As originally reported in the Fall 2025 edition of the Avonian, the brand new, state-of-the-art center—made possible through the Ann K. Kirby Foundation, thanks to the generosity of board member Wade and wife, Linda, Kirby P’17, ’18—offers far more than medical care. It has dedicated physical and mental health wings, as well as office space for staff, a classroom for group learning, and a much more.

Director of Health and Wellness Heather Callaghan P’25 expressed her excitement at being able to unveil the new space. “On Monday morning, I felt giddy getting ready so that I could be over in the new building by 7 a.m. when our first full day in the new building began. I couldn't wait to make an announcement at Morning Meeting inviting people to come visit and see the new space. Being in the building that first full day felt surreal...the ideas, sketches, drawings, and decisions that have occupied my mind for almost two years now was finally a reality. It was an incredible feeling, and I am so happy for our community to have gotten such an amazing gift.”

She says that students share her excitement. “On the morning of the first day, one of the students who takes daily medication came in and we gave him a tour. I saw him back in the Kirby later that day with another student. I asked if he was now feeling sick or why he was here with his friend and he said, ‘I brought Jeffrey with me to show him around.’ Then, as he started walking Jeffery around and giving his own tour, I heard him say as they were heading down one hallway, ‘Come here, you've gotta see this, it's awesome!’ Hearing that made my heart full!” 

Inside the new physical health wing, visitors will find two exam rooms (up from one), five overnight beds (a big change from two double rooms and one single room in the older facility), and a bright, open reception area where the nurse’s station is central. A dedicated sick waiting area keeps those awaiting pick-up separate from overnight patients, and prevents the need from flipping a bed over for new use after a boy has been in it for just an hour or two. The new spaces support expanded hours and increased coverage—two nurses are on duty until 9 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. The new building will bring nursing and counseling together with a single, visible entrance.

The former location of the counseling center—tucked down a cracked driveway below and behind the health center—posed both physical and symbolic challenges. Poor soundproofing and lack of internal stairs limited collaboration, and the setting risked sending the wrong message. Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Dr. Tori Bosse expressed her thoughts on the new and improved offerings. “The new space is everything I could have hoped for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). It's bright and warm. There is powerful messaging in having the central entry with two wings—very different from the old building where students needed to walk down the driveway and to the lower level/backdoor for mental health support. From a practical standpoint, the offices on the CAPS wing are also insulated to be nearly soundproof. This is a significant upgrade from our old space.”

Inside, the CAPS wing houses three counseling offices, a classroom for group work, and a “Zen Den” for students to recharge with comfortable seating, calming features, and space to stretch or rest. Natural light and thoughtful color choices make the environment inviting without feeling overly personal or sterile.

“Last week, two students were actually speechless,” Bosse says. “They just kept looking around in awe, laughing, and unsure of what to say! Several students have expressed excitement with the Zen Den, and it's already gotten some use.”

The new center also allows CAPS to expand services. In addition to Dr. Bosse serving as a full-time counselor, two part-time counselors will provide more immediate availability for students in need, one doubling as a mental performance coach supporting both emotional well-being and the athletic mindset. This physical growth of counseling space and offerings responds to a national trend of rising student health needs.

Taking a moment to reflect, Bosse was overcome with appreciation. “Walking into the building once it was fully done was exciting! I continue to be struck by a sense of gratitude—for the Kirby Family, for Heather and the scores of hours she put into this project, as well as for AOF—this is a visible representation of the importance we place on caring for the whole boy.”

Ultimately, the new center reflects Avon’s commitment to integrating health, wellness, and education. Everyone is welcome to come and check out the new Kirby Wellness Center!

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