At Stillwater High School, Riann Swanson has built her career around connection, guidance and a deep belief in the potential of every student she serves. As a school counselor and student council co-sponsor, Swanson plays a vital role in helping students navigate one of the most important stages of their lives. After seven years at SHS, including a brief time away, she returned in 2023 with a renewed sense of purpose and now works with students across grades nine through 12 as the school transitions into a new chapter.
Swanson’s journey in education began in 2004 at her alma mater, Pawhuska High School, before she moved to Stillwater Middle School in 2011 to work as a counselor with sixth and seventh graders. Her passion for education is rooted in a natural ability to connect with people and a calling to support students as they grow in confidence and self-awareness. She believes high school is a pivotal time, where helping students understand who they are and what they want can shape the course of their future.
A major influence in Swanson’s life was her own student council sponsor, Missy Culver, who saw leadership potential in her and pushed her beyond her comfort zone. That experience not only shaped her as a student but continues to influence her work today. Swanson strives to create the same supportive environment for her students, encouraging them to believe in themselves and aim higher than they might have imagined.
What Swanson enjoys most about her role is the daily opportunity to meet students where they are. She understands that each student brings a unique set of experiences and challenges, and she approaches each situation with steady kindness and practical support. Guided by the philosophy of assuming positive intent, she works to build trust and focus on solutions that best serve students and their families.
Outside of school, Swanson enjoys arranging flowers, reading and hosting family dinners with her husband, Trent, and their three children. Whether at home or at school, she values meaningful relationships and creating spaces where people feel supported. For Swanson, education is more than a profession, it is a chance to make a lasting impact on both individuals and the community.
