Kim has always had a profound love and passion for serving others, receiving her Master of Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis with a concentration in schools and child welfare. After working with children and teens in the South Florida community, she joined the University of Miami as a Case Manager/Therapist. Never having worked in higher education, Kim reached out to Dr. Patricia Whitely for mentorship. With Dr. Whitely’s guidance and reassurance, she was able to spread her wings and feel a sense of belonging and purpose within the University.
She began networking and emerging herself in all that the University had to offer. She served on key campus committees as the Counseling Center’s representative. In 2013, she become the Outreach Coordinator, coordinating all aspects of the Counseling Center’s Outreach approach. She continued to expand the reach and reputation of Counseling Center Peer Educators (COPE). Kim has been a COPE advisor since 2010 and continues to find joy in mentoring students and creating a family atmosphere for them to find belonging on campus.
Kim speaks of a pivotal time at the start of her higher education career where she was faced with the challenge to facilitate an orientation session alone in front of 2,000 new students. She knew the importance of this moment, and through her confidence in herself and her approach, she knew only one way would work—being her authentic self and providing laughter and a safe space for herself and students. She has now completed her 12th year of orientation sessions. She has also presented at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), that holds over 13,000 members.
AUCCCO is a foundational piece in college counseling and outreach. The idea came about in 2007 to organize an event across where outreach professionals across the United States gather, network, and learn from one another. There is immense value in being connected at a national level. Kim leads AUCCCO conference sessions, in particular, sessions for first time attendees, where she works to ensure they are connected in community, enter their professional spaces feeling valued, and free to be themselves.
Her presidential run for AUCCCO begins in June. Kim continues to be a prominent figure in the Counseling Center, as the Assistant Director of Outreach Services. “Kim Martin has distinguished herself at UM as a leader and mentor to students, especially those that are involved in COPE, our Counseling Center Outreach Peer Educators. She provides terrific insight and leadership nationally and we are excited she has been elected as National Chair,” said Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president of student affairs. Whether providing individual therapy or clinical intervention through outreach, Kim approaches each interaction with the same motto—be authentic and be present. Kim continues to dream big and strives to provide all she comes in contact with, with the same mentorship and support she received.
