I recently lost my mother on June 1, 2024. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only a few months prior, so it was all very quick, which was both a blessing and filled with grief. She did not suffer long and had a good death, surrounded by loved ones. In her last conscious moments, she smiled, said she had no regrets, and was ready to go. She was ready to join my father wherever it was that we go after death. While losing a parent is never easy, let alone having lost both, it did open up the opportunity for me to go back to school. Both my parents were passionate about education and left me enough money to pay for the graduate certificate program in which I am enrolled. My dad was a librarian for over 40 years, and my mom was a teacher’s assistant for over 20 years. They both held learning in high regard and expected academic excellence from me. This expectation was easy for me to fulfill as I also found that same passion within me. Both my parents were very active in their church community and the many ways in which they performed outreach to the community, especially the homeless. As a child they would take me along to soup kitchens to help serve meals. We would also put together hygiene packages to give out to those living on the streets. This impetus to continually seek ways to help others has become integral to how I interact with the world. It is, in part, why I became a psychotherapist. I provide low-to-no-cost services to LGBTQ+ disabled adults, providing accessible services to a community that often faces insurmountable barriers to competent mental health care. As a queer disabled woman myself, I am intimately familiar with the many roadblocks this community faces. I’ve been called to do something about it. While I have nearly two decades of personal experience as a disabled person, I hope that by completing this graduate certificate in disability studies, I will add a more rigorous academic understanding of the disabled experience. This way, I can provide my clients with more effective and culturally competent care. While my father passed before I was able to return to work after being approved for SSDI, my mom was able to witness this leg of my journey. She was so proud of me and my outreach efforts. She died knowing I was carrying on my parents’ legacy of helping those most in need. I know that my father would also be proud of my return to school and my choice of work. Even though they're no longer here, I can almost feel their love and joy surrounding me. It brings tears to my eyes, knowing that through their guidance, I am truly making an impact in the lives of others.

My family, with its Maidu heritage, has lived in what is now known as California since time immemorial. My roots are deeply planted in the hills of Northern California, among the forests of the west fork of the Feather River. My heart is with the deer, the eagles, and the bears that roam this land. The salmon that has long sustained my tribe continue their cycle of return every year, marking time as it passes. Our tribe was not significantly impacted by the arrival of the white men until the Gold Rush. That is when the death, murder, illness, destitution, and discrimination began. That is when our numbers began to shrink significantly, and those who survived most often inter-married with Europeans when they could. This was the case in my own family, though we held onto our heritage as best we could. I was blessed to spend time with my great-grandmother before she passed away when I was 13 years old. She told me how she was sent to "Indian school" as a young Maidu girl. She ended up dropping out of school after the third grade. She never shared many stories about her time in school, I think because of the trauma so often attached to these experiences. It is well known that "Indian schools" and boarding schools were rife with violence. Children were beaten for speaking their own language or practicing anything related to their culture. It could very well be that my great-grandmother leaving school so early may have saved her life. My grandmother, her daughter, made it to the 7th grade before she became pregnant with my mom at the age of fifteen. She never finished high school. This, of course, limited her job prospects, and so she spent much of her life in blue-collar jobs. When my mom was old enough, she joined my grandmother in a bottle factory. The work was physically grueling, and their hands were warped by the constant grasping of bottles. What saved my mom from repeating the same fate is that for much of her childhood, she lived with other families who ensured she attended school regularly before returning to live with her mom. She was also blessed to have met my dad while in high school, who was very dedicated to academics and inspired her to do the same. She followed my dad to college and became the first person in my maternal line to do so. However, she never earned a degree as she became pregnant part way through and decided to be a stay-at-home mom while my dad continued his schooling, all the way through getting a master’s degree. Although I was the youngest of four children, I became the first one in my maternal Maidu lineage to earn not just my bachelor’s degree but also my master’s degree. Although my mom did not complete her college education, she and my dad were very encouraging of me to pursue any academic goal I wanted to achieve. Both my parents have now passed, but the importance of education they instilled in me continues in my current pursuit of a graduate certificate in disability studies to advance my career as a licensed psychotherapist. I am proud of my achievements, especially when reflecting on where I come from. I believe my ancestors, those known and unknown, look upon me with love and encouragement as I continue my education. I hope to continue to make them proud as a Maidu woman.

What captivates me most about the Wicked book series is how it parallels key concepts in disability studies, particularly how society constructs "otherness" and the intersections of identity, marginalization, and power. Like many disabled people, Elphaba is judged and ostracized based on her appearance and perceived differences. Her green skin, often a metaphor for disability or otherness, becomes a focal point for society’s fear, prejudice, and misconceptions—very similar to how society often treats disabled individuals. Elphaba’s journey in navigating these societal judgments mirrors the experience of many disabled people who are also forced to live on the margins, often misunderstood or stereotyped. This is where Wicked intersects with my own interests in disability studies: it explores the tension between personal identity and societal expectations, a core theme in the field. Just as disability studies focus on dismantling these harmful societal narratives, Wicked also challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and question the power structures that define normalcy. The book’s exploration of morality, oppression, and personal agency resonates deeply with my belief that systems of power must be questioned and reformed, especially when they fail marginalized communities. Wicked brings these complex issues to life, making it a captivating series that aligns with my passion for disability justice and advocacy.

I recently lost my mother on June 1, 2024. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only a few months prior, so it was all very quick, which was both a blessing and filled with grief. She did not suffer long and had a good death, surrounded by loved ones. In her last conscious moments, she smiled, said she had no regrets, and was ready to go. She was ready to join my father wherever it was that we go after death. While losing a parent is never easy, let alone having lost both, it did open up the opportunity for me to go back to school. Both my parents were passionate about education and left me enough money to pay for the graduate certificate program in which I am enrolled. My dad was a librarian for over 40 years, and my mom was a teacher’s assistant for over 20 years. They both held learning in high regard and expected academic excellence from me. This expectation was easy for me to fulfill as I also found that same passion within me. Both my parents were very active in their church community and the many ways in which they performed outreach to the community, especially the homeless. As a child they would take me along to soup kitchens to help serve meals. We would also put together hygiene packages to give out to those living on the streets. This impetus to continually seek ways to help others has become integral to how I interact with the world. It is, in part, why I became a psychotherapist. I provide low-to-no-cost services to LGBTQ+ disabled adults, providing accessible services to a community that often faces insurmountable barriers to competent mental health care. As a queer disabled woman myself, I am intimately familiar with the many roadblocks this community faces. I’ve been called to do something about it. While I have nearly two decades of personal experience as a disabled person, I hope that by completing this graduate certificate in disability studies, I will add a more rigorous academic understanding of the disabled experience. This way, I can provide my clients with more effective and culturally competent care. While my father passed before I was able to return to work after being approved for SSDI, my mom was able to witness this leg of my journey. She was so proud of me and my outreach efforts. She died knowing I was carrying on my parents’ legacy of helping those most in need. I know that my father would also be proud of my return to school and my choice of work. Even though they're no longer here, I can almost feel their love and joy surrounding me. It brings tears to my eyes, knowing that through their guidance, I am truly making an impact in the lives of others.

A near-fatal crash on a dark November evening in 2008 changed my life and its trajectory forever. It has impacted my personal, academic, and professional lives in ways I never could have imagined. With the challenges in front of me, I can now create change in a way I never thought possible. When I was struck by a car making an unsafe left-hand turn into me and my motor scooter, the repercussions were severe. I have no memory of the crash itself, as I lost consciousness several times in the immediate aftermath, impacting my short-term memory. However, I do have very distinct memories of the days and months that followed, as they were highlighted by unimaginable pain and complications. At the time of my crash, I was in the middle of a master's degree program in counseling psychology. However, due to my injuries' severity and extended hospital stay, I had to take an immediate leave of absence. Yet, after thousands of hours of fieldwork internships and passing two difficult exams, I finally became a licensed therapist in 2016. I now have my small private practice and contract as a clinical supervisor with a local community mental health agency. In addition to working with clients, I am honored to help shape the next generation of therapists during their long journeys to accumulate the required hours of experience. I wish my story could end there, with the attainment of my licensure and the opportunity to pass that on to other new clinicians. However, my complicated journey continues, as these things usually do. Instead, I continue to live with severe daily chronic pain and mobility limitations that have forced me to go onto federal permanent disability. While I still have my small private practice and supervise a couple of interns, these are very part-time positions. Yet, my experiences have also led me to my private practice's focus on LGBTQ+ disabled adults like me. While I have nearly two decades of personal experience with disability, I would like to increase my professional understanding of the sociopolitical barriers that face us as disabled individuals. I understand that I am not your typical student, and this is not a typical request for funding. At 43 years old, I already hold a master's degree and have a solid career. I am also currently seeking a graduate certificate, not an additional degree. LGBTQ+ disabled adults face so many barriers to affordable, culturally competent care that by funding me, you will be part of the solution to breaking down those systemic barriers. This scholarship will allow me to continue making the world a better place for some of those most impacted by its barriers. It will help continue my story of triumph over tragedy and provide opportunities for that same healing and inspiration for other LGBTQ+ disabled adults in a similar position. Helping me is to help every client I am currently, and ever will, work with to heal, grow, and thrive.

