Experience Matters

Ken’s years working directly with schools shaped the foundation’s approach to supporting counselors and stopping bullying.

Hands-on leadership in education.

Roles

School Counselor

West Shores High School

2010 - 2023

Provided comprehensive social-emotional and academic counseling to students facing psychiatric and trauma related challenges in a therapeutic educational setting. Facilitated individual and group sessions focused on skill growth, behavioral interventions, and personal development to help students access their education effectively. Acted as a key liaison between students, families, and teachers to align educational goals with therapeutic progress, contributing to the school’s mission of holistic student care. Provided direct support to students, focusing on mental health and bullying prevention.

Founder

Point of Contact Foundation

2016 - Present

Leads initiatives to train counselors and implement anti-bullying systems.

Educator\Coach

Bobby Duke Middle School

2005 - 2010

Provided direct support to students, focusing on mental health and bullying prevention.

Delivered engaging classroom instruction while fostering a supportive environment where students felt safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Mentored student-athletes both on and off the field, using the platform of sports to build character, instill discipline, and reinforce the values of teamwork and respect.

Youth Baseball Coach

North Dakota

1969-1970

Mentored student-athletes both on and off the field, using the platform of sports to build character, instill discipline, and reinforce the values of teamwork and respect

Campus Life Director

North State Industrial School, North Dakota

1973-1977

Dedicated mentor, overseeing everything from complex housing operations to the preservation of cherished campus traditions. By guiding student governance and upholding the institution's core values, acted as a respected leader who ensures every student is both supported and inspired throughout their journey.

Newspaper Publisher

Mandan, North Dakota

1977-1992

Publisher of The Mandan News. He took over leadership of the family-owned publication from his father, John F. Maher, who founded the paper in 1975. Shared good news to over 70,000 subscribers.

Hall Director

North State University, North Dakota

1993-1995

Served as the primary administrator and live-in leader for a diverse campus residential community, overseeing daily operations and facilities management for the residence hall. Spearheaded community development initiatives by implementing a residential curriculum focused on student success, inclusivity, and academic engagement. Directly supervised and mentored a team of student Resident Assistants (RAs) and advised the hall government to foster student leadership and accountability. Managed critical administrative tasks, including student conduct hearings, crisis intervention, and budget oversight, while serving as a key liaison between students and university housing leadership.

School Counselor\Principal

Memorial Middle School, North Dakota

1997-2003

As Counselor, Provided comprehensive social-emotional and academic counseling to students facing psychiatric and trauma related challenges in a therapeutic educational setting. Facilitated individual and group sessions focused on skill growth, behavioral interventions, and personal development to help students access their education effectively. Acted as a key liaison between students, families, and teachers to align educational goals with therapeutic progress, contributing to the school’s mission of holistic student care.

As Principal, Promoted to lead as the primary administrator for a specialized therapeutic school, overseeing daily operations, faculty development, and student success initiatives for a diverse student body. Orchestrated the delivery of individualized instruction and behavioral support, ensuring academic programs met the complex social-emotional needs of residential and day students. Spearheaded trauma-sensitive learning environments and collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to implement personalized support plans, fostering a culture of healing and academic growth.