I am currently pursuing my interest in mental health and entering my final year of study in social work. I am an MSSW Candidate at the UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work in ATX, graduating in spring 2025. While attending school, I am also maintaining my current position as a CTE teacher at McNeil High School, where I am fortunate to be able to utilize my medical school experience and clinical background in emergency medicine to educate students interested in healthcare careers. My goal is to combine my prior medical experience with my current work with adolescents to assist them with their mental health needs, including needs related to gender and sexuality.I have a broad background in the medical field that includes working in a Level 1 trauma center in a major metropolitan area, completing three years of medical school before experiencing a health crisis, and providing direct care for terminally ill patients and to a family member with dementia. I also have experience teaching Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid, BLS CPR/AED (for both AHA and ARC), Disaster Response, and other lifesaving skills. I have presented on numerous pathology/treatment topics. I have experience teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Terminology, PLTW Human Body Systems, and Principles of Health Science.I am a cancer survivor of more than 24 years, and for the past 20 years, I have also been living with Intracranial Hypertension. These experiences taught me the value of being flexible, coping with what I can control, and letting go of what I cannot. These experiences have also allowed me to develop the skills necessary to cope with chronic illness and constant change and those needed to advocate for myself and others in the medical system, a system that is not always kind to patients. I believe my experiences, both as a healthcare provider and as a patient, provide me with a unique set of skills that will be beneficial to future clients. My years of teaching high school also contribute to this skill set, which is fortunate as my goal is to work with adolescents in a clinical capacity. Today's youth are experiencing a mental health crisis unlike any other and need the support I aim to provide. I will continue to advocate for personal autonomy regarding medical care, reproductive rights, and equitable access to care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. When not teaching or studying, I often listen to music, read to relax, watch movies, make jewelry, and spend time with my husband, Séamus, and our cats.