I first came to Buddhism when I was a teenager. I grew up in a conservative Christian household and decided it was not the faith for me. I came to realize that as a young queer atheist, I wanted to explore other ways of finding faith and peace in my life. That is when I first heard of Buddhism. However, it was not until much later in life that I fully immersed myself in Buddhist philosophy and practice. I have since come to embrace the five precepts and the eightfold path. In addition to my meditation practice, I regularly attend my local center’s alphabet sangha, an LGBTQ+ community, and I regularly engage with Recovery Dharma, a Buddhist recovery program. Both sanghas have been instrumental in integrating Buddhist principles into my daily life. As a psychotherapist, I regularly bring the dharma into my client sessions. There is a natural overlap between Buddhism and psychotherapy. Mindfulness practice and the brahmavihārās are essential factors in both practices. With mettā practice, I bring a sense of complete acceptance of my clients and myself into the room. I send them love and kindness, or, as one teacher describes it, “unstoppable friendliness.” No matter what my client brings in, I wish only the best for them. Karuṇā, or compassion, is at the core of my practice, personally and professionally. Without compassion, there is no work, at least on a deeper level. Muditā is the celebration of every tiny step of progress that a client makes. This appreciative joy is what brings me so much satisfaction in my work. Upekkhā allows me to continue practicing sustainably as a therapist and as a practitioner of Buddhism. Mindfulness practices are also integral to my personal and professional life. I have experienced firsthand the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in my own life, so I am comfortable bringing those same practices to my clients. In fact, it has become quite common to integrate these techniques into psychotherapy, even by non-Buddhist therapists. For instance, mindfulness-based stress reduction has been proven to improve many types of suffering, including chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. With the support of my sangha and my contemplative practices, I have been able to gain clarity around how to increase my efficacy as a therapist working with LGBTQ+ disabled adults. As is often paraphrased, Shunryu Suzuki said, “Everything is perfect… And there is room for improvement.” I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in disability studies beginning in the spring of 2025 to understand better the sociopolitical systemic barriers faced by both me and my clients as disabled people. As I learn more about disability, I can integrate specific Buddhist ideologies and practices into the therapy room. That is not to say that I am attempting to convert my clients. Instead, I can see how the two fields overlap and hope to synthesize a more integrative approach specifically for my client population. I want to use Buddhism to heal and grow personally and give back to my community in a way that is palatable to any client, regardless of faith. By watering the wholesome seeds of my education, I hope to increase my engaged Buddhist practices. I hope to serve the larger mental health field sangha, by advocating for change in systemic barriers for LGBTQ+ disabled adults. With your financial assistance, I can bring more healing, compassion, and change to a suffering world and have a direct, on-the-ground influence on people’s lives. My hope is for the karmic ripples to move beyond my clients to influence entire communities.

I am a queer and disabled licensed psychotherapist, and I run a small private practice called Queer Crip Therapy. In my practice, I specialize in working with trans and queer disabled adults like me who face multiple marginalization and innumerable barriers in life. I will be earning a graduate certificate in Disability Studies from the University of Toledo to enhance my effectiveness in my chosen career. As I consider what unique contributions I bring to the mental health field, I believe my personal experience with the challenges my clients face helps me stand apart from other therapists. By pursuing more specialized education and bringing advocacy outside the therapy room, I hope to help dismantle some systemic barriers this community faces. In 2008, I was hit by a car while on my motor scooter, leaving me with permanent disabilities, including daily chronic pain and mobility limitations. Becoming disabled, especially with the addition of my wheelchair and service dog, has opened my eyes to the widespread challenges that go unnoticed by nondisabled people. I was in the middle of earning my master's in counseling psychology and got through a challenging academic experience as a result. However, in 2016, I was finally licensed as a psychotherapist. I knew immediately that I wanted to work within my community. I wanted to give back to the very people who helped me learn how to live in this world as a queer disabled person. My journey has allowed me to deepen my therapeutic skills of empathy, respect, and inclusiveness. I am also quicker to establish trust and a positive therapeutic relationship with my clients than a nondisabled therapist might. Sharing their experiences without translating their identities or how the world oppresses them can be a huge relief for my clients. To be mirrored by your therapist is a powerful thing. By completing this graduate certificate in disability studies, I will gain a more rigorous academic understanding of disability. I will learn more about the history of disability rights, disability activism in theory and practice, and the sociopolitical structures that keep disabled people from participating fully in society. I am dedicated to remaining at the forefront of this field to provide my clients with the most culturally competent care. Another opportunity I bring to my field is my choice to offer my services at low to no cost to my clients. This is because both LGBTQ+ individuals and disabled individuals are historically more economically disadvantaged. Compounded together, the barriers to competent care can seem insurmountable. I hope to break down that barrier by offering highly specialized care at a fraction of the cost if any cost at all. I also advocate directly within my field and with my colleagues for providing disability-affirmative therapy. I also encourage other therapists to find ways to make their practices more accessible financially, physically, and technologically. I hope to pass along some of what I’ve learned to create a more significant ripple of change in the field. Many things make me unique within the mental health field. For me, the professional is personal, and I continue to back up that experience with specialized education, both with the graduate certificate and continuing education in general (of which very little is focused on disability, thus the certificate). I’m also uniquely positioned to offer highly specialized, affordable therapy. These things not only set me apart, but they also enhance the effectiveness of the treatment I provide. I am committed to continuing my unique contributions to this community I hold so dear.

Mental health has been central to my personal journey as someone who is both physically and mentally disabled and has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and professional path as a licensed psychotherapist. Diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD at the age of 18, my experiences with mental health have profoundly influenced my beliefs in compassion and mindfulness, strengthened my relationships through empathy and communication, and guided my career aspirations toward supporting other disabled adults like me. Having lived with Bipolar II Disorder and PTSD since 1998 has taught me the importance of practicing compassion toward myself and others. Engaging in my own personal therapy and weekly peer support groups has reinforced my need to be kind to myself. This is especially true in managing the highs and lows that follow diagnoses like mine. There have been many times when I’ve fallen to the depths of suicidality. It is through these supports and coping strategies that I have been able to rise again to face the world. This belief in compassion also informs my work with my clients. I try to help them approach their own struggles with understanding rather than judgment. By bringing self-compassion into the therapy room, I assist clients in working through everything from anger to self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. From my perspective, I approach every client, regardless of how they present or their choices, with a sense of compassion and desire for their suffering to decrease. Mindfulness, rooted deeply in my Buddhist practice, has been essential in addressing the symptoms of both Bipolar II Disorder and PTSD. For example, meditation has allowed me to better develop self-awareness and acceptance in the face of fluctuating emotions. It can also help keep me grounded when experiencing PTSD flashbacks or anxiety connected to past trauma. I apply these principles in my therapy practice as well, integrating mindfulness-based techniques to help clients manage their mental health challenges with greater emotional regulation. Navigating these challenges has also enhanced my ability to connect deeply with others through empathic listening and more open communication. In my relationships with friends, clients, and colleagues, I prioritize active listening and creating space where people feel seen and supported. My own struggles have helped me recognize the importance of validating other’s trauma and emotional experiences, strengthening my therapeutic approach. My mental health journey has also underscored the value of maintaining health boundaries while still fostering interdependence with those around me. As a therapist, I balance maintaining professional boundaries with clients while also recognizing the shared human experiences we all navigate. These boundaries are essential to preventing burnout, fostering balanced relationships, and managing my mental health professionally and personally. My personal experiences with mental health, coupled with my work with disabled clients, have helped shape my commitment to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly trans and queer disabled adults, which is the focus of my private practice. Offering affordable therapy services and ensuring accessibility in my practice has become a cornerstone in my career mission, driven by my own experiences over the years with barriers to mental health care. My ongoing journey with mental health has also inspired me to pursue a graduate certificate in Disability Studies, which will enhance my work as a psychotherapist. I aim to integrate disability advocacy and justice into my career by offering more specialized services and support to disabled individuals. These services are even more needed by further marginalized clients who face additional barriers due to intersectional identities such as gender and ability level. As you can see, my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and influenced my career aspirations. I want to engage my work and my whole life with compassion, mindfulness, empathy, clear communication, firm boundaries, and inclusivity. Drawing on my personal experiences, I can better support others in their healing journeys. I can help them address not only their mental health but also the societal and systemic challenges they face. I remain committed to my growth in support of my own mental health and that of those around me.

As a queer disabled licensed psychotherapist, I have been helping others with their mental health by offering low-to-no-cost therapy to trans and queer disabled adults. This marginalized community often faces significant barriers to accessing affirming and competent mental health care, and I aim to provide a space where they feel understood and supported. My practice focuses on trauma-informed care, which acknowledges the unique challenges my clients face in a society that often stigmatizes both their identities and their disabilities. I work to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where my clients can process their emotions, explore their identities, and work through the trauma they’ve experienced. I also engage in advocacy for mental health within the queer disabled community. Beyond individual therapy, I contribute to collective well-being by speaking out about the importance of accessible, affirming care. I attend peer support groups, where I provide emotional support to others and share my own experiences to reduce feelings of isolation within the group. This helps to normalize mental health struggles and encourages others to seek support. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my work as a therapist while integrating the knowledge gained from my graduate certificate in Disability Studies. This continuing education will help me deepen my understanding of the intersectional issues faced by my clients and will allow me to more effectively advocate for systemic change within the mental health care field. My ultimate goal is to build a more inclusive mental health space that not only addresses emotional needs but also challenges societal structures that contribute to mental health disparities. In the future, I hope to combine my clinical practice with activism and education to further promote mental health care as a basic human right. I am committed to continuing to support others in their mental health journeys while working to dismantle the systemic barriers that often prevent people from accessing the care they deserve. I am not your typical student. I am 43 years old and already hold a master's degree. My request for funding is also not typical as I am pursuing a graduate certificate, not an additional degree. However, I am very low-income due to being on SSDI and would deeply appreciate the financial assistance. By helping me you will be helping every current and future client as well as the larger community of trans and queer disabled adults. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.

