2025-2026 Mentoring Corp Leaders

1. I taught myself how to use the lost wax casting process to make grillz.

2. I have attended HBCUs on the west coast, east coast, and in the south.

3. I did my first solo travel trip (to Jamaica) during the pandemic and it was the best trip ever!

Why Behavioral Health? Growing up in a medically underserved community in South Los Angeles, I saw firsthand how unhealthy traditions, stigma, and lack of adequate mental health resources and misinformation negatively impacts an already disenfranchised community. My personal experiences with both family, friends and neighbors who suffer both mental illnesses and substance abuse led me to a career in mental and behavioral healthcare. Through my work with community organizations and research projects, I have developed a deep commitment to addressing mental and behavioral health disparities and breaking down stigmas. My experiences, including a personal journey with therapy after a traumatic death event, have reinforced my belief in the power of mental health care and its critical role in overall well-being. Ultimately, my path to becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is a direct result of my lived experiences and a desire to provide compassionate, culturally competent care to those who need it most.

1. My favorite artist is SiR.

2. I have been to six countries.

3. The Hunger Games is my favorite book series

Why Behavioral Health? My passion for working in the mental health field developed from a combination of personal experiences, academic interests, and advocacy work. Coming from a rural area, I have experienced and seen the effects of a lack of conversation about mental health. I firmly believe that understanding the social, psychological, and emotional development of people will allow us to better understand the world around us. Serving as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor allows me to bridge my values and work to improve current mental health systems. I am committed to bringing awareness of mental health knowledge and resources to underserved communities as it aligns with my dedication for service.

1. I love Lord of the Rings.

2. I was born in Sweden.

3. I have an elderly cat who’s lived all over the country with me.

Why Behavioral Health? I became interested in social work when I fell into a case worker position at a re-entry and prison abolition nonprofit while looking for part time work. I thrived at the job because it was challenging but always different and interesting. I’m planning to go into direct practice and be a children’s therapist specializing in disability and medical settings. I struggled a lot as a kid with medical conditions,and I am looking forward to learning the skills to help others in similar situations.

1. I have studied French, Spanish and Mandarin
2. I have lived in 6 different states.
3. I play the Sims 4 in my free time.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to study behavioral health, specifically clinical counseling,because I am passionate about creating a safe space for people to explore themselves.Throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs, Ihave studied mental health in relation to various marginalized groups including Black Women, Neurodivergent individuals, and the LGBTQIA+ community. My research has reinforced my interest in the counseling profession as I strive to create niche groups and programs that offer opportunities for community building and healing for overlooked populations. Overall, working in the behavioral health field allows me to give back to my community, increase representation, and mentor those hoping to do the same.

1. For better or worse, I am a Dallas Cowboys Fan. Let the hate begin.
2. I love to cook and spend an inordinate amount of time watching cooking shows.
3. In high school, I worked as a Stagehand at Theater Tulsa.

Why Behavioral Health? I believe in a culture of service and service to one’s community. In my state of Oklahoma, we have a shortage of licensed professional counselors. This is particularly true in rural or minority spaces. I chose to pursue a career in counseling because I want to make my community a better place. In counseling, I feel I can best use my talents and gifts to positively impact my community.

1. I love my family. I am very Family Oriented.

2. I love cooking and trying new recipes from different cultures.

3. I enjoy being an advocate and resource in my community.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because of my upbringing in a rural area and being inspired by my uncle who has always spent his time being a mentor and advocate for his community made me realize that there is nothing else, I would rather do. I currently serve as an advocate in my community. I feel that I have always been a mentor in some shape or form. I am always motivating and encouraging others around me to be the best versions of themselves. Overall, my ultimate goal is to uplift, empower, and inspire children and families.

1. I like to go hiking.

2. I recently started finger crocheting.

3. I know how to juggle.

Why Behavioral Health? Entering my third year of medical school, I was drawn to women’s health and initially pursued OBGYN. However, during my rotations, I found the deepest connections emerged when patients opened emotionally—even routine exams often became therapeutic conversations. This clarity led me to realize my true passion lies in women’s mental health, and that psychiatry is the path that best aligns with my purpose.

1.I’m a proud Bronx, NY native—born and raised with that unmistakable NYC edge.

2.I’m a coffee connoisseur—I don’t just drink coffee, I live it. Beans, brews, and baristas are my language.

3.My guilty pleasure? Reality TV.Give me drama, over-the-top personalities, and unexpected twists—I’m hooked.

Why Behavioral Health? I found myself in deep fascination with the narratives of patients in addition to their medical needs. Behavioral help allows me to practice medicine while also gaining the ability to talk to patients on a deeper level. I also have a passion for the geriatric population and fell in love with learning about how the mind changes as we age. Pursuing psychiatry allows me to feel fulfilled and lets me make a positive impact on the mental health of individuals especially in underrepresented populations.

