Community Service
I am deeply committed to community service and outreach that promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and increases access to counseling services for underserved populations. My service activities reflect my belief in the counselor's role as an advocate and change agent.
Service Philosophy
My approach to community service is guided by principles of social justice, cultural responsiveness, and community empowerment. I believe that mental health professionals have a responsibility to extend their expertise beyond traditional clinical settings to address systemic barriers to wellbeing.
I am particularly passionate about reducing disparities in mental health care access and outcomes for marginalized communities. This involves not only providing direct services but also working to transform systems, policies, and practices that perpetuate inequities.
In all my service activities, I strive to work collaboratively with community members and organizations, recognizing and honoring their expertise, strengths, and self-determination. I believe that sustainable change comes from within communities, supported by respectful partnerships with professionals.
Service Areas
Community Projects
Develop and deliver workshops on mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and help-seeking behaviors for community members, educators, and healthcare providers.
Impact:
- Reached over 500 community members through in-person and virtual workshops
- Increased mental health literacy and reduced stigma among participants
- Developed culturally responsive materials for diverse communities
Provide pro bono counseling services to individuals from underserved communities who face barriers to accessing mental health care, including financial constraints, transportation issues, and cultural barriers.
Impact:
- Delivered over 200 hours of pro bono counseling services
- Supported clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
- Developed culturally responsive counseling approaches
Design and implement trauma-informed care training for K-12 school personnel, focusing on recognizing signs of trauma, creating safe learning environments, and making appropriate referrals.
Impact:
- Trained over 300 teachers, administrators, and support staff
- Improved school climate and support for students affected by trauma
- Developed a sustainable training model adopted by multiple school districts
Led a committee to develop and disseminate resources on multicultural counseling for practitioners serving diverse populations, including translated materials, cultural competence guides, and community resource directories.
Impact:
- Created resources in five languages to serve diverse communities
- Distributed materials to over 100 community mental health centers
- Increased accessibility of mental health information for immigrant and refugee communities
Professional Service
In addition to community service, I am actively involved in service to the counseling profession through leadership roles in professional organizations, committee work, and mentorship activities.
Professional Organization Leadership:
- Board Member, Michigan Counseling Association (2020-Present)
- Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Michigan Counseling Association (2021-Present)
- Member, Multicultural Counseling Competencies Revision Task Force, American Counseling Association (2018-2020)
Editorial Service:
- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Counseling and Development (2019-Present)
- Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development (2017-Present)
- Guest Editor, Special Issue on Social Justice Advocacy, Michigan Journal of Counseling (2022)
Mentorship:
- Mentor, American Counseling Association Minority Fellowship Program (2020-Present)
- Faculty Advisor, Counseling and Psychology Student Association, Michigan State University (2019-Present)
- Career Mentor, Michigan Counseling Association Early Career Professional Program (2018-2021)
Get Involved
I welcome opportunities to collaborate on community service initiatives, professional advocacy projects, and educational outreach programs that promote mental health and wellbeing.