In 2008, my life was transformed when I was hit by a car while riding my motor scooter, leaving me with permanent physical disabilities. This experience reshaped my perspective on both myself and the world around me. Navigating life as a disabled person revealed how inaccessible mental health care is for marginalized communities, particularly queer and trans disabled individuals. It wasn’t just my own healing I had to confront—I saw how many others struggled to access the care they desperately needed, often facing systemic and financial barriers. Before the accident, I had been pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology but hadn’t yet found my true purpose. After the accident, my desire to complete my degree deepened, driven by the need to create a space where people like me could find culturally competent, accessible care. My own experience with physical and emotional challenges—chronic pain, PTSD, and depression—made therapy my lifeline. It helped me heal, and in doing so, showed me that I wanted to offer the same support to others. Returning to school wasn’t just a decision; it became a necessity. My goal is to support trans and queer disabled adults, who often face barriers in traditional therapy settings. My personal experiences as a member of these communities and as a disabled person offer me a unique perspective, which I channel into meaningful therapeutic work. My practice focuses on creating an inclusive, accessible space for individuals often left out of mainstream mental health care. By offering low-to-no-cost therapy, I work to ensure that everyone in my community can access competent care, regardless of financial limitations. The funds I’m applying for would help me continue expanding my expertise. Balancing education with running a private practice while relying on SSDI income is financially challenging. This funding would relieve some of the strain and allow me to focus fully on my studies and advocacy work, ensuring I can continue to provide much-needed services to my clients. As a psychotherapist, I integrate mind, body, and spirit into my practice. I believe true healing requires a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mental health with the physical body, emotional experiences, and the spiritual self. This is especially true for marginalized communities, where mental health struggles are deeply entwined with systemic oppression, identity, and physical health issues. In my practice, I use mindfulness, somatic work, and trauma-informed care to ensure clients feel seen and supported. These tools have helped me develop a whole-person approach that supports every aspect of my clients’ well-being. My personal experience with chronic pain also informs the way I incorporate body awareness and somatic techniques, helping clients reconnect with their physical selves in ways that foster healing. With additional funding, I can further develop my skills by earning a graduate certificate in disability studies and continue integrating mind, body, and spirit into my work, ensuring my clients receive care that honors all aspects of their identity. My mission is to help them not just survive but thrive in a world that often overlooks their needs. By deepening my education, I can better advocate for their well-being and create lasting change in the mental health field.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I already hold a Master’s Degree and am a licensed psychotherapist. My journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining my request for funding, I want to share my story so you can understand the circumstances that have shaped me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was drastically altered when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. In an instant, I went from being a young, energetic woman to someone who was broken, concussed, and unconscious. The accident left me with a shattered femur and wrist. I underwent surgeries to repair my bones, including a femoral rod in my leg and seven screws in my wrist. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, extending my hospital stay and requiring weeks of rehabilitation to relearn how to navigate life with a fundamentally changed body. Doctors initially told me I would make a full recovery, but that never happened. For seven years, I experienced severe pain, frequent falls, and ongoing issues with my knee, wrist, and fingers. Numerous tests and procedures yielded no answers until I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. This bittersweet revelation provided answers but confirmed that my conditions would likely never fully resolve. Sixteen years later, I continue to grapple with these injuries and their impact on my life. At the time of the accident, I was midway through a Master’s program. My injuries forced me to take a leave of absence, turning a 2.5-year program into a five-year ordeal. Navigating an inaccessible world took a toll on my mental health, and I struggled with depression and PTSD, compounded by the financial strain of extending my education. Despite this, I persevered and earned my degree. In 2016, after years of dedication and experience, I achieved my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, in the second chance I was given at life, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income. I specialize in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults, many of whom face significant financial and social barriers to accessing mental health care. Offering therapy at discounted rates or through insurance ensures these individuals can receive care with little to no cost. My practice is more than a career; it is a mission to support and uplift a community that is often marginalized and overlooked. In line with my commitment to serve this population, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. This program will deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to better serve disabled clients. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I need support to achieve this goal. Your assistance will not only help me succeed academically, but it will also benefit my clients, who rely on compassionate and informed care. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for many individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are indirectly impacting the lives of my clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the broader community I serve.

Mental health plays a crucial role in all aspects of life, especially for students like me who juggle professional, academic, and personal challenges. As a 43-year-old licensed psychotherapist diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD at 18, I understand the importance of maintaining mental health for overall well-being. After being permanently disabled by a car crash in 2008, I’ve also had to navigate daily chronic pain and mobility limitations, further underscoring the need for emotional balance in my life. Throughout my mental health journey, I’ve found several avenues of healing and support. These include my personal therapy, weekly peer support groups, and advocating for change within the mental health industry. These methods help me balance the demands of my academic pursuits and personal life. The consequences of neglecting my mental health would be severe, leading to emotional instability, worsening physical health, and difficulty focusing on my studies. Maintaining mental health is the foundation of my academic success. My practices help me manage the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with being disabled, working, and studying. In addition to supporting my personal well-being, managing my mental health also strengthens my ability to show up for my clients with empathy and insight. Many of the healing practices I use—such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and grounding exercises—inform my therapeutic work. My personal journey not only allows me to assist my clients in creating their own mental health strategies, but also inspires me to continue growing in my own self-care practices. I also see each session with my clients as an opportunity to normalize mental health discussions, destigmatize therapy, and model healthy practices. I view therapy as a form of advocacy, both for my clients and within the mental health profession. My advocacy work is particularly important because of the multiply marginalized identities I work with and share as a queer, trans, and disabled adult. Financial barriers often prevent queer and trans disabled adults from accessing mental health services. To address this, I offer my services at low or no cost, as I believe everyone has the right to competent therapy. My shared identity with my clients also helps create a safe space where they feel understood, something that is often missing when they seek services from professionals who don’t share their experiences. The challenges of being a student with mental health needs are significant. It takes perseverance, dedication, and a strong work ethic to avoid burnout while balancing school, client care, and my own needs. I practice self-compassion when faced with setbacks and use meditation to stay grounded. Additionally, I advocate for myself by requesting reasonable accommodations and seeking help when needed. Mental health is central to my personal well-being and my ability to succeed as a student and professional. My commitment to mental health work and advocacy keeps me motivated to continue this journey. Though it is an ongoing process that requires resilience, compassion, and dedication, I am up for the challenge.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I already hold a Master’s Degree and am a licensed psychotherapist. My journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining my request for funding, I want to share my story so you can understand the circumstances that have shaped me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was drastically altered when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. In an instant, I went from being a young, energetic woman to someone who was broken, concussed, and unconscious. The accident left me with a shattered femur and wrist. I underwent surgeries to repair my bones, including a femoral rod in my leg and seven screws in my wrist. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, extending my hospital stay and requiring weeks of rehabilitation to relearn how to navigate life with a fundamentally changed body. Doctors initially told me I would make a full recovery, but that never happened. For seven years, I experienced severe pain, frequent falls, and ongoing issues with my knee, wrist, and fingers. Numerous tests and procedures yielded no answers until I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. This bittersweet revelation provided answers but confirmed that my conditions would likely never fully resolve. Sixteen years later, I continue to grapple with these injuries and their impact on my life. At the time of the accident, I was midway through a Master’s program. My injuries forced me to take a leave of absence, turning a 2.5-year program into a five-year ordeal. Navigating an inaccessible world took a toll on my mental health, and I struggled with depression and PTSD, compounded by the financial strain of extending my education. Despite this, I persevered and earned my degree. In 2016, after years of dedication and experience, I achieved my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income. I specialize in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults, many of whom face significant financial and social barriers to accessing mental health care. Offering therapy at discounted rates or through insurance ensures these individuals can receive care with little to no cost. My practice is more than a career; it is a mission to support and uplift a community that is often marginalized and overlooked. In line with my commitment to serve this population, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. This program will deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to better serve disabled clients. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I need support to achieve this goal. Your assistance will not only help me succeed academically, but it will also benefit my clients, who rely on compassionate and informed care. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for many individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are indirectly impacting the lives of my clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the broader community I serve.

As a licensed psychotherapist I strongly believe that mental health is the foundation of all aspects of life. This includes how we think, feel, and act. It influences every choice we make in life and the way in which we experience those choices. As a physically and mentally disabled person and graduate student, on top of being a therapist, maintaining my own mental health is critical to balancing my academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I and PTSD when I was 18 years old, and at 43 I’ve found some integral ways to keep myself grounded. My acquired physical disabilities on top of that further my need for finding a sense of wellbeing in my life. I achieve this through several avenues, such as with my own personal therapy, peer support groups, mindfulness practices, journaling, and utilizing the companionship of my service dog. Being in all the roles I’m in requires a strong foundation of mental health. My ability to effectively support my clients depends on maintaining my own mental wellness. It would be incredibly difficult to provide effective care to my community if I’m struggling emotionally myself. It would also be near impossible to add my graduate studies on top of my work if I couldn’t find a balance between my professional and academic roles. My mental health also has a direct impact on my physical wellbeing, especially considering my disability. Managing my daily chronic pain and disability is more challenging when my mental health is neglected. This means that self-care is crucial to my overall wellness, not just my mental states. My primary source of support for my mental health is my own personal therapy. I’ve been in and out of therapy since 1998 and it has impacted my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. I am confident in saying that I would not be anywhere near who I am today, and able to do what I can do, without those years of hard work in therapy. Therapy allows me to process difficult emotions and maintain a balanced emotional state, not to mention encourages growth, so that I can be present for both my clients and my academic responsibilities. I also regularly attend weekly peer support groups, which provide a space to share my experiences with other people who share similar experiences. It can be very validating to see my experiences reflected in others. It also helps reduce isolation and other participants often provide me with valuable insights that I may have not considered otherwise. My mindfulness practices also help me maintain a sense of balance and manage stress. Practices such as meditation allow me to stay grounded and focused, which is essential for my success. Another mindfulness practice I engage in is regular journaling. By increasing my awareness of my inner world, journaling can provide an outlet to process my emotions and thoughts. It can also help me reflect on my experiences, track my progress, and manage the inherent challenges of balancing so many roles. There is also the critical role of my service dog, Raya, in supporting my emotional wellbeing. In addition to assisting with my physical disability, she provides emotional support simply by being in my life. She helps reduce my stress and anxiety, especially during challenging days. As you can see, I take my mental health seriously. Of course, taking care of my mental health is an ongoing process, evolving as my needs change, but it remains key to managing my life’s challenges and achieving both personal and academic success.

