Small Town Roots. Collegiate Leadership.

Born and raised in Del Norte, Colorado, Austin’s foundation was built on the grit and discipline of the San Luis Valley. A standout athlete at Del Norte High School in both football and wrestling, he learned early on that success isn't just about talent—it’s about outworking the competition.

That drive took him to Cornell College, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. More importantly, he spent four years on the gridiron as a Collegiate Football Captain, a role that cemented his passion for culture-building and leading teams through adversity.

A Journey Through Every "Walk of Life"

Austin didn't take a linear path, and that is his greatest strength as an advisor. After returning to Colorado, he immersed himself in a diverse range of high-pressure industries:

• Athletics: Coaching the next generation of competitors.

• Finance & Insurance: Navigating the complexities of risk, investments, and sales.

• Operations: Mastering the fast-paced world of restaurant management.

• Education: Understanding the unique challenges of the modern classroom.

The North River Mission

Today, Austin combines these "life lessons from the field" to serve as a bridge for educators and program leaders. As a coach, father, brother, and friend, he understands that education happens everywhere—not just behind a desk.

North River Education Advisors was born from Austin’s specific desire to improve After-School and Summer Programs (K-12). By focusing on Culture, Team Building, and Leadership, he helps organizations move past "supervision" and toward "transformation."

"I’ve been in the locker rooms, the boardrooms, and the classrooms. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned as a captain and a father to help your team build a culture where kids don't just show up—they thrive."

— Austin T. McDonald