Chi Sigma Iota

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Counseling Track: School and Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in Addictions

Fun Fact: I do competitive ballroom dancing!

Why did you choose to become a counselor?: I want people to feel less alone in their situations and know there is someone in their corner.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Counseling Track: 2-year School Counseling

Fun Fact: My go to songs at karaoke are 'Poison' by Bel Biv Devoe and 'You Oughta Know' by Alanis Morissette

Why I chose counseling as a career: I have worked in a variety of education settings and the nonprofit sector since graduating from CU-Boulder. In 2020 I started working in an elementary school as a health tech. We didn't have a mental health professional at the time, and with the uncertainty and stress of COVID, I had a lot of students visiting the health room for things that weren't physical health related. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed being able to help students beyond just bandaids and ice packs. After lots of research into different programs and strong encouragement from my family and coworkers I applied and was accepted into the graduate program at UCCS!

Pronouns: he/him/his

Counseling Track: Clinical Mental Health

Fun Fact: My go to karaoke song is "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield.

Reason for entering counseling field: I chose to enter this field to serve as a pillar of support for individuals as they traverse the hurdles of trauma and addiction. Facing these challenges can be an overwhelming endeavor for individuals and being able create a safe space that aids them in navigating these issues is truly powerful. Contributing to client growth is something I take pride in, and I am honored to witness their successes in this regard.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Counseling Track: Clinician Mental Health Counseling

Fun fact: This is my second career. I served in the Air Force for 27 ½ years and after retirement has 2 other jobs including Partner Development at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Director of Veteran and Military Affairs at UCCS. Four years after retiring and feeling like I have not “landed” yet, I decided to go back to school.

Why did you choose to become a counselor?: Throughout my military career, I have helped people whether it was counseling about career decisions or personal or professional relationships. When I left the military, I didn’t miss the long hours, deployments or time away from family for training…I missed being with people. I missed be able to connect with folks one-on-one to help them as they struggled with the unique things that military life brings. Now I work with active duty, veterans and their family members at Mt. Carmel as they continue to struggle with issues that only military members can fully understand. I am honored to continue to be a part of helping the community I spent my entire adult life serving.