Where are you from originally?
Harwich, MA
Why are you pursuing your degree?
I’m pursuing a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) at Suffolk because it will allow me to work with people and face novel challenges every day.
Why did you choose Suffolk for graduate school?
I wanted to move to Boston and experience city living. I chose Suffolk University because the MSMHC program offers endless opportunities for emerging professionals in the world of mental health. If there’s a setting or population you want to work with, the Suffolk faculty will point you in the right direction and help you achieve your academic goals.
Is there an experience you’ve had at Suffolk so far that has made a significant impact on you?
My internship at the Suffolk County House of Corrections has been the most compelling experience thus far. It’s a remarkable feeling when you’re finally able to do the work you’ve been training to do. I enjoy this internship because it’s dynamic. It’s a combination of crisis counseling and individual therapy aimed at helping people during what might be the most stressful point of their lives.
Are there any faculty who have significantly affected your experience?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have received direct training and knowledge from Dr. David Shumaker and Dr. Mary Beth Medvide. Professor Shumaker equipped me with the tools and skills needed to work with diverse populations in dynamic settings. To this day I utilize his expertise to hone these skills to be the best clinician I can be. Professor Medvide showed me how to view psychopathology from a developmental point of view. Now I’m better able to understand where clients come from, where they are, and how I can be the best clinician for them moving forward. These professionals have truly impacted my life in amazing ways.
What are your future career goals?
After this program, I want to work in various mental health settings. It’s going to take some time to figure out what settings I will enjoy the most, but I am excited for the adventure. Suffolk has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to traverse the mental health field, and for that, I am proud to be a Ram.