After practicing the profession of psychology in every kind of counseling setting, I discovered College Living Experience and decided it was the perfect fit for me. I love working with students with special needs and providing guidance in the moment, instead of just during a once-a-week appointment. Every day, I work with students who have learning disabilities, ADD and Asperger’s to help them develop confidence, fine-tune social skills and manage anxiety.
Through discussion groups, field trips and one-on-one counseling, I help students identify their challenges and develop what I call a “work around” so that students can make their goals a reality. My students can dream big and make their dreams come true by identifying their individual challenges, developing confidence and adopting a positive attitude about their potential.
Often a student’s biggest obstacle to success is anxiety, but what I want my students to realize is that anxiety does not automatically mean failure. I help students cope with anxiety by helping them gain confidence in themselves.
Beginning the cycle of success can be a challenge for students. However, my students prove on a regular basis that they can combine new-found confidence with the capabilities and strengths they already possess to achieve far more than they ever felt possible. I help students celebrate every success in their journey toward independent adulthood, which encourages them to face daily challenges head-on. It’s a cycle—each success leads to more confidence and more success in the future.
I believe wholeheartedly that our students can manage their fears, overcome obstacles and experience success in their social, academic and independence goals.