Hometown: Harleysville, Pa.

What graduate program are you in at Arcadia?

Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in child and family

What are your undergraduate and/or previous degree details?

I earned a degree in Human Development & Family Studies with a minor in Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies from Pennsylvania State University.

Why did you choose Arcadia and/or your particular graduate program?

Arcadia seemed like an inclusive campus with LGBTQAI+ representation, and I was ready to pursue graduate education as the next step toward licensure. Arcadia felt like a great fit for me.

What have you gained during your time here?

During my time at Arcadia, I increased my ability to network and advocate for myself while building a foundation for lifelong learning. I also gained a strong core group of peers and professional colleagues, along with inspiration for career paths I had not previously considered.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

I am proud to have completed two simultaneous graduation processes. While completing my graduate degree at Arcadia, I was also pursuing certification in the clinical model of Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT). For that certification, I completed three years of clinical work, more than 315 hours of direct training, presented a case conceptualization to a panel, and provided recorded footage from sessions. I am now graduating from the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center with certification in ESFT, which will further my career in Family-Based Services.

Two years ago, I also bought a fixer-upper and became a homeowner, which was a lot to balance alongside graduate school and professional training.

What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome to get to this point?

One challenge has been learning to focus on process over outcome. I am very type A and outcome-driven, so I sometimes forget to slow down and appreciate the growth that happens along the way. Over the last several years, I’ve learned the importance of staying present, advocating for support when needed, and making time for myself amid a busy work, academic, and personal schedule.

What do you do when you’re not in class?

I enjoy landscaping, hiking, traveling, attending community-based events, and spending time outdoors.

What are some things you’re hoping to do after graduating?

After graduation, I want to slow down, enjoy my success, and take time to appreciate the life I’m building. I already have a job lined up, an established career, and a home, so I’m looking forward to focusing more on myself and enjoying this stage of life.