Dr. Mari Keller has served as a school counselor for eight years, working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. During her time at Independence High School, Dr. Keller developed programs specifically for student-athletes. She created the Leadership Academy, where student-athletes work on their leadership skills as captains and learn to lead their teammates and communities. Additionally, she is the founder of Academy IV Champions, a business dedicated to supporting students, athletes, and families in college readiness and mindful sports performance. Over the past five years, she has presented to numerous families on the importance of college readiness, mindful sports performance, and leadership philosophy. Dr. Keller has also taught college courses in Addiction Counseling, Play Therapy, and Ethics in Counseling. Her research focuses on social justice within the field of school counseling in Title I settings.