As a licensed psychotherapist, graduate student, and disabled person, I want to build something that extends beyond personal success—I want to build a future where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and affirming for all marginalized communities. Specifically, my goal is to create a practice and professional space where queer, trans, and disabled individuals feel seen, understood, and supported. I built my private practice, Queer Crip Therapy, in an attempt to remove financial, social, and accessibility barriers that exist in mental healthcare access for my community. For instance, I provide low-to-no cost therapy to my clients as disabled individuals are historically lower income. This not only helps individuals access care but also creates a place where marginalized voices can be heard by someone who is also on this journey. My graduate certificate in disability studies will allow me to build my knowledge that supports and advocates for systemic changes in mental health care. By pursuing further education I will deepen my understanding of disability rights so that I can then incorporate those principles into my work as a therapist. I would like to be able to advocate more effectively for accessible care in the hopes that others will join me in providing more inclusive mental health services. This commitment that I’ve made to furthering my education will have ripple effects, benefiting not just myself but my wider community as well. I hope to be a role model for other therapists who wish to integrate accessibility and disability rights practices into their own care models. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for many individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are indirectly impacting the lives of my current and future clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the broader community I serve.

As a licensed psychotherapist I strongly believe that mental health is the foundation of all aspects of life. This includes how we think, feel, and act. It influences every choice we make in life and the way in which we experience those choices. As a physically and mentally disabled person and graduate student, on top of being a therapist, maintaining my own mental health is critical to balancing my academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I and PTSD when I was 18 years old, and at 43 I’ve found some integral ways to keep myself grounded. My acquired physical disabilities on top of that further my need for finding a sense of wellbeing in my life. I achieve this through several avenues, such as with my own personal therapy, peer support groups, mindfulness practices, journaling, and utilizing the companionship of my service dog. Being in all the roles I’m in requires a strong foundation of mental health. My ability to effectively support my trans and queer disabled clients depends on maintaining my own mental wellness. It would be incredibly difficult to provide effective care to my community if I’m struggling emotionally myself. It would also be near impossible to add my graduate studies on top of my work if I couldn’t find a balance between my professional and academic roles. My mental health also has a direct impact on my physical wellbeing, especially considering my disability. Managing my daily chronic pain and disability is more challenging when my mental health is neglected. This means that self-care is crucial to my overall wellness, not just my mental states. My primary source of support for my mental health is my own personal therapy. I’ve been in and out of therapy since 1998 and it has impacted my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. I am confident in saying that I would not be anywhere near who I am today, and able to do what I can do, without those years of hard work in therapy. Therapy allows me to process difficult emotions and maintain a balanced emotional state, not to mention encourages growth, so that I can be present for both my clients and my academic responsibilities. I also regularly attend weekly peer support groups, which provide a space to share my experiences with other people who share similar experiences. It can be very validating to see my experiences reflected in others. It also helps reduce isolation and other participants often provide me with valuable insights that I may have not considered otherwise. My mindfulness practices also help me maintain a sense of balance and manage stress. Practices such as meditation allow me to stay grounded and focused, which is essential for my success. Another mindfulness practice I engage in is regular journaling. By increasing my awareness of my inner world, journaling can provide an outlet to process my emotions and thoughts. It can also help me reflect on my experiences, track my progress, and manage the inherent challenges of balancing so many roles. There is also the critical role of my service dog, Raya, in supporting my emotional wellbeing. In addition to assisting with my physical disability, she provides emotional support simply by being in my life. She helps reduce my stress and anxiety, especially during challenging days. As you can see, I take my mental health seriously. Of course, taking care of my mental health is an ongoing process, evolving as my needs change, but it remains key to managing my life’s challenges and achieving both personal and academic success.

The concept of success is usually couched in academic achievements or by achieving career milestones. However, for me, success is deeply rooted in a personal and evolving journey shaped by my experiences as a queer, disabled psychotherapist and graduate student. It means being able to balance my various roles and identities, overcoming challenges, and continuing to grow in ways that allow me to support marginalized clients in my private practice. It also means doing all those things while also pursuing personal fulfillment and professional growth. It can be a bit of a tall order, but I believe success is possible. While academic achievements are, of course, important, success for me is more rooted in personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity. For instance, having survived a life-altering car accident that left me permanently disabled, overcoming the challenges of living with Bipolar II and PTSD, and continuing my education despite these physical and emotional hurdles are all indicators of success to me. Success, for me, also looks like being able to run a private practice that supports trans and queer disabled adults like me while also maintaining my own mental health. Offering my services at low-to-no cost, I also believe illustrates a great amount of success as I am able to give back to my community in the mental health field where often they face barriers. I also don’t see success as just personal, but communal. I measure success by the impact I make in the lives of others, especially my clients. It also includes furthering my education in order to better serve those clients. This is why I’ve enrolled in the graduate certificate program in disability studies at the University of Toledo. Success also means continuing in the face of ongoing health struggles and societal barriers related to being both disabled and queer. For example, my disabling car crash happened halfway through my graduate degree program, and I ended up having to take a leave of absence. It eventually took me 5 years to complete a 2.5-year program. However, I persevered, and I accomplished my goal. This was despite mobility challenges and daily chronic pain, both of which I still contend with. Continuing my education despite financial barriers, health issues, and work commitments is also a sign of success for me. By enrolling in this graduate certificate program I am demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and the wellbeing of my clients. Living on SSDI means I have very little income, even despite my small very part-time private practice. So this opportunity will help ease the financial strain of pursuing my further education. It will also allow me to focus on my academic and professional growth without the stress of wondering where the money will come from. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for many individuals who face immense challenges every day, many who struggle with the same barriers that I do. By supporting my education, you are also impacting the lives of my current and future clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the broader community I serve. Thank you for your consideration.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I already hold a Master’s Degree and am a licensed psychotherapist. My journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining my request for funding, I want to share my story so you can fully understand the circumstances that have shaped me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and how balancing work and higher education affects my life. In 2008, my life was drastically altered when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. The accident left me with a shattered femur and wrist. I had to undergo surgeries, including a femoral rod in my leg and screws in my wrist. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, which extended my hospital stay and led to two weeks in a rehabilitation center, where I had to relearn how to navigate life with a body that had fundamentally changed. Although doctors initially told me I would make a full recovery, that never happened. For seven years, I experienced severe pain, frequent falls, and ongoing issues with my knee, wrist, and fingers. Numerous tests and procedures provided no answers until I was finally diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to grapple with these injuries and their impact on my life. At the time of the accident, I was midway through a Master’s program. My injuries forced me to take a leave of absence, turning a 2.5-year program into a five-year ordeal. I faced immense pain, mobility challenges, and the daily fatigue that impacted my life. Beyond the physical strain, depression and PTSD were daily struggles, compounded by the financial strain of extended education. Despite these challenges, I persevered and earned my degree. In 2016, I achieved my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income. I specialize in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults, many of whom, like me, face financial and social barriers to accessing mental health care. Offering therapy at discounted rates or through insurance is essential to ensure they receive care. My practice is more than a career; it’s a mission to support a marginalized and overlooked community. I have now enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to better serve disabled clients. Balancing this program with my professional responsibilities adds complexity. Managing my practice while pursuing my studies is demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding. My work informs my academic learning, and vice versa, allowing me to stay engaged and provide more comprehensive care to my clients. The financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I need support to achieve my goal. Your assistance will not only help me succeed academically but will also benefit my clients, who rely on compassionate and informed care. By relieving some of the financial strain, I can focus on my academic and professional growth, ensuring the individuals I serve continue receiving quality care. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for many individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are indirectly impacting the lives of my clients and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

As a licensed psychotherapist, graduate student, and disabled person, my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Mental health has impacted every aspect of my life, from my challenges with Bipolar II and PTSD to my work in providing therapy to marginalized communities. These experiences have guided my career path and influenced my approach to life and relationships, while driving my desire to make a positive impact. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD at 18, and navigating life with these diagnoses has been a journey of growth and resilience. At 43, I’ve developed strategies for managing my mental health, which is essential for balancing my roles as a psychotherapist, student, and disabled person. Mental health is the foundation of well-being—it influences how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we engage with others and the world around us. These experiences have deeply influenced my beliefs about compassion and self-care. These principles guide my work as a psychotherapist, where I provide low-cost therapy to trans and queer disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to receiving care. By offering affordable services, I remove those barriers and create a space where people can access care without fear of judgment. This work aligns with my values of empathy, inclusion, and justice. Therapy has been one of the most transformative tools in my life. Without it, managing my emotional highs and lows and the trauma from PTSD would be incredibly difficult. My experiences in therapy have shaped my belief that everyone deserves access to mental health care, regardless of their background or financial situation. As a result, my career aspirations center on expanding access to care for marginalized communities, particularly those facing systemic barriers. My relationships have also been influenced by my mental health journey. I’ve learned the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and setting boundaries. Living with mental health conditions has made me more compassionate toward others, especially those facing similar struggles. Peer groups have been a significant source of strength and validation for me, providing support and reducing feelings of isolation. In addition to therapy and peer support, I practice mindfulness and journaling to manage stress and maintain balance. These practices help me stay grounded and focused. Journaling allows me to reflect on my experiences, track my progress, and process emotions. This combination of mindfulness and self-reflection has become a cornerstone of both my personal healing and my professional approach with clients. My service dog, Raya, also plays a significant role in supporting my emotional well-being. Beyond assisting with my physical disability, Raya provides comfort and reduces anxiety, especially on difficult days. Her presence is a stabilizing force, and she is an integral part of my mental health routine. Looking ahead, I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my mental health career by continuing to provide accessible and inclusive care. My work with trans and queer disabled adults has reinforced my commitment to mental health advocacy. I hope to expand my practice to reach more individuals, advocate for systemic changes in mental health care, and break down the barriers preventing people from receiving the care they deserve. Ultimately, my mental health journey has been a source of growth and purpose. It has shaped my beliefs about compassion, informed my relationships, and guided my career aspirations. Through my work, I aim to make the world a better place by ensuring that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or identity.

