In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to pursue my second degree in nursing at Simmons University, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric nursing provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, and work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. As a low-income family receiving SNAP benefits and fuel assistance with a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses is overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in my community as an outpatient psychiatric NP and providing comprehensive care to underserved patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to pursue my second degree in nursing at Simmons University, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric nursing provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, and work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in my community as an outpatient psychiatric NP and providing comprehensive care to underserved patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to pursue my second degree in nursing at Simmons University, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric nursing provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children, and rely on my partner's emotional support to keep going. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in my community as an outpatient psychiatric NP and providing comprehensive care to underserved patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to pursue my second degree in nursing at Simmons University, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care, and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric nursing provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, and work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in outpatient psychiatry and serving patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue on this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward. I found out about this scholarship through Bold.org. Thank you for your commitment to providing function and comfort to both patients and healthcare professionals. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to pursue my second degree in nursing at Simmons University, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care, and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric nursing provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school, however, has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, and work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in outpatient psychiatry and serving patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue on this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to nursing, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care, and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work has been rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school as a 45-year-old female, however, has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children - five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, and work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children. The financial challenges are especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in my community as an outpatient psychiatric NP and providing comprehensive care to underserved patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue on this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Psychology from Bates College, drawn by a desire to understand the human mind. After college, I worked as a Case Manager and found myself fascinated with client medication regimens - how they worked, the side effects, and the challenges with adherence. This led me to nursing, and eventually, to a decade-long role as a college nurse, where my dedication to supporting patients through physical and mental health challenges cemented. Mental health has shaped my personal life. My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after I was born. She received minimal psychiatric support with a prescription for lithium, without therapy or proper monitoring. She struggled with debilitating side effects, eventually stopped her medication, and experienced devastating cycles of depression, mania, and psychosis. Despite my efforts and support over the years, her mental and physical health deteriorated until she was admitted to a nursing home. There, she received proper treatment and care, and became more of the calm and joyful woman I knew she could be before recently passing away at 69. Her story is painful to share, but also a huge part of why I’ve chosen this path. I want to be the psychiatric provider my mother often went without. One who listens, supports, and helps people find their way back to themselves. After years of wanting to advance my education, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Rivier University in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I’m in my second year, with a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin clinical precepting in the hospital this fall. The academic work has been rigorous but incredibly fulfilling, and I feel aligned with my purpose. Returning to school, however, has come with challenges. I’m a mother in a blended family of six children—five incredible bonus children, ages nine to eighteen, and my biological child, who is five. Balancing parenthood and graduate school means my days start early and end late. I study after bedtime stories, write papers between lacrosse practices and swim meets, work on case studies while juggling medical and mental health appointments for my children, and rely on my partner’s emotional support to keep going. The financial challenges have been especially difficult. With a FAFSA score of -1500, the burden of tuition and living expenses has, at times, felt overwhelming. Last semester, I came close to withdrawing due to financial strain. While we managed to find a way to keep me enrolled, the pressure is constant. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to completing this degree. Living in Western Massachusetts, I have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to three years for children to access outpatient psychiatric care. Mental health care is so important, and there is an urgent need for skilled, compassionate providers. I want to be part of the solution, working in outpatient psychiatry and serving patients throughout the lifespan. I believe in meeting people where they are, offering not just treatment, but respect and hope. Becoming a scholarship recipient would help ease financial strain and allow me to stay focused on my studies and clinical work to continue on this path to support individuals in their most vulnerable moments and help them find their way forward.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Bates College in 2002. After earning my degree, I worked as a Case Manager at an elder services agency and met many nurses there. I discovered in this job that I also loved medicine and nursing. I moved to Boston, secured a position as a Medical Assistant, and earned my nursing degree from Simmons University in 2009. I later worked as a Registered Nurse at Amherst College in Western Massachusetts for about 10 years. I loved my job and helped hundreds of students solve medical and mental health problems. Many students came to me urgently during a time of crisis. A 19-year-old female who accidentally cut herself too deeply in a moment of self-harm. A 28-year-old male who found himself so sad and overwhelmed that he felt ready to end his life but came to our health center in hopes of finding help. A 22-year-old female who had recently discovered she had bipolar disorder and was struggling with severe insomnia and anxiety, finding a balance with her new psychiatric medications and communicating with her prescriber. These students remain in my heart. They found help, support, and understanding when they needed it most. It is an honor and a privilege to be there for patients in such a vulnerable time of need, hold their struggles with them so they feel less alone, and help them see and maintain their dignity, self-love, and respect throughout the process. After working in college health as a nurse for many years, I am growing and developing my role as a caregiver. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I will provide the best possible care to each individual I see. Establishing a trusting relationship with each patient is imperative for successful treatment. Trust is earned by providing a safe and nonjudgemental space where care, compassion, and consideration are evident. The gap for equal access to practitioners who provide excellent care must be closed. I see the shortage of psychiatric providers available in my area and have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to a year for our pediatric population, all individuals who desperately need care and attention. As a Nurse Practitioner, I intend to serve and support all groups of individuals from different races, financial circumstances, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Bates College in 2002. I loved studying psychology and learning to understand the workings of the human mind. After earning my degree, I worked as a Case Manager at an elder services agency and met many nurses there. I discovered in this job that I also loved medicine and nursing. I enjoyed talking with my clients about what medications they took, how the medicine helped them, and what side effects were a struggle. I also liked helping my clients find ways to remember to take their medications. I moved to Boston, secured a position as a Medical Assistant, and earned my nursing degree from Simmons University in 2009. After trialing a few different kinds of nursing, I found my current position as a Registered Nurse at Amherst College in Western Massachusetts, where I worked for about 10 years. I loved my job as a college health nurse and helped hundreds of students work through numerous types of medical and mental health problems. Many of the students who remain in my mind are those who came to my office urgently during a time of crisis. A 19-year-old female who accidentally cut herself too deeply in a moment of self-harm. A 28-year-old male who found himself so sad and overwhelmed that he felt ready to end his life but came to our health center in hopes of finding help. A 22-year-old female who had recently discovered she had bipolar disorder and was struggling with severe insomnia and anxiety, finding a balance with her new psychiatric medications and communicating with her prescriber. These students remain in my heart. They found help, support, and understanding when they needed it most. It is an honor and a privilege to be there for patients in such a vulnerable time of need, hold their struggles with them so they feel less alone, and help them see and maintain their dignity, self-love, and respect throughout the process. After working in college health as a nurse for many years, it became time to grow and develop my role as a caregiver. The best way to blend my passion for psychology, nursing, and medicine is to acquire a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree. I look forward to beginning my practice as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in mental health after graduation and providing the best possible care to each individual I see. Establishing a trusting relationship with each patient is imperative for successful treatment. Trust is earned by providing a safe and nonjudgemental space where care, compassion, and consideration are evident. The gap for equal access to practitioners who provide this care must be closed. I see the shortage of psychiatric providers available in my area and have observed a minimum six-month waiting list for adults and up to a year for our pediatric population, all individuals who desperately need care and attention. As a Nurse Practitioner, I intend to serve and support all groups of individuals from different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

My mother, Bessie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1980s in rural Maine. This was just a few years after she gave birth to me. She left me and my dad when I was four in search of finding herself. She met with a doctor who prescribed her lithium and was sent on her way with minimal follow-up. She was not referred to a therapist. Her blood levels weren’t checked. She would sleep through the day, often unable to wake up when I would live with her on weekends. Eventually, she discontinued her medication because she found it so difficult to function. This led to extreme periods of depression, mania, and psychosis. She was unable to maintain employment. Her friendships and familial relationships waxed and waned. She was verbally abusive to people she loved, including me. She often felt suicidal. When I was 23, she disappeared for an entire year with no contact and then resurfaced as if nothing occurred. Over time, my mom developed obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. By her early 60s, she could no longer walk or care for herself and was admitted to a good nursing home in Biddeford. There, she was prescribed medications that stabilized her mental and physical health. She received regular blood work and follow-ups, and she seemed settled and mostly happy when I visited with her. However, she greatly missed the joys of life’s simple pleasures, like spending more time with friends and family, eating at restaurants, and going to the movies. She unexpectedly passed away nearly one year ago at the tender age of 69, several days after a minor surgery for renal artery stenting. My mom’s story is a sad one in many ways. I haven’t yet shared that she was a vibrant, smart, and empathetic woman with an unforgettable, warm smile. While she lived in Section 8 housing in her adulthood, getting by with social security disability, SNAP benefits, and the financial support I was able to give her, she would give the shirt off her back to help someone she loved without blinking an eye. Most of my mom’s life was riddled with insurmountable challenges. My childhood was complicated in many ways because she couldn’t achieve remission despite seeking help. Psychiatric care was very different then compared to now. I think part of the reason I have always loved psychology is because I want to understand my mom and help other individuals who struggle with mental illness. As my love for her grows every day, it also expands to those around me, along with a desire to help people find a life of joy and good health. Don’t we all deserve that?