Konnie Fries

Konnie Fries is the Mental Health Coordinator at Vista Charter School, where she leads efforts to support student mental health, emotional well-being, and personal development. With a background in crisis response and harm reduction, Konnie brings a trauma-informed, student-centered approach to her work.

She is currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and draws from strengths-based, multicultural, and solution-focused practices to meet the diverse needs of Vista’s student body. Her experience includes co-responding with first responders to support individuals in crisis, as well as providing direct services to youth and families navigating mental health challenges.

In addition to her counseling work, Konnie is the creator and instructor of Vista’s Wild Horse Course, an innovative program that teaches students emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and responsibility through hands-on connection with formerly wild mustangs.

Konnie is passionate about building trust with students and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes every student has the capacity to heal and thrive when given the right tools, relationships, and opportunities.