My name is Melinda Salcedo-Carpenter, and I am a 32-year-old single mother of two wonderful neurodivergent children. I currently serve as a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the South Alabama Mental Health Center, where I use my lived experience to support others navigating their own mental health journeys. As a neurodivergent BIPOC woman with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) and Bipolar Disorder I, I’ve come to understand that my personal challenges are also my greatest strengths. They have given me deep empathy, resilience, and a powerful voice that I now seek to amplify through higher education.
I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis because I believe our mental health systems are in urgent need of more inclusive, informed, and culturally competent voices. Representation matters—especially in mental health, where many individuals do not see themselves reflected in the providers or professionals they encounter. I have lived through that lack of representation. I’ve sat in waiting rooms where my neurodivergence was misunderstood, and I’ve seen my children encounter similar challenges in school and clinical settings. These experiences have fueled my commitment to become the kind of professional who understands, advocates, and acts with both compassion and cultural awareness.
Working in peer support has been a transformative experience. It allows me to connect with others not from a place of clinical distance but through shared humanity. I provide support to individuals with mental health challenges, many of whom also face systemic barriers due to race, disability, or socioeconomic status. My own lived experience gives me credibility, but I know that furthering my education will expand the tools I can bring to this work. I want to not only support individuals but help reshape systems—educational, clinical, and policy-based—to be more inclusive and effective.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), when used ethically and respectfully, can be an incredible tool for empowering neurodivergent individuals. I am deeply aware of the controversy around traditional ABA practices, especially in autism communities, and I want to be part of the new wave of practitioners who focus on person-centered, affirming approaches. My goal is to specialize in neurodivergence-affirming ABA that values autonomy, consent, and dignity—especially for children like mine, who deserve support that celebrates who they are rather than trying to change them.
Returning to school while working full-time and raising two children as a single parent is undoubtedly challenging. Financial limitations make it even more difficult to manage tuition, textbooks, childcare, and the time required to study. This scholarship would be a critical stepping stone, allowing me to continue on a path that I’ve long dreamed of but could not afford to pursue without assistance. Beyond the financial relief, receiving this scholarship would be a profound affirmation of my mission and efforts to create meaningful change.
My long-term goal is to build a career in clinical or community psychology, where I can work hands-on with families while also contributing to education, policy reform, and program development. I envision creating programs that center the experiences of neurodivergent individuals from marginalized backgrounds, helping ensure that no one feels erased or silenced by the systems meant to support them.
In a world where mental health care often overlooks those who don't fit traditional molds, I bring a perspective shaped by both hardship and hope. I am not just seeking a degree—I am answering a calling. With your support, I can continue this journey with greater focus and fewer barriers, moving one step closer to a more just, compassionate, and inclusive mental health system.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Melinda Salcedo-Carpenter
The pride I felt watching my client have a conversation with one of his peers for the first time. The text from a parent of one of my clients saying thank you for my team's hard work because the client is now able to eat in public establishments. The look of relief on my non-verbal client's face after we finally realized she was not hitting her head because she wanted to, but as a form of communication. This field is filled with so many beautiful moments, and I love the individuals I work with. These quirky, fun, talented, smart, and incredible people have made me realize I want to get more involved in this field.
Working with people on the Autism Spectrum has made me realize things in my everyday life that I take for granted. I take for granted that my family and I can bond through verbal communication. I take for granted that I am able to express when I do not feel good. I take for granted the fact that my friends and family can go out to dinner without any self-injurious behaviors or aggression. These things seem so mundane and typical to a lot of people, but for individuals and families of people on the Autism Spectrum, that is not always the case. Watching the individuals I work with gain social, language, and behavioral skills through our work is priceless.
I currently work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and have already gained so much knowledge and experience working with individuals with Autism. I am enhancing my skills by attending the ABA Online program through FIT in the Fall of 2025! I received my admission letter yesterday, and I could not be more excited! My plan for the future is to become a BCBA. After I find community working as a BCBA, I would like to start my own clinic.
My long-term plan is so create a sort of "community" for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I want to offer ABA, SLP, OT, PT, and talk therapy services in my clinic. I also want to set up different programs that target life and job skills individualized for each client. I think having events for the people in this community could also be fun as well. Having some things like organized sports or art exhibits from the clients could be very fun!
I have witnessed firsthand the neglect and dismissal a lot of programs for ASD receive. Many people are not willing to fight for a better state of being for these people... but I am. These people are just in a world that is not built for them and their needs. Therefore, I am trying to create a little corner of the world that is built for them. Having somewhere that helps with their individualized needs and offers a sense of community and belonging will be huge for not only my future clients, but for me as well.
