MCC Welcomes New Counselor
Published on Thursday, July 17th, 2025
MCC is pleased to welcome Hollie Claire Ritter as its new Counselor, Title IX and Disability Services Coordinator. Prior to her arrival at the College, Hollie was an exceptional children’s preschool teacher for five years here in Montgomery County.
Hollie hails from Troy, receiving her high school diploma from Wescare Christian Academy in 2017. She earned her Associate in Arts degree from MCC in 2019, transferring those credits to Catawba College in Salisbury where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education in 2020. While teaching preschool, Hollie completed a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Instruction and Curriculum from Liberty University in 2022.
From a young age, Hollie was a friend to all, treasuring friendships with many different people. Always empathetic, Hollie was drawn to teaching and counseling, seeing her career path start to form when she was in high school. Hollie competed in softball, volleyball and hunter safety competitions here in Montgomery County where she resides to this day.
As a Montgomery Community College graduate, Hollie found her MCC experience to be very beneficial. “I had excellent teachers here who taught me study skills, where to go for help on campus, and how to manage my time so I could be a successful student. By the time I graduated, I was prepared for university-level coursework and beyond. Also, let’s not forget, my degree here was essentially free as a Montgomery Scholar, which saved my family so much money on my education!”
As MCC’s new student Counselor, Title IX and Disability Services Coordinator, Hollie wears many hats as she works to support students. “There is a stigma around needing help, and I am hoping to put that to rest here at MCC,” explains Hollie. “Everyone needs help at one time or another, and there’s no shame in asking for it!” MCC’s counseling office provides support for personal issues, mental health referrals, stress management, disability services and accommodations, career exploration, academic support and tutoring and more.
In addition to the Necessity Nook outside Hollie’s door (a cabinet with free personal items for students) Hollie also intends to be out-and-about on campus raising awareness about the different kinds of support available in the Counseling Center.