Title: Clinical Mental Health Counselor @ Heartland Counseling Services

Volunteer:
HiDad Project – Administrator
SUX Pride – Board Member, Education Health and Wellness Director
ACA of Iowa – President
SAIGE Public Policy Committee – Vice Chair
ACA Human Rights Committee – Member
NCACES Conference Committee – Accessibility Coordinator

What are you passionate about, and how do you use your voice/talent to make a difference?

I’m passionate about advocacy, education, and providing quality mental healthcare services to marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals in rural communities. As a mental health counselor, I strive to provide these services and to educate other mental health professionals to help them strengthen their clinical skill set to serve diverse groups. I also use my knowledge and skill set to engage in advocacy efforts to strengthen the care we are able to provide. We’re fighting some significant battles in legislation right now that are threatening the rights of marginalized people across the country. These battles are impacting our educational systems, healthcare systems, and mental healthcare systems at an unprecedented rate. People are being made to feel like they no longer have a right to exist freely as human beings with equal rights and recognition in their communities and under the law. I strive to create a space within our community where people can exist freely as their authentic selves. I engaged in active volunteering and fundraising efforts for marginalized communities in Siouxland, including co-organizing a World AIDS Day fundraiser last year that benefited our local warming shelter.

What is your vision for the future of Siouxland?

I would love to see a Siouxland that embraces the unique needs of our diverse communities. Our marginalized groups are facing a significant amount of adversity right now and it’s important that we step up and advocate for those who need our support the most. Siouxland is my home and has been for most of my life. These legislative impacts are driving people away from our communities because they no longer feel safe in what was once their home. 

What are you doing to make that happen?

I’ve been engaged in active legislative and public policy advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels to ensure access to quality mental healthcare for marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community. I provide mental health services to clients in addition to providing education and consultation to other healthcare professionals and legislators. I work with several organizations nationwide to provide training on affirming mental healthcare practices. I often serve as a liaison between these organizations to share information and coordinate our efforts to amplify our impact.

How can people help you make that happen?

Connect with area organizations that serve marginalized groups such as SUX Pride, City of Sioux City: Diversity, ACLU of Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, and One Iowa to find opportunities for service. Research resources on gender affirming care such as the WPATH Standards of Care and find position statements from organizations such as SAIGE’s Public Policy Committee to send to your legislators. I highly encourage Siouxlanders to gather information about candidate platforms and become actively engaged in the legislative process, and vote! I encourage people to connect with me personally regarding education and consultation opportunities, regardless of what field of work you’re in. 

What quote inspires you?

“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” – Marsha P. Johnson