As a licensed psychotherapist, graduate student, and disabled person, I know firsthand how deeply mental illness can impact an individual and their loved ones. Mental health issues influence every aspect of life—from the way we think, feel, and act, to the choices we make and how we experience those choices. My own experiences with mental illness, alongside those of people close to me, have shaped both my personal and professional paths. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD at the age of 18. Navigating life with these diagnoses has been a challenging journey that continues to influence me at every stage of my life, particularly as I balance my roles as a psychotherapist, student, and disabled individual. At 43, I’ve learned several ways to manage my mental health, but it is an ongoing process that requires constant care and attention. Managing my mental health isn’t just a personal necessity—it directly impacts my ability to serve my clients and manage my daily chronic pain and physical disability. Mental illness has not only affected me personally but has also shaped how I relate to my loved ones and community. I come from a family that struggled with emotional dysfunction in silence, with little conversation about the importance of mental health care. This environment of unspoken pain only reinforced my own challenges. As I grew older and entered the field of psychotherapy, I made it my mission to break that silence—not just in my own life, but in the lives of my clients, particularly those from marginalized communities. Maintaining my mental health is crucial to managing my various responsibilities. Therapy has been one of my most essential sources of support. I’ve been in and out of therapy since 1998, and without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Therapy allows me to process complex emotions, confront past trauma, and maintain an emotional balance that keeps me grounded as a therapist, student, and individual. Without therapy, managing the highs and lows of Bipolar II and PTSD would be far more overwhelming. I also rely on peer support groups as an essential aspect of my mental wellness. These groups give me a space to share my experiences with others who understand the struggles of living with mental illness. Knowing that I am not alone and seeing my struggles reflected in others is incredibly validating, reducing feelings of isolation and deepening my sense of community. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling are also integral to managing my mental health. Through meditation, I can stay grounded and focused, while journaling allows me to explore my inner world, reflect on my experiences, and track my progress. These tools help me stay present, even in the face of overwhelming stress. Lastly, my service dog, Raya, plays a significant role in supporting my emotional well-being. Beyond assisting with my physical disability, Raya offers emotional support, providing comfort during particularly difficult days. Her presence helps reduce my anxiety, especially when my mental health feels unsteady. Mental illness has shaped both my personal and professional journey, influencing the choices I make and the ways I manage my responsibilities. While it has been a challenging road, I am deeply committed to continuing the work of maintaining my mental health, supporting my clients, and contributing to my community. This ongoing process is key to achieving success, both personally and academically, and it allows me to help others navigate their own mental health challenges with empathy and understanding.

True kindness and compassion have the power to transform lives, and in my role as a licensed psychotherapist, I strive to embody these values every day. Inspired by Buddhist principles of lovingkindness, compassion, and appreciative joy, I offer therapy at low to no cost to marginalized communities, providing a generous opportunity for healing. This commitment to selfless service reflects my desire to uplift those who face immense barriers to mental health care, while also helping me, like an endless feedback loop, cultivate greater kindness in my own life. As a psychotherapist, I specialize in offering therapy to trans and queer disabled adults, many of whom face financial and social barriers to receiving mental health care. I offer low-to-no-cost services, which allows individuals in these marginalized communities to access the mental health care they deserve, without the added burden of financial strain. I am blessed with the opportunity to offer such affordable services due to being on SSDI for my own disabilities. While my income is quite low, the joy I receive from being able to provide therapy with few to no financial barriers is worth it. My Buddhist practices inform my therapeutic work, particularly through the principles of compassion and lovingkindness, which guide my approach to supporting clients. Compassion helps me hold space for my clients, even in their most vulnerable moments, fostering an environment of non-judgment and unconditional support. This is essential to a successful and fulfilling healing journey. In fact, lovingkindness, compassion, and appreciative joy are three of the four core concepts within Buddhism. In fact, they are often referred to as the heart practices and known as “limitless abodes”, meaning it is believed that they can be increased an enhanced in a person to an infinite degree. The fourth practice is equanimity (upekkhā), which is also incredibly important as it refers to a state of inner calmness and balance regardless of external circumstances. However, it is less relevant to this essay. Lovingkindness, or "mettā," teaches me to extend unconditional care and goodwill to all beings, especially those who are marginalized. I approach each client with a mindset of offering care and support without expectation of anything in return. This practice allows me to focus on the well-being of my clients and their healing journey. One of my Buddhist teachers likes to reframe this heart practice as “unstoppable friendliness” which I think also adeptly reflects how I wish to approach my clients and the world in general. Compassion, or "karuna," is central to my work, helping me to empathize deeply with the suffering of my clients. As trans and queer disabled people, many of my clients have experienced systemic oppression, trauma, and rejection. By practicing compassion, I can offer a safe space where their struggles are acknowledged, and their pain is met with understanding and care. Appreciative joy, or "muditā," allows me to celebrate the successes of my clients, no matter how small, fostering an environment of hope and positivity. When a client makes progress in their healing journey, I celebrate their growth alongside them. This practice strengthens the therapeutic relationship and helps clients feel seen and valued. It also helps keep me going in my heart practices, always refreshing my love for this work. Many of my clients have been excluded from traditional mental health services due to financial constraints, discrimination, or lack of accessibility. As I mentioned earlier, by offering therapy at a low or no cost, I help alleviate these barriers and create a space where healing is possible for those who have been marginalized. My clients often share how meaningful it is to receive care without carrying the heavy financial burden. My commitment to compassionate and accessible care allows clients to feel empowered in their healing, rather than overwhelmed by societal expectations. Clients who have experienced trauma related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability often leave therapy sessions feeling more in control of their own healing process, which contributes to greater self-confidence and emotional resilience. My clients are not the only ones to benefit from these practices. By offering my services generously and without expectation, I have deepened my own practice of selflessness. Engaging in this work has reinforced the importance of giving without expecting anything (or very little) in return, allowing me to cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and fulfillment. The kindness I extend to my clients is often mirrored back to me in the form of gratitude, allowing both of us to grow together in the healing process. Many clients express deep gratitude for the care they receive, which in turn strengthens my commitment to continue offering this kind of support to others in need. Through my work with trans and queer disabled adults, I’ve had the opportunity to embody Buddhist principles of lovingkindness, compassion, and appreciative joy, offering low-to-no-cost therapy services that provide a space for healing and empowerment. These acts of kindness have not only impacted my clients but have also fostered my own personal growth. By continuing to embody the values of kindness and compassion, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized individuals, reflecting the spirit of generosity that defines this scholarship.

The universe is vast and complex, but to truly understand it, we must first understand our place within it, both as individuals and as a collective society. As a psychotherapist, I believe that one of the many keys to understanding the universe lies in comprehending how human beings function—emotionally, mentally, and socially—and how these functions influence our role within the larger cosmic order. By exploring human psychology, I seek to contribute to this understanding through the lens of mental health, relationships, and self-awareness. Human emotions, thoughts, and behaviors represent a microcosm of the broader universe, offering insight into the nature of existence. After all, the natural world tends to repeat itself on multiple levels from the smallest atoms to the expanse of the universe. In psychotherapy, exploring individual human experiences allows us to understand the complexities of human interaction and our place in the world, much like how physicists study particles to understand larger phenomena. By understanding how we function as individuals—our cognitive and emotional processes—we can gain a deeper understanding of how we interact with the world around us. My role as a licensed psychotherapist involves helping individuals explore their emotions, beliefs, and traumas, which in turn affects how they perceive and engage with the universe. After all, self-awareness and understanding is the first step toward a greater understanding and awareness of what surrounds us. In fact, self-awareness and mental health are essential to understanding not just our inner worlds but how we fit into the larger universe. In my work, I help people achieve mental clarity, which often leads to a more nuanced understanding of their purpose and place in the world, connecting the personal with the universal. Just as the universe is interconnected through space, time, and matter, human beings are connected through relationships, communities, and shared experiences. Psychotherapy reveals the intricate ways in which individuals affect each other and the broader social structures, mirroring the interconnectedness of the cosmos. Understanding the universe requires integrating multiple fields of study, and I aim to contribute to this effort by exploring the philosophical dimensions of the human mind. Concepts like existentialism, mindfulness, and non-attachment—philosophical principles I employ in therapy and in life—allow individuals to explore their relationship with the universe on a deeper level. I believe that understanding the nature of consciousness is key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and psychotherapy is a powerful tool for exploring the mind-body connection. I aim to better understand how our awareness of self and others relates to the broader universe, which may help answer fundamental questions about consciousness and existence. Just as the universe is diverse and multifaceted, so too must the quest for understanding include diverse voices and perspectives. As a queer, disabled psychotherapist, I bring a unique perspective to the table, particularly in understanding marginalized communities’ relationship with the world and the universe. I’m often privileged to hear the voices that all too often are ignored or talked over. We cannot reasonably expect to have a greater understanding of the universe with a diversity of experiences and viewpoints. The future of understanding the universe depends on embracing diversity in all fields of study, including psychology, philosophy, and science. By exploring the minds of individuals from various backgrounds, we open the door to new ways of understanding how we all fit into the vastness of the universe. In summary, understanding our place in the universe begins with understanding ourselves, and my work as a psychotherapist is dedicated to helping individuals explore their mental, emotional, and social functions in the context of the broader world. By contributing to the understanding of human nature, psychology plays a crucial role in the larger quest to understand the universe and our existence within it. Through my work and studies, I hope to be part of this larger mission, exploring both the inner and outer worlds.

