How long have you worked at Positive Alternatives?

2026

Where are you from?

Virgina.

What drew you to working in this field?

My own personal journeys drew me to working in this field. It was my own various experiences in life that helped shape me into a compassionate, kind person, especially towards people who are struggling. Because I understand the challenges of going through life, I have a strong desire to support others in these times. I want to better understand people, emotions, and how the brain works. I listen without judgement and am passionate about helping others see that their circumstances don't have to define their future. While my personal journey started my passion for this field, I have furthered my education and continue to grow my knowledge to help make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science in Psychology [University of Wisconsin-Stout], Associate of Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice [Chippewa Valley Technical College] [Eau Claire].

What is your favorite thing about working with youth and families?

My favorite thing about working with youth and families is having the opportunity to build meaningful connections and help people feel heard, understood, and supported. People often have strengths and abilities they may not recognize in themselves yet, and I look forward to helping them build confidence, overcome challenges, and work toward their goals. I also value involving families because lasting progress often comes from creating understanding, trust, and support within the entire family.

What is your favorite mentoring activity?

One activity I would like to incorporate into meetings is a strengths-and-goals exercise. I would have the youth identify things they are proud of, qualities they like about themselves, challenges they want to overcome, and goals they would like to reach. This could be done through conversation, drawing, writing, or a vision board, depending on their age and interests. I think activities like this can make meetings feel more comfortable and engaging while helping youth recognize their strengths and feel involved in their own progress.