1. As a licensed therapist in Ohio with over 12 years of experience, I’ve been honored to walk alongside individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unseen. Over the years, I’ve met clients who waited years to reach out for help—often because therapy felt out of reach due to stigma, cost, or lack of access. Those moments remind me why equitable mental health care matters so deeply: no one should have to struggle alone simply because support wasn’t accessible. My work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves kindness, respect, and the opportunity to heal. I strive to create a person-centered, solution-focused space where clients can rediscover hope and learn practical skills to move forward. Whether it’s someone healing from trauma, managing anxiety, or rebuilding self-esteem, I aim to provide not only tools but also the safety and compassion needed to use them. Working with BetterHelp has expanded my reach beyond traditional therapy settings, allowing me to meet clients where they are—geographically and emotionally. Online therapy removes barriers like transportation, childcare, or the fear of being seen walking into a clinic. It gives individuals the freedom to access care in a way that fits their lives. I believe mental health care should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but a right for all. Through my work, I hope to continue bridging that gap—offering every person, regardless of background or circumstance, the chance to find healing, connection, and a brighter future. 2. As a licensed therapist and a mother of two young children, I am deeply committed to providing accessible, high-quality care to my clients while also striving to create balance and be fully present with my family. Like many clinicians, I carry significant student loan debt from the years of education and training it took to enter this field. Balancing financial obligations, continuing education, and family responsibilities while keeping therapy affordable for clients can be challenging. Receiving this grant would directly support my ability to sustain and grow my practice without compromising accessibility for those I serve. Specifically, it would help me continue making consistent payments toward my student loans while reinvesting in professional development—through specialized trauma-informed training, certifications in evidence-based modalities, and additional continuing education courses. These opportunities not only enhance my clinical skills but allow me to offer a higher level of care to diverse and underserved populations. Financial relief through this grant would also give me the flexibility to dedicate more time to clients in need and maintain the balance necessary to be fully present with my children. My goal is to remain a long-term, stable resource in my community while modeling resilience, balance, and intentional self-care for my family. This grant would be an investment not only in my growth as a clinician but in the well-being of the individuals and families I serve—and in the example of balance and purpose I strive to demonstrate for my own children.