Sandy Magnuson received a Master's degree in elementary school counseling at Southwest Missouri State University in 1983 and a doctorate degree in counselor education from the University of Alabama. After teaching in counselor education programs in Alabama, Texas, and Colorado, Dr. Magnuson returned to elementary school counseling at University Schools in Greeley, Colorado and retired in 2010. During her career as a counselor educator and school counselor, she was committed to active participation in school counseling organizations and her own continuing education and supervision. She also conducted research in the development of counselors across the professional lifespan and supervision of counselors. Dr. Magnuson authored over 60 articles that have been published in professional journals.