Brad Mellor: Building the Life Raft

Rundle Academy counsellor Brad Mellor

Brad Mellor says when students succeed, “it’s not the water that matters.” 

“You can drown in a sea, a pond or a puddle,” says Brad. “What matters is if someone sees and throws you a raft — that, regardless of incredible opportunities, this student is struggling. That’s where I come in.”

Brad’s name is a familiar one at Rundle Academy. Since 2002, he’s been an elementary teacher, PE instructor, junior high social studies teacher and even the father of two Rundle College students and husband to a teacher at Rundle Studio.

Along the way, he saw kids needing more support, which led Brad to obtain his masters in mental health, take a practicum at Rundle and realize his passion. 

Since 2020, he’s been the Academy’s full-time counsellor for grades 4 to 12.

“I wasn’t your typical counsellor, especially starting out. I was more of a coach, and some kids still knew me as a teacher,” says Brad. “But I found my voice advocating for the students.”

Brad is often a line of defence, supporting students navigating behavioural challenges, heavy course loads or life’s challenges. He’s a bridge to external supports and a connecting link between a student’s future dreams and immediate next steps.

“School counselling can be brief, but it’s ongoing,” he says. “In some ways, we’re the same as everywhere else — we see perfectionism, academic stress, anxiety, peer pressure. But the small class sizes mean teachers know their students well, and they notice things quickly.” 

To Brad, the facility’s growth is crucial in supporting the students’ evolving needs. The architecture has always made campus inviting, and he’s excited to see what its future holds. 

“It’s not just about getting a slick new building — it’s about being able to bring a world-class level of support and programming to that many more families,” says Brad. “These kids deserve the best, and these improvements will put their school on the map.”