What have you done that you are proud of?
Currently, I am very grateful to be counseling in an award-winning and nationally recognized veteran services program. Working on the grounds of the flagship Veterans Administrations Healthcare System in the country, The Salvation Army Haven Veteran Employment Services, I have been able to use what I learned at LMU to help hundreds of veterans as they transition to civilian life.
How has your work made an impact on your community, school, agency, classroom, clients or students?
From the success I have encountered in my counseling of all types of veterans, I have had the privilege of being invited to several groups or presentations for an even larger veteran impact. Today, I sit on the LA Veteran Employment Committee and work with the LA Veterans Collaborative Career Development Group at USC's Office of Social Work. I was also recently asked by Mayor Garcetti's Office of Veteran Affairs to moderate a panel at his 10k Strong Veteran Summit.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates this impact?
Since my site-based experience at The Haven, which became full-time employment upon my graduation, I have counseled a wide range of veterans who are now in various careers across the country. My counseling has been effective in Los Angeles with veterans returning home from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans battling chronic homelessness, dual-diagnosed veterans, or veterans attempting to receive degrees. My success always starts with the pursuit of social justice, a foundation ingrained in me by the ethical standards of LMU.