1. I am a certified RYT-200 yoga teacher.

2. I have a lovely cat named Opal.

3. I love a good crawfish boil.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue behavioral health because true healing starts with understanding the roots of suffering, not just treating its symptoms. Growing up in a military family, I saw how constant change, loss, and inequities could leave invisible marks that shaped how people moved through the world. In my training, I’ve learned that these early and ongoing experiences can shape our bodies, minds, and opportunities in profound ways. I believe in care that not only addresses illness, but actively nurtures resilience, joy, and possibility—especially for children in communities too often overlooked. My goal is to integrate behavioral health into pediatric care so that every child has the tools, safety, and community they need to flourish.

1. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

2. I love music and cooking.

3. I believe the best laughs are the ones that bring you to tears.

Why Behavioral Health? My interest in psychiatry stems from a desire to address the significant stigma surrounding mental health in my community. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a lack of understanding and accessible resources has negatively impacted individuals and families. By pursuing this field, I aim to become a knowledgeable advocate who can challenge misconceptions and promote a more compassionate and informed approach to mental wellness.My goal is to not only provide clinical care but also to contribute to a broader cultural shift that values mental health as much as physical health, ensuring everyone feels empowered to seek thes support they need.

1. I’m a huge sports fan and currently summer interning with the Boston Celtics a Community Engagement through the NBA Foundation as a HBCU Fellow!
2. I run a colorful rug-tufting business called OLIJ, inspired by my Jamaican heritage.

3. I completed over 60 hours of community service at an animal shelter while maintaining a 4.0 GPA last year.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because I am passionate about supporting individuals through life’s most difficult moments and helping them build tools for healing. Growing up in a community where mental health was often misunderstood or overlooked, I saw firsthand how critical access to compassionate, culturally informed care can be. My academic journey in social work deepened my understanding of the complex challenges people face, especially those from underserved populations. I’m inspired to be part of a movement that breaks stigma, centers equity, anduplifts every individual’s potential to thrive. Behavioral health is not just a profession for me it’s a calling to create impact and restore hope.

1. I love to sew.
2. I enjoy gardening (I have a garden).
3. I love to color on extra-large coloring paper.

Why Behavioral Health? Behavioral health chose me when I stepped away from accounting, revealing a passion I didn’t know I had. I’ve always been attuned to the unseen struggles of those around me, especially when mental health is often dismissed. I thrive on helping others feel seen and heard, making it more than just a career. It’s a mission to validate the experiences of those who go overlooked.

1. I love to travel and explore new places.

2. I’m obsessed with Hispanic food; it’s definitely my favorite.

3. My favorite color is purple!

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health, specifically social work, because I feel deeply called to help individuals in need. Growing up, I was always drawn to supporting others, especially those who looked like me and came from similar backgrounds. I find genuine joy and fulfillment in being a source of guidance, healing, and hope for others. It feels like more than a profession; it feels like a purpose that God placed on my life. Through this field, I aim to be a light and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.

1. I make my own candles.
2.  I am the oldest sibling.
3.  I love traveling because I get to experience different cultures and try different foods.

Why Behavioral Health? My interest in behavioral health stems from my desire to help children and adolescents persevere through their traumas. Growing up in communities impacted by a multitude of traumatic experiences, I witnessed how trauma going untreated can shape behavior, academic outcomes, and future possibilities. As a school counselor, I am dedicated to helping students manage their emotions, build resilience, and feel seen in environments that often overlook them. The need for this work has deepened my commitment to behavioral health as a pathway to healing,  equity, and justice for underserved youth.

1. I’m a creative entertainer who uses art, performance and storytelling as a way to express myself and regulate my nervous system.
2. I’m a published author who loves turning life lessons and imagination into words that inspire. I am a proud science nerd fascinated by everything from neuroscience to astronomy.
3. I’m always eager to learn something new.

Why Behavioral Health? From a young age, I witnessed the struggles of those around me, feeling the weight of a world where mental health resources were scarce. My own journey through the shadows of mental and emotional challenges transformed this awareness into a calling. I sought not only to understand the mind but to create and discover tools for healing. In walking through the darkness, I have learned to carry the light– and now I use it to guide others toward their own breakthroughs.

1.I have did two 5k runs this year.

2. My favorite food is tacos.

3. I am a marine veteran

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to study behavioral health because I genuinely care about helping people, particularly in BIPOC communities where mental health is often overlooked or misunderstood. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of many individuals who endured in silence due to a lack of support or shame in seeking help. My goal is to effect change by making mental health conversations more accessible, safe, and welcoming. This field equips me with the tools to provide support, offer empathetic listening, and empower individuals to improve their self-esteem. It’s not merely a profession for me; it’s a profound calling that allows me to make a tangible impact on people’s lives.

1. I started dancing at the age of 5.

2. I am first generation on both sides.

3. My original name was supposed to be Jasmine.

Why Behavioral Health? The purpose of our future lies in the strength of our youth.We are the hope as Social Workers to provide resilience and abundance. While pursuing my career in Behavioral Health I always wanted to endure my client needs. I learned to listen closely and trust my gut because those instincts helped me be guided in the right direction. The change starts within me to help the youth embrace the next generation. Creating a safe space for young males and females to acknowledge their emotions is the first step. However, I am thinking on a broader scale by reducing stigmas, reducing stereotypes, and reducing the lack of empathy for them.

