I’ve always had an interest in the well-being of others, which has inspired me to pursue a career in social work. I will be starting a Master's of Social Work at the University of Arkansas in the Fall of 2026. My previous career in teaching inspired a passion for the flourishing and social-emotional health of children, particularly for those in unsafe home environments. This passion was furthered by my six years of teaching overseas in Uganda, where I taught vulnerable children in our community who often experienced trauma in their daily lives. These experiences made me desire to focus more directly on addressing the needs of vulnerable children, and to learn the skills that a social worker uses to address the mental health and social support needs of families and their communities. I am the adoptive mom of a child with complex disabilities and I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and their families. Through my daughter I have been exposed to the ongoing ableism and inaccessibility of our society; as a social worker I hope to help address the wholistic needs of individuals with disabilities.