My experience with social anxiety has been shaped by childhood trauma and extensive bullying. While I’ve made significant strides in overcoming it through personal growth and vulnerability, some challenges persist. Despite this, pursuing a graduate certificate in disability studies is crucial for both my personal healing and professional aspirations as a licensed psychotherapist. The trauma and bullying I endured left me feeling isolated and unworthy of love or connection. Growing up, I often felt rejected and judged by my peers, which made it difficult to trust others or engage socially. These feelings became deeply ingrained and continue to affect me in adulthood. Although I’ve worked on my anxiety, I still experience overwhelming dread and fear in certain social situations, particularly in new environments. Group projects, for instance, can trigger intense anxiety, making it difficult to connect with peers. Despite my anxiety, I’ve learned to take interpersonal risks by pushing myself to engage with others, even when it feels uncomfortable. I’ve become so adept at managing these risks that most people don’t realize how anxious I am. Outwardly, I may seem calm and introverted, but internally, I’m often shaking with anxiety. Experimenting with vulnerability in safe spaces, while maintaining boundaries, has been key to forming deeper connections. Opening up in peer support groups about my trauma has allowed me to build authentic relationships while respecting my emotional limits. In these groups, I’ve found unconditional support without pressure to share more than I’m comfortable with. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries has been crucial to managing my anxiety and protecting my mental health. I’ve learned to say “no” when necessary and to choose supportive environments, which has greatly helped me navigate social anxiety. At 18, I was diagnosed with PTSD, and while it’s no longer classified as an anxiety disorder, anxiety remains a dominant feature. This diagnosis provided a framework to help me understand and address my struggles. My anxiety often manifests in social situations, directly linked to my past trauma and bullying. Over the years, I’ve developed tools to manage my anxiety. In addition to therapeutic techniques, I regularly practice mindfulness and self-compassion. These practices have helped reduce the intensity of my anxiety, although the process is ongoing. Pursuing this graduate certificate is not only essential for my professional development but also a way to reclaim control over my life as a disabled person. Earning the certificate in disability studies will advance my career as a licensed psychotherapist, enabling me to help others facing similar struggles. Despite the challenges social anxiety presents, I am committed to earning this certificate because it represents personal growth and the chance to contribute to my community. Although my social anxiety has profoundly affected my life, I’ve made significant strides in overcoming it through interpersonal risks, vulnerability, and maintaining boundaries. While the journey to manage anxiety is ongoing, each step brings me closer to a future where I can support others facing similar challenges and build a life rooted in resilience and empowerment.

As a queer, disabled graduate student and psychotherapist, prioritizing mental and physical wellness is crucial to my personal and academic success. For LGBTQ+ individuals like myself, wellness is an act of self-empowerment in a world that can sometimes feel hostile. Managing my mental and physical health allows me to balance the unique challenges of being a student, psychotherapist, and disabled queer person. This is all the more true as I work specifically with trans and queer disabled adults. However, I encounter obstacles such as discrimination in healthcare, balancing academic and personal needs, and managing my disability alongside my mental health. Maintaining my wellness directly impacts my ability to pursue graduate studies in Disability Studies and my work as a psychotherapist. Therapy has been key to managing my Bipolar II and PTSD, helping me stay focused and engaged in my academic and professional responsibilities. Prioritizing self-care enables me to be present for my clients, providing them with the compassionate and informed care they deserve. As a queer disabled person, I have faced discrimination in healthcare, making it difficult to find affirming care. Many providers are unfamiliar with the unique needs of LGBTQ+ and disabled individuals, adding stress to routine care. I’ve had to advocate for myself, which adds to the emotional burden of managing my health. The stigma surrounding my queer identity and disabilities also contributes to stress. Living with Bipolar II and PTSD presents additional emotional challenges, especially in environments where I feel unsupported or misunderstood. This has heightened my sense of isolation at times, making self-care difficult but necessary. Balancing the demands of graduate school, medical appointments, and running a private practice is often overwhelming. Juggling multiple responsibilities while maintaining my mental and physical health is a daily challenge that requires careful time management and self-compassion. Engaging in personal therapy and peer support groups has been vital to managing my mental health. Therapy helps me process emotional difficulties related to my diagnoses, while peer support groups provide a sense of community. These connections help reduce the isolation that often comes with being an LGBTQ+ and disabled person. Mindfulness practices rooted in Buddhism also play a significant role in managing my stress. Meditation has been a key tool for finding clarity and peace when I feel overwhelmed. I integrate mindfulness techniques into my therapy sessions, teaching clients the same skills that have helped me navigate challenging moments. Journaling has been another essential tool for processing my emotions and reflecting on my mental and physical health. It complements my mindfulness practice by helping me track my progress, explore my feelings, and gain greater self-awareness. My service dog, Raya, is an invaluable source of emotional and physical support. She helps me manage stress and navigate the challenges of my disability, offering comfort and security on difficult days. Raya’s presence plays a central role in maintaining my overall wellness. Prioritizing mental and physical wellness is essential for LGBTQ+ and disabled students like me. While I face challenges such as discrimination and balancing multiple roles, maintaining my wellness is key to my success. My experiences highlight the importance of self-care and resilience. By continuing to prioritize my own well-being and advocate for inclusive healthcare, I aim to make a meaningful difference in my life and the lives of my clients.

As a licensed psychotherapist I strongly believe that mental health is the foundation of all aspects of life. This includes how we think, feel, and act. It influences every choice we make in life and the way in which we experience those choices. As a physically and mentally disabled person and graduate student, on top of being a therapist, maintaining my own mental health is critical to balancing my academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I and PTSD when I was 18 years old, and at 43 I’ve found some integral ways to keep myself grounded. My acquired physical disabilities on top of that further my need for finding a sense of wellbeing in my life. I achieve this through several avenues, such as with my own personal therapy, peer support groups, mindfulness practices, journaling, and utilizing the companionship of my service dog. Being in all the roles I’m in requires a strong foundation of mental health. My ability to effectively support my clients depends on maintaining my own mental wellness. It would be incredibly difficult to provide effective care if I’m struggling emotionally myself. It would also be near impossible to add my graduate studies on top of my work if I couldn’t find a balance between my professional and academic roles. My mental health also has a direct impact on my physical wellbeing, especially taking into account my disability. Managing my daily chronic pain and disability is more challenging when my mental health is neglected. This means that self-care is absolutely crucial to my overall wellness, not just my mental states. My primary source of support for my mental health is my own personal therapy. I’ve been in and out of therapy since 1998 and it has impacted my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. I am confident in saying that I would not be anywhere near who I am today, and able to do what I can do, without those years of hard work in therapy. Therapy allows me to process difficult emotions and maintain a balanced emotional state, not to mention encourages growth, so that I can be present for both my clients and my academic responsibilities. I also regularly attend weekly peer support groups, which provide a space to share my experiences with other people who share similar experiences. It can be very validating to see my experiences reflected in others. It also helps reduce isolation and other participants often provide me with valuable insights that I may have not considered otherwise. My mindfulness practices also help me maintain a sense of balance and manage stress. Practices such as meditation allow me to stay grounded and focused, which is essential for my success. Another mindfulness practice I engage in is regular journaling. By increasing my awareness of my inner world, journaling can provide an outlet to process my emotions and thoughts. It can also help me reflect on my experiences, track my progress, and manage the inherent challenges of balancing so many roles. There is also the critical role of my service dog, Raya, in supporting my emotional wellbeing. In addition to assisting with my physical disability, she provides emotional support simply by being in my life. She helps reduce my stress and anxiety, especially during challenging days. As you can see, I take my mental health fairly seriously. Of course, taking care of my mental health is an ongoing process, evolving as my needs change, but it remains key to managing my life’s challenges and achieving both personal and academic success.