1.I did a 22-day bike tour in Nova Scotia.
2. Beyoncé pinched my cheeks when I was 11.
3. My favorite show is Law & Order SVU.

Why Behavioral Health?  I have such a soft spot for those who can’t advocate for themselves.Working in HIV prevention, I recognized how mental health often impacts sexual health. The intersectionality is one that impacts everyone but particularly LGBTQ+ people of color. I aim to help those individuals find their voice.

1. I have a passion for visiting beautifully designed, aesthetically pleasing coffee shops.
2. If I weren’t in my current career, I would have pursued luxury event planning.
3. I cherish quality time with my family and friends.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health after witnessing friends and peers face emotional challenges, unstable home environments, and limited access to care. These experiences fueled my passion for advocacy and showed me how deeply life circumstances affect mental health. With training in political science, public health, health sciences, and medicine, I’ve learned how policy, systems, and clinical care must work together for lasting change. Psychiatry allows me to meet patients’ personal needs while addressing the systemic barriers they face, with the goal of delivering compassionate, culturally responsive care and reducing disparities in underserved communities. Ultimately, I hope my work not only heals individuals but also transforms the systems that shape their well-being.

1. I played collegiate tennis at Tuskegee University.

2 I am a self-taught hair braider

3. I hate chocolate but I loveee red velvet.

Why BehavioralHealth? After a period of struggling with my own mental health in medical school, I became more aware of how deeply it impacts our physical, emotional, and social well-being. During my psychiatry clerkship, I fell in love with helping people take control of their mental health and witnessing the ripple effect it had in every aspect of their daily lives. Psychiatry allows me to combine the science of medicine with genuine human connection, meeting patients where they are and honoring their lived experiences. As a future psychiatrist, I am passionate about expanding access to care, breaking down stigma, and creating safe spaces where people feel heard and supported.

1. I try to eat 8 cups of salad greens per day, on purpose.

2. I’ve been told that I could be Lebron’s stunt double.

3. I’ve traveled tomore than 19 countries and counting.

Why Behavioral Health? With over fifteen years of customer service experience in various employment and volunteer capacities, I’ve always sought to help others. It wasn’t until I worked alongside behavioral health professionals that I finally realized how I wanted to help.

1. I enjoy studying world religions and political theory in my free time, and I’m especially drawn to how cultural and spiritual traditions influence mental health.

2. I’m passionate about fitness and outdoor adventures. One of my most memorable experiences was hiking to 15,000 feet in the outermost hills of the Himalayas.

3. I’m a lifelong car enthusiast and enjoy learning about automotive design and engineering as a creative outlet outside of medicine.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health to help close the gap between underserved communities and equitable mental health care. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, I saw how stigma, limited access, and systemic barriers prevent individuals from receiving the support they need. Psychiatry gives me the tools to address those challenges while promoting healing through science, advocacy, and connection. I’m especially passionate about integrating interventional approaches and mentorship into my work to create a lasting impact. Through behavioral health, I hope to empower others, reduce disparities, and build a more inclusive future for care

1. I graduated from esthetician school and plan to merge self-care with social work once I’m fully licensed.

2. I’m obsessed with perfume and want to grow an extensive collection.

3. I’m very chill and laid-back, and even though I may look serious, I don’t take myself too seriously.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because I have always dreamed of becoming a social worker. That dream eventually developed into a passion for becoming a school social worker so I could support students in the same way my own social worker supported me in high school. I am also deeply committed to working with and advocating for the older adult population, ensuring they have access to the resources and care they deserve. Behavioral health allows me to combine my dedication to both youth and older adults while addressing their emotional well-being and overall quality of life. For me, this work is both a purpose and a way to create meaningful, lasting change.

1. I like to draw.
2. I am originally from Arkansas.
3. I enjoyed Zack Snyder’s DCU.

Why I chose Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because this aspect of life is commonly overlooked but very important. Our mental health drives all our actions day to day and can have an immense impact on our overall quality of life. There are many stigmas and a loaded history that come with being black and being on both the side of practitioner and client in the behavioral health fields. Because of this, I aim to help as many people as I can and create a space of safety where we can all heal and grow to understand ourselves and each other.

1.I love coffee! A perfect cup can brighten any day.

2. I’m a Bible nerd who finds joy in learning and talking about the Bible.

3. I’m a Marvel fan.

Why Behavioral Health? I chose to pursue a career in behavioral health because I have always been passionate about supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children and families.My background as an educator has shown me how deeply a child’s emotional world affects every part of their life. I knew I wanted to be someone who could help nurture that emotional growth and healing. A field like School Counseling gives me the opportunity to make a lasting difference in ways that reach far beyond a single classroom.