I started with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, focusing on Juvenile Delinquents, and then went on to earn my Master of Education in general education for grades EC-8, Administration and Leadership, and an Advanced Study in School Counseling. I've spent 21 years in education, including five years as a Special Education School Counselor in a rural cooperative service program that serves six school districts. What fuels my passion for counseling is the incredible opportunity it provides to make a positive impact on people's lives. My long-term aspiration is to work as a professional counselor in the private sector, specifically with emotionally disabled adolescents, after I retire from public education. I would love to serve a local mental health hospital or patient care facility in my rural community, especially since North Texas is underserved and in dire need of professional counselors.

In this course, I aim to deepen my understanding of crisis, trauma, and mental health issues. My hope is that it will equip me with the resources and strategies necessary for effective prevention and responsive services. I want to enhance my skills in recognizing and responding to crises while maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring that I create a supportive and safe environment for those facing these challenges.

Professional Goal: I am determined to complete my graduate program in counseling in mental health and wellness this summer. I will pursue the final classes needed for the LPC bridge program. My aspiration is to graduate with a strong foundation in therapeutic approaches, cultural competence, and self-awareness, fully equipped to take the next steps toward obtaining licensure and delivering high-quality, empathetic care to diverse client populations.

Personal Goal: My goal is to be more intentional about being in the moment during family events and activities, setting aside distractions, and focusing on building deeper connections. I want to participate and fully appreciate the time spent together. By prioritizing quality moments with my family, I aim to strengthen our bonds and create lasting memories.

From prior knowledge, I understand that Cyntoia Brown was convicted as a teenager for the murder of a man who solicited her for sex. Her case gained national attention due to discussions surrounding self-defense, human trafficking, and the treatment of minors in the criminal justice system. I expect the documentary to provide deeper insights into her life, legal battle, and the broader implications for juvenile justice reform.

Birman, D. H. (Director). (2020). Murder to mercy: The Cyntoia Brown story [Documentary]. Netflix.

PFA emphasizes early intervention, reducing the risk of long-term mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. It is relevant in various fields, including healthcare, education, and social work, adding valuable expertise.

Furthermore, PFA builds community resilience, empowering individuals to support each other during difficult times. It promotes professional development, enhances communication skills, and helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing conversations. Overall, the PFA certificate is a vital tool for providing emotional support and fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://learn.nctsn.org/mod/questionnaire/view.php?id=12756

Working as a special education counselor for students with emotional disabilities underscores the importance of understanding mental health, trauma, and crisis. Many of these emotional disabilities stem from, or are worsened by, trauma, and these students often find themselves in mental health crises. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to their emotional and behavioral challenges, I can approach these students with empathy and create tailored interventions that promote healing and growth.

Taking the provided quizzes and reflecting on my experiences solidified how important it is to recognize the signs of trauma and mental health issues, especially in a school setting. While I already had a strong foundation in these areas, the quiz helped me assess areas where I could further develop my knowledge, particularly in terms of crisis intervention. In my experiences, I've had the privilege of working with students who have faced various traumatic situations, such as domestic violence, bullying, and neglect. These experiences can profoundly affect their emotional regulation, social interactions, and academic performance. One situation that stands out to me involved a student who had witnessed severe domestic violence at home. This student often struggled with outbursts of anger and frustration, leading to disruptions in the classroom. By recognizing that these behaviors were stemming from a trauma response, I collaborated with teachers, administrators, and mental health professionals to develop a behavior plan that provided support during crises. I also facilitated ongoing counseling sessions that incorporated trauma-informed practices to help this student process and cope with their emotions in a safe space.

This experience has helped me see the intricate connection between emotional disabilities and trauma. I've learned so much about the importance of supporting these students and their families and how essential it is to provide them with the understanding and tools they need to heal and grow. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my education on mental health and crisis management which I hope this class will build on my prior knowledge.

Mental Health First Aid. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/youth/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4rK8BhD7ARIsAFe5LXL212l_VGAtJlQI-rjppIjeYDrceSVhztAaTB3GmlKWdfprDcxkRQ0aApGUEALw_wcB

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf