she feels ready and equipped for this work. “The curriculum, the professors, and my internship experience all played a significant role in preparing me for private practice as an associate MFT,” she says. “I feel competent and knowledgeable in the clinical skills I bring to my clients, and when I come across challenges or need guidance, I turn to the supportive network of Saint Mary’s graduates in the counseling field.”

Weaver’s advice to current and future counseling students? Invest in relationships.

“Get to know your professors and other students in your program,” she says. “Building relationships in graduate school can be a great source of support while in the program and long after you graduate. I am so grateful for the friendships I made, as they are a valuable part of my personal and professional life.”

Today, Weaver is living her dream of working as a therapist while carrying forward the spirit of compassion, service, and community that first drew her to Saint Mary’s.