The Full Story

Without a regular plan for my wellness to return to, I wouldn't be able to survive. I take sips of self-care throughout my days, whether that looks like a 5-minute meditation or a fancy iced coffee that I made at home, I need those small spoons to be able to tackle the bigger tasks for the day. As counselors, we aren't too different from our clients, as we are all human and no one is perfect.

That being said, I believe there are things we can do to better ourselves. Education is definitely one of them. Learning a language to be able to talk about emotions really helps to put them into perspective. Having a vocabulary helps self-regulation. Managing emotions can be intricate. Especially for those that are neurodiverse, like me. 

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Research can be interesting; I would like to see if creating a mental health school-based program that is proactive would make a difference in wellness outcomes. Maybe a standalone mental health school for teaching coping strategies preventatively and for stabilization would allow for better outcomes. Perhaps one day, I will explore the idea.

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At this time, I am balancing a re-entry to the workforce as my husband and I celebrate our precious son's first birthday. 

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I am registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Child Specialization (QMHP-C). I work for Health Connect America due to their dedication to the mission of honoring diversity with inclusive, individualized treatment during quality, affordable services with continual innovation. Likewise, I am grateful to them for their support throughout my growth as a person and professional. 

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Right now I am attending Liberty University to obtain my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I am looking toward the future to take the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) route as I will be in my residency after I graduate this December.

ACA Student Member - Division Committees: ACAC, AMCD, IAMFC, IARTC
VCA Student Member - Division Committees: VA-ALGBTIC, VA-SERVIC, VACES, VCCA, VA TechNet, Graduate Student

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I like alliteration. Compassionate, Curious, and Capable are three words I would use to define myself. As for my driving forces or three values that I hold important, they are peace, positivity, and passion. What are your threes?

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I look forward to meeting others for discussion, collaboration, or questions, feel free to contact me at: 

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mind.n.mend@gmail.com
@mind.n.mend

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I want to provide bite-sized, high-impact information to help others no matter where they are. As for now, I am focusing on glow n grow parents -caregiver tips- and collaborations through podcasts or posts on Instagram.

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The journey of Mind & Mend is meant to be one that follows an umbrella basis. If you carry it with you before the rain, it will help when you need it. You can use it in different contexts because sometimes you may need it on a hot day instead.

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My original entry into this field comes from my 12th-grade psychology teacher and his guidance. He saw my pain and reached out. He helped me see that with all that I had been through, I could continue to work on myself and help others too. My perseverance, and my desire to understand why people choose to do the things they do, have helped me continue my journey. We all have our past, genetics, emotions, thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Even the same behaviors may mean more than one thing to different people.

And underneath everything, we are all so similar.

Our humanity underlies all that is our lives.

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Let’s Work Together