1. As both a licensed clinical social worker and a mother, I believe that when parents are supported, entire families thrive. Much of my work focuses on helping parents strengthen their mental health so they can show up more fully for their children. Parents often carry the weight of anxiety, trauma, and financial stress quietly, but when they have the tools to cope, the benefits ripple out into their families, relationships, and communities. I serve clients virtually in North Carolina, Florida, and Nevada. Telehealth allows me to reach parents who might otherwise face barriers like transportation, childcare, or the stigma of walking into a therapy office. Through BetterHelp, I am also able to work with clients who are uninsured or low-income, which is deeply important to me. Therapy should not be a luxury—it should be a resource available to anyone who needs it. In my practice, I help parents untangle stress, navigate trauma, and build coping strategies. This not only improves their own well-being, but also enhances the way they parent, communicate, and connect with their children. I have seen firsthand how a calmer, more supported parent can create a more secure environment for their child. That impact extends far beyond one household—it strengthens schools, workplaces, and communities. In addition to my clinical work, I also organize free events and training opportunities for families and educators, including large-scale community support efforts after Hurricane Helene. These initiatives provide comfort, education, and resources to families rebuilding after crisis, reflecting my belief that equitable access to care goes beyond the therapy room. My work is guided by the belief that access to mental health support is a foundation for stronger families and healthier futures. 2. Like many in this field, I pursued graduate education with a passion for service, not financial gain. I earned dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Maternal & Child Health, knowing it would allow me to support parents and families in meaningful ways. However, this also meant taking on significant student loan debt. Today, I run a small private practice and see clients through BetterHelp, while also homeschooling my daughter. This balance allows me to be present for my family while continuing to support parents who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and the challenges of raising children. But sustaining a practice while carrying the burden of student loans remains an ongoing challenge. A grant like this would provide critical relief by helping me pay down my student loans while allowing me to continue investing time and resources into my community. Beyond my clinical work, I regularly organize free events and training opportunities for families and educators in my area—work that feels especially urgent as our community continues to recover from Hurricane Helene. Reducing my loan burden would give me more stability to keep offering these supports at little or no cost, while also expanding resources for families who are under financial strain themselves. This grant is not only about my financial relief—it is about sustainability. By easing the pressure of student debt, I can continue providing accessible care and community programs that help parents and families recover, rebuild, and thrive.