Mental health has not only been central to my personal journey as someone who is both physically and mentally disabled and has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and professional path as a licensed psychotherapist. Diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD at the age of 18, my experiences with mental health have profoundly influenced my beliefs in compassion and mindfulness, strengthened my relationships through empathy and communication, and guided my career aspirations toward supporting other disabled adults like myself. Having lived with Bipolar II Disorder and PTSD since 1998 has taught me the importance of practicing compassion toward myself and others. By engaging in my own personal therapy and weekly peer support groups has reinforced that need to be kind to myself. This is especially true in managing the highs and lows that follow diagnoses like mine. This belief in compassion also informs my work with my clients. I try to help them approach their own struggles with understanding rather than judgement. Mindfulness, rooted deeply in my Buddhist practice, has been essential in addressing the symptoms of both Bipolar II Disorder and PTSD. For example, meditation has allowed me to better develop self-awareness and acceptance in the face of fluctuating emotions. It can also help keep me grounded when experiencing PTSD flashbacks or anxiety connected to past trauma. I apply these principles in my therapy practice as well, integrating mindfulness-based techniques to help clients manage their mental health challenges with greater emotional regulation. Navigating these challenges has also enhanced my ability to connect deeply with others through empathic listening and more open communication. In my relationships with friends, clients, and colleagues, I prioritize active listening and creating space where people feel seen and supported. My own struggles have helped me recognize the importance of validating other’s trauma and emotional experiences, strengthening my therapeutic approach. My mental health journey has also underscored the value of maintaining health boundaries while still fostering interdependence with those around me. As a therapist, I balance maintaining professional boundaries with clients while also recognizing the shared human experiences we all navigate. These boundaries are essential to preventing burnout, fostering balanced relationships, and managing my own mental health, both professionally and personally. My personal experiences with mental health, coupled with my work with disabled clients, has helped shape my commitment to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly trans and queer disabled adults, which is the focus of my private practice. Offering affordable therapy services and ensuring accessibility in my practice has become a cornerstone in my career mission, driven by my own experiences over the years with barriers to mental health care. My ongoing journey with mental health has also inspired me to pursue advanced education in Disability Studies, enhancing my work as a psychotherapist. I aim to integrate disability advocacy and justice into my career by offering more specialized services and support to disabled individuals. These services are all the more needed by further marginalized clients who face additional barriers due to intersectional identities such as gender and ability level. As you can see, my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and influenced my career aspirations. I want to engage my work, and my whole life really, with compassion, mindfulness, empathy, clear communication, strong boundaries, and inclusivity. By drawing on my personal experiences, I can better support others in their healing journeys. I can help them address not only their mental health but also the societal and systemic challenges they face. I remain committed to my growth in support of my own mental health and that of those around me.

As a licensed psychotherapist I strongly believe that mental health is the foundation of all aspects of life. This includes how we think, feel, and act. It influences every choice we make in life and the way in which we experience those choices. As a physically and mentally disabled person and graduate student, on top of being a therapist, maintaining my own mental health is critical to balancing my academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I and PTSD when I was 18 years old, and at 43 I’ve found some integral ways to keep myself grounded. My acquired physical disabilities on top of that further my need for finding a sense of wellbeing in my life. I achieve this through several avenues, such as with my own personal therapy, peer support groups, mindfulness practices, journaling, and utilizing the companionship of my service dog. Being in all the roles I’m in requires a strong foundation of mental health. My ability to effectively support my clients depends on maintaining my own mental wellness. It would be incredibly difficult to provide effective care if I’m struggling emotionally myself. It would also be near impossible to add my graduate studies on top of my work if I couldn’t find a balance between my professional and academic roles. My mental health also has a direct impact on my physical wellbeing, especially taking into account my disability. Managing my daily chronic pain and disability is more challenging when my mental health is neglected. This means that self-care is absolutely crucial to my overall wellness, not just my mental states. My primary source of support for my mental health is my own personal therapy. I’ve been in and out of therapy since 1998 and it has impacted my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. I am confident in saying that I would not be anywhere near who I am today, and able to do what I can do, without those years of hard work in therapy. Therapy allows me to process difficult emotions and maintain a balanced emotional state, not to mention encourages growth, so that I can be present for both my clients and my academic responsibilities. I also regularly attend weekly peer support groups, which provide a space to share my experiences with other people who share similar experiences. It can be very validating to see my experiences reflected in others. It also helps reduce isolation and other participants often provide me with valuable insights that I may have not considered otherwise. My mindfulness practices also help me maintain a sense of balance and manage stress. Practices such as meditation allow me to stay grounded and focused, which is essential for my success. Another mindfulness practice I engage in is regular journaling. By increasing my awareness of my inner world, journaling can provide an outlet to process my emotions and thoughts. It can also help me reflect on my experiences, track my progress, and manage the inherent challenges of balancing so many roles. There is also the critical role of my service dog, Raya, in supporting my emotional wellbeing. In addition to assisting with my physical disability, she provides emotional support simply by being in my life. She helps reduce my stress and anxiety, especially during challenging days. As you can see, I take my mental health fairly seriously. Of course, taking care of my mental health is an ongoing process, evolving as my needs change, but it remains key to managing my life’s challenges and achieving both personal and academic success.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I already hold a Master’s Degree and am a psychotherapist. My journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining my request for funding, I want to share my story so you can understand the circumstances that have shaped me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. In an instant, I went from being an energetic young woman to someone who was broken and unconscious. The accident left me with a shattered femur and wrist, requiring surgeries that included a femoral rod in my leg and screws in my wrist. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, extending my hospital stay. Afterward, I spent two weeks in a rehabilitation center, relearning how to navigate life with a body that had fundamentally changed. Although doctors initially told me I would make a full recovery, that never happened. For seven years after the crash, I experienced severe, unexplained pain, frequent falls, and ongoing issues with my knee, wrist, and fingers. Numerous tests provided no answers until I was finally diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. This diagnosis was bittersweet—it offered answers, but confirmed that my conditions were likely permanent. Sixteen years later, I continue to grapple with these injuries and their impact on my life. At the time of the accident, I was midway through a Master’s program. My injuries forced me to take a leave of absence, turning a 2.5-year program into five years. Earning my degree was incredibly challenging. I faced immense pain, mobility issues that sometimes confined me to a wheelchair, and overwhelming fatigue. Navigating an inaccessible world took a toll on my mental health as well. I struggled with depression and PTSD, compounded by the financial strain of extending my education. Despite these difficulties, I persevered and earned my degree. In 2016, after years of hard work and thousands of hours of experience, I achieved my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income. I specialize in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. I offer therapy at discounted rates or through insurance, ensuring these individuals can receive care at little to no cost. For me, this work is more than just a career—it’s a mission to support and uplift a community that is often marginalized and overlooked. In line with my commitment to serve this population, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. This program will allow me to deepen my knowledge and improve my ability to serve disabled clients. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I need support to achieve this goal. Your assistance will help me succeed academically and benefit my clients, who rely on compassionate and informed care. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are impacting the lives of my current and future clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and the broader community I serve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I already hold a Master’s Degree and am a psychotherapist. My journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining my request for funding, I want to share my story so you can understand the circumstances that have shaped me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. In an instant, I went from being an energetic young woman to someone who was broken and unconscious. The accident left me with a shattered femur and wrist, requiring surgeries that included a femoral rod in my leg and screws in my wrist. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, extending my hospital stay. Afterward, I spent two weeks in a rehabilitation center, relearning how to navigate life with a body that had fundamentally changed. Although doctors initially told me I would make a full recovery, that never happened. For seven years after the crash, I experienced severe, unexplained pain, frequent falls, and ongoing issues with my knee, wrist, and fingers. Numerous tests provided no answers until I was finally diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. This diagnosis was bittersweet—it offered answers, but confirmed that my conditions were likely permanent. Sixteen years later, I continue to grapple with these injuries and their impact on my life. At the time of the accident, I was midway through a Master’s program. My injuries forced me to take a leave of absence, turning a 2.5-year program into five years. Earning my degree was incredibly challenging. I faced immense pain, mobility issues that sometimes confined me to a wheelchair, and overwhelming fatigue. Navigating an inaccessible world took a toll on my mental health as well. I struggled with depression and PTSD, compounded by the financial strain of extending my education. Despite these difficulties, I persevered and earned my degree. In 2016, after years of hard work and thousands of hours of experience, I achieved my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income. I specialize in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. I offer therapy at discounted rates or through insurance, ensuring these individuals can receive care at little to no cost. For me, this work is more than just a career—it’s a mission to support and uplift a community that is often marginalized and overlooked. In line with my commitment to serve this population, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. This program will allow me to deepen my knowledge and improve my ability to serve disabled clients. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I need support to achieve this goal. Your assistance will help me succeed academically and benefit my clients, who rely on compassionate and informed care. This scholarship is an investment in a brighter future for individuals who face immense challenges every day. By supporting my education, you are impacting the lives of my current and future clients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. With your help, I can continue to make a meaningful difference in their lives and the broader community I serve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. While my monthly income never rises above $3,000 a month due to my reliance on SSDI, and my dedication to providing affordable mental health care means lower fees, it is still my life's work and passion. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

