Santiago Calderon

About Santiago Calderon

I am a college counselor and mental performance coach who integrates the mind–body connection into every aspect of my work to support healthier, more whole people.In my role as a College Counselor at Mercy High School in Baltimore, I guide students and families through the college admissions process while also helping students develop the mental, emotional, and physical awareness needed to navigate stress, pressure, and high-stakes decision-making. My work goes beyond applications — it focuses on building habits, self-awareness, and resilience that support long-term well-being and success.My approach is shaped by a multidisciplinary background that spans sport and exercise psychology, mental performance coaching, personal training, stretch therapy, and work within physical therapy settings. This experience informs how I help students and clients understand the connection between mindset, behavior, physical health, and performance.Whether working with students on college planning, coaching athletes, or supporting individuals through movement and recovery-based work, I emphasize sustainable routines, nervous system awareness, and strategies that promote both performance and health.I am especially passionate about:• Whole-student development and long-term well-being• The mind–body connection in learning, performance, and growth• Mental resilience, emotional regulation, and stress management• Helping individuals align values, strengths, and goals• Creating counseling and coaching systems that are structured, human, and sustainableI have held leadership roles in college counseling, designed comprehensive advising programs, and coached individuals and teams in high-pressure environments. I hold a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Lund University in Sweden.My philosophy is simple: when we support the whole person — mind and body — we create healthier, more grounded people who are better prepared to make meaningful decisions and thrive.

Experience

1. College Counselor

   Mercy High School - Baltimore

   Jul 2024 — Present · Baltimore, MD, US

   Serve as a College Counselor at an IB World School, advising large junior and senior caseloads through all phases of the college admissions process, including college exploration, application strategy, essay development, testing, and financial aid guidance.Supervise IB MYP Personal Projects and Extended Essays, supporting students in long-term research, reflection, and independent learning.Design and deliver college counseling curriculum, workshops, and parent programming focused on college readiness, decision-making, and student well-being.Collaborate closely with administrators, faculty, and families to ensure students receive equitable, student-centered support throughout the admissions process.Integrate a mental performance lens into counseling work, helping students manage stress, build resilience, and perform effectively in high-pressure academic environments.

Education

• Texas State University

  Bachelor's degree, Pre-Physical Therapy Studies

  2005 — 2007

• Lund University

  Master's degree, Sports Psychology

  2013 — 2015

• Arizona State University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Kinesiology and Exercise Science

  2007 — 2009

Skills

• Sports
• Social Media
• Event Management
• Sports Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Sponsorship
• Powerpoint
• Customer Service
• Coaching
• Research
• Team Building
• Fitness
• Teaching
• Microsoft Excel