Sierra (Fitzgibbons) McKillips, a 2011 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), is someone who has taken life’s unpredictable paths and turned them into opportunities for growth and connection. Known for her vibrant personality and a knack for bringing people together, Sierra has transformed her experiences—from navigating the highs of being a state champion golfer to rethinking her career aspirations—into a fulfilling role as a licensed school social worker.
Sierra recalls her time at PVHS as formative and full of fond memories. Though she describes middle school as “survival of the fittest,” high school was a much more positive experience. A highlight of those years was her freshman year on the PVHS golf team, which won the state championship. “Our team was first place, and my score counted as one of the top four,” she remembers proudly. “It was incredible to be part of that as a freshman on the varsity team.” Golf remains a passion for Sierra, who now coaches the sport at the middle school level.
Sierra’s high school years were also shaped by her role as a cheerleader, which gave her a chance to connect with people from all corners of the school. “I was always social and genuinely interested in what others were doing,” she says, reflecting on her reputation as someone who seemed to know everyone. It’s a quality that foreshadowed her future in social work.
High school was significant in another way—it was where Sierra met her future husband, Joshua McKillips at a basketball game where she was cheering. The couple began dating shortly after, during her Freshman year. Joshua proposed two years later. At just sixteen, Sierra was engaged, which raised eyebrows from friends and family. “Everyone thought we were crazy, including my mom,” she says with a laugh. The couple married shortly after Sierra graduated high school, moving in together the day after her commencement ceremony. They waited ten years before starting their family and are now parents to a young daughter.
After graduating, Sierra pursued a career in nursing at Nevada State College. However, her plans took an unexpected turn during her third year of college when she struggled to meet the requirements for her anatomy courses. “It was tough to rethink my entire life plan,” she says. During this period of uncertainty, Sierra found herself debating between pursuing teaching or social work, as both careers offered the opportunity to work closely with children. While working at the NyE Communities Coalition, Sierra found inspiration in Stacy Smith, a social worker and mentor, who introduced her to the idea of school social work—a perfect blend of both paths. Tim Sutton, an early mentor during her internship at PVHS, further shaped her decision by helping her connect the dots between social work and the law. “Tim opened my eyes to how social work intersects with legal systems and policy,” Sierra recalls. “It gave me a whole new perspective on the possibilities within this field.”
Encouraged by Stacy and inspired by Tim’s insights, Sierra transferred to Great Basin College to complete her undergraduate prerequisites and later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Her graduation coincided with Nevada’s adoption of school social workers, a new initiative fueled by federal funding. “The timing was perfect,” Sierra says. “It felt like everything lined up just right.”
Another key influence in Sierra’s career journey was Alicia Lewis, a colleague who became a close mentor and friend. Alicia’s guidance, particularly during Sierra’s transition from student to professional, proved invaluable. “Alicia showed me what it means to be a compassionate, effective social worker,” Sierra says. “She’s been in the trenches with me, and her support has helped me navigate the challenges of this field.” Together, the two women have worked to establish a strong foundation for school social work in Nevada, often collaborating on new initiatives to better serve their students.
Her current clinical supervisor, Tonya Hernandez, has been equally impactful. Tonya, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of school social work in Nevada, has helped Sierra develop her skills in navigating the unique challenges of working with children and families in a school setting. “Tonya’s experience and leadership have been a huge source of guidance for me,” Sierra says. “She’s shown me what’s possible in this field and given me the tools to keep growing.”
Sierra initially hoped to work at PVHS, where she had completed her internship, but the high school ultimately selected someone else for the position. “I think they were concerned about my age and that I looked so young,” she reflects. Instead, she accepted a position covering various elementary schools in the district. Although the role was challenging, she embraced the opportunity and quickly made an impact. Over time, the district recognized the need for full-time social workers at each school, and Sierra eventually settled into her current role at Manse Elementary.
Balancing a demanding career and family life has been a challenge, especially while completing her clinical internship, which required 3,000 hours of supervised practice. Despite the workload, Sierra prioritizes spending time with her family and friends. She also makes time for hobbies like painting and hosting paint nights for her girlfriends.
Sierra’s dedication to professional growth has been a constant theme in her journey. Encouraged by her husband, she pursued her master’s degree in social work through a grant-supported program, significantly reducing the cost of her education. She recently passed her clinical social work exam, a milestone that allows her to diagnose and provide therapy-based services. Sierra also credits the continuous support of her mom and dad throughout every step of her journey. “I am so grateful for my family’s continuous support through all my ups and downs. My mom was also a great motivator in my career, as she was the district liaison for homeless youth. I really wanted to help our communities youth, the way she did!”
Looking ahead, she hopes to work in a private practice setting and dreams of becoming a public speaker at social work conferences.
Sierra remains deeply connected to the PVHS community, both through her work in the school district and her friendships with former classmates. “I feel like our grade level was really strong,” she says. “So many people have gone on to do amazing things.”
Looking back, Sierra marvels at how her journey has unfolded. She has embraced life’s twists and turns with an open heart and a willingness to adapt. “Every day in this job is different,” she says. “It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