Mental health is often seen as separate from spiritual practices. Yet, for me, they are intricately intertwined. As both a licensed psychotherapist and a practicing Buddhist, I find that my spiritual beliefs frequently inform my therapeutic practice. Conversely, the insights I gain from my work with clients help shape how I approach my Buddhist practices. Together, they provide me with a holistic framework for understanding mental health and the broader human experience. Buddhism and psychotherapy share several core principles—compassion, mindfulness, and the importance of cultivating awareness—that can enhance healing and foster well-being. One of the key principles in both Buddhism and psychotherapy is compassion—both for oneself and others. In both practices, there is a focus on meeting suffering with understanding rather than avoidance. In therapy, much like in meditation, I help people sit with their emotions rather than pushing them away or trying to distract themselves from discomfort. This compassionate approach allows clients to process their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Mindfulness, another core Buddhist practice, overlaps with many therapeutic models, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which has been proven to significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Incorporating mindfulness into therapy has allowed me to help clients develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering them to engage more fully in their healing process. By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness encourages individuals to acknowledge their emotions without judgment or attachment, leading to greater emotional regulation and mental clarity. Another key teaching in Buddhism is non-attachment, the idea of letting go of expectations and outcomes. This concept parallels certain therapeutic approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes accepting what is out of our control while committing to meaningful action. Non-attachment has greatly influenced my work with anxious clients, who often struggle with the need to control every aspect of their lives. I encourage them to accept their current situation without feeling the need to have complete control over the outcome. In doing so, clients learn to find peace in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for an idealized future or obsessing over worst-case scenarios. Embracing non-attachment has also helped me as a therapist. It has allowed me to hold space for my clients without judgment or becoming overly invested in achieving specific outcomes. In this way, I can maintain the emotional distance necessary for my own well-being, while still offering genuine care and support. Buddhism teaches that we must offer help without becoming attached to how it is received or whether it results in a particular outcome. This mindset allows me to be fully present with my clients, trusting that their healing process will unfold in its own time. Compassion is also core to how I communicate, both as a Buddhist and a therapist. It has enhanced my ability to connect mindfully with others. Mindful communication involves being fully present in the moment, listening deeply, and responding with empathy. This approach has allowed me to be more attuned to my clients' needs and to respond with greater understanding and care. Being mindful and compassionate in my communication has also enriched my personal relationships, helping me foster deeper, more meaningful connections with loved ones. Buddhism’s focus on interconnectedness—what Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh called "interbeing"—has reinforced my understanding of the therapeutic relationship. In therapy, boundaries are both protective and essential for healthy interdependence. By maintaining clear professional boundaries, I ensure that both my clients and I can engage in the healing process without becoming enmeshed in each other's emotional experiences. However, Buddhism reminds me that even within these boundaries, there is an inherent interconnectedness between myself and my clients. This perspective helps me to remain compassionate and connected while maintaining the emotional resilience necessary for long-term therapeutic work. One of my long-term career aspirations is to further integrate Buddhist principles into my therapeutic practice, creating a more holistic approach that addresses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Although I do not impose any religious framework on my clients, I find that concepts like mindfulness and compassion transcend specific religious beliefs and resonate deeply with people from all walks of life. I often incorporate mindfulness and compassion exercises into my sessions, which can be particularly helpful for clients who feel disconnected from traditional forms of therapy or who are seeking a more spiritually-oriented path to mental health. Both Buddhism and psychotherapy emphasize inclusivity and accessibility, values that are reflected in my career goals. I am deeply committed to ensuring that mental health care is available to marginalized communities, particularly queer and trans disabled adults, who often face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. My Buddhist understanding of collective compassion drives my commitment to serving those who have historically been excluded from or underserved by mental health care systems. In practice, this has led me to offer low-cost or no-cost services, to accommodate clients with financial difficulties, and to create a welcoming and affirming space for all identities. My personal experiences with mental health have also been greatly supported by my Buddhist practices. As a therapist, I am often exposed to the emotional pain and suffering of others, which can sometimes be overwhelming. However, my Buddhist practice of mindfulness and self-compassion allows me to stay grounded and centered in my work. By caring for my own mental health, I am better equipped to guide others through their healing journeys. Both Buddhism and psychotherapy emphasize the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and increasing self-awareness. This has fueled my passion for both personal and professional development. This drive is what led me to pursue a graduate certificate in disability studies, with the goal of providing better care for my disabled clients. I regularly engage in meditation, retreats, and self-reflection practices to help me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of both Buddhism and therapy. My commitment to lifelong growth is not only for my own benefit but also to better serve my clients and community. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in profound ways. The integration of Buddhist principles and therapeutic practices has allowed me to approach mental health with compassion, mindfulness, non-attachment, and an understanding of interdependence. These values deeply influence both my personal and professional life, and I am eager to continue deepening this integration in the future. As I move forward, I look forward to helping my clients find balance and healing while honoring the holistic connection between mind, body, and spirit. With your financial help, I hope to make this vision a reality, continuing to serve and uplift my community in meaningful ways.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.

As a licensed psychotherapist, I witness the challenges people face when trying to access mental health care. If I could change one thing about our healthcare system, it would be to make mental health care free for all. Mental health is as important as physical health, yet many struggle to get the help they need due to high costs, stigma, and lack of resources. Offering free mental health services would address these barriers, reduce stigma, and greatly improve the well-being of our society. Mental health issues affect people from all backgrounds. Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can have devastating impacts if left untreated. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year, and many don’t receive adequate care. The cost of therapy, medication, or treatment can be overwhelming, especially for those without insurance. By making mental health care free, we would eliminate the financial obstacle that prevents so many from seeking help. Providing free mental health care would also reduce stigma. If therapy or psychiatric care were as routine as visiting a primary care doctor, more people would feel comfortable seeking help. This normalization could encourage earlier intervention, preventing symptoms from worsening and improving outcomes. Beyond individual benefits, free mental health care would have a positive impact on the economy. Untreated mental health issues often lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs when mental health conditions manifest as physical problems. Making mental health care accessible would allow individuals to manage their conditions, enhancing their performance at work and in school. In turn, this would reduce lost productivity and healthcare expenses tied to untreated mental illness. Free mental health care could also reduce crime and homelessness. Many individuals in mental health crises end up in emergency rooms, jails, or on the streets because they lack access to appropriate care. Providing free services would address these challenges before they escalate, improving lives and easing the strain on public services like law enforcement and the judicial system. Implementing free mental health care would require increasing funding for mental health professionals and expanding the availability of services. Incentivizing careers in mental health through scholarships, loan forgiveness, and competitive salaries would help grow the field. Additionally, integrating mental health services into community health centers and hospitals would ensure that even those in rural and underserved areas can access care. Free mental health care would bring immense benefits to individuals and society. It would remove financial barriers, reduce stigma, improve productivity, and alleviate pressure on emergency services. Mental health is essential to overall health, and ensuring access to care for everyone, regardless of financial status, would be a crucial step toward a healthier, more equitable society.

In the late 1990s, I had the opportunity to see David Bowie perform live in a small, private venue—a moment I still cherish to this day. As a huge fan, Bowie's music has always held a special place in my heart, and the chance to witness him perform up close was a dream come true. What made the experience even more special was that I won the tickets through a local radio station and was able to attend for free. The concert took place in an intimate setting, a far cry from the large stadium shows that such a legendary artist typically commanded. The open floor plan meant that I could position myself just feet from the stage, close enough to see the mesmerizing detail of his differing eyes. Of course, Bowie didn’t just play his newer tracks. The setlist included many of his classics, songs that I adored and have only grown more fond of since. "Heroes," "Space Oddity," and "Changes" were among the highlights. Hearing these timeless pieces in such an intimate setting felt like I was experiencing them for the first time. Each note, each lyric hit harder than ever before, as if Bowie's presence imbued the music with an extra layer of meaning. In those moments, I wasn’t just watching a concert—I was witnessing a living legend in action. One of the most unforgettable aspects of the performance was how human Bowie seemed. Despite his larger-than-life persona, there was an undeniable warmth in his interactions with the audience. His charisma wasn’t just reserved for the music; it extended to his personality, his ability to connect with his fans on a personal level. That evening, he wasn’t just David Bowie, the rock icon—he was David Bowie, the man, sharing a moment with a room full of people who adored him. As I stood there, inches from the stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on how grateful I was to be in that space at such a young age, just my late teens, in that moment. To see him perform live, especially in such an intimate venue, was something I never thought I’d experience. It was as if the stars had aligned, granting me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Now, with Bowie no longer with us, that night holds even more significance. His passing in 2016 felt like the end of an era, and I often find myself returning to that memory as a way to keep his spirit alive. I’m incredibly thankful that I had the chance to see him live, and I know that I carry a piece of that experience with me always. Bowie’s music continues to influence and inspire me, but nothing will ever compare to the magic of that night when I stood just feet away from him, watching one of my greatest musical heroes perform. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will forever be grateful for it. PS I don't have a photo of me at the concert, however, because an uploaded photo is required, I've included a recent photo of me and my service dog.

I am not your typical student. At 43 years old, I am already a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree, and my journey has been far from conventional. Before explaining why I’m requesting funding, I want to share my story to help you understand the challenges I've faced and the aspirations I hope to achieve with your support. In 2008, my life was changed when I was struck by a car while riding my motor scooter. One moment, I was full of energy; the next, my world was shattered. My head hit the car's windshield, and my motor scooter was crushed. I sustained a broken right femur, which required a femoral rod, and a broken left wrist, requiring a plate and screws. I spent two weeks in the hospital, enduring surgeries and battling complications like a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. From there, I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin the painful process of learning to navigate a life that had been fundamentally altered. Initially, I was told I would make a full recovery, but that never came. For seven years, I experienced severe pain and ongoing falls, with no clear diagnosis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a damaged saphenous nerve and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Sixteen years later, I continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the accident. I'm a part-time wheelchair user and often need a cane to keep from falling. I am in daily chronic pain and am on strong narcotic painkillers that can impact my energy levels and cognitive abilities. At the time of the crash, I was in a Master's program, which was delayed by my injuries. A 2.5-year program took me five years to complete. Despite the physical pain, mobility challenges, depression, and PTSD, I persevered. I dealt with an inaccessible world while trying to focus on my studies and manage the financial strain of extending my graduate program. But despite these difficulties, I earned my degree. In 2016, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Today, I run a small private practice that supplements my SSDI income, specializing in providing therapy to queer and trans disabled adults. Many of my clients face financial and social barriers to mental health care, so I offer services at very discounted rates or through insurance. This work is more than a career—it is my mission to support a community that is often marginalized. To further this mission, I have enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. My goal is to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to serve this disadvantaged population. However, the financial burden of continuing education is significant, and I cannot do it alone. Your support will help me succeed, and by doing so, you will be supporting many others. This scholarship is an investment in the lives of my clients, helping them access the compassionate, informed care they deserve.