I started college intending to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a nurse; however, I quickly realized that I did not fit into the cold atmosphere and highly competitive nature of the field. I quickly switched academic tracks and instead pursued Psychology with an emphasis in Family Studies and Women’s Studies. It was here that I felt accepted, encouraged and appropriately challenged. I have always enjoyed the one-on-one aspects of youth ministry and in college I discovered my appreciation for psychological research. After praying and talking with my family and respected friends I decided to look into counseling.

Pursuing graduate school was never something I wanted to do, but I came to realize it would be the only way I could achieve my goals. During my sophomore year of college I began to consider the Marriage and Family Therapy master’s at Richmont. To get my feet wet in the Richmont community I volunteered to file paperwork at the Henegar/CBI Counseling Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I was so shy that I barely spoke to any of the therapists, but I remember noticing that I was surrounded by people that were like me, which was a first.

Shortly before my senior year, the Counseling Center office manager arranged for me to meet with Dr. Jana Pressley to talk about Richmont. I told Dr. Pressley that I was interested in human sex trafficking work because of its redemptive aspects. She encouraged me to come to Richmont by sharing with me about the trauma specialization, the partnership the university was building with the Boston Trauma center, and the cutting edge research that was being conducted. My professors encouraged me to look at certain graduate schools; however, when I saw the statistics of Richmont students excelling in the field and passed the National Counselor Examination with flying colors, I knew Richmont was where I wanted to pursue my graduate degree. Truthfully, I had no idea how I was going to finance my next few years of courses, but once I got to Richmont I had such a peace that it was where the Lord wanted me. Richmont is truly the hidden gem of the South.

This university has changed the way I relate to my family, my friends and now my husband. The application of course conversations is seamless in the sense that I have greatly benefited from my studies and my own therapy. My trauma classes have been my favorite and I want to take them over and over again! They are so practical and informative and have informed the way I treat all of my clients. I have also loved my internship working with college students.

Ultimately, my desire is for my clients to gain a newfound love for themselves by being rooted in faith. One day I dream about opening a holistic practice with hiking, walking, art therapy, animal therapy, massage therapy, and so much more as many of these more tactile activities are perfect for the Chattanooga community. My interest in serving victims of abuse has not dwindled either and I am currently considering opportunities at a new rehabilitation ministry that is preparing to open in 2014.