I have seen first-hand the magic of the initial match between a Compeer friend and youth. I am fortunate to have had a few mentors in my own life who have all added something unique to my experiences.

For the past 10 years, I have worked with many youth and families experiencing mental health challenges, including homeless, at-risk and LGBT youth, as well as youth in foster care. I believe that the sole common thread among what predicted these youth’s success was the presence of one unconditionally supportive and compassionate adult in their lives. I am currently working toward my Master’s in Social Work at UB and look forward to bringing new skills and a trauma-informed approach to Compeer.

I also bring experience in advocacy. I believe that while many people receive medical first aid training, they are far less familiar with what to do when someone experiences a mental health crisis, and I look forward to working with the Compeer team to continue to advocate for greater awareness and decrease the stigma toward mental health!

I am excited to join the Compeer team in their mission of helping make this powerful connection of friendship for more youth in our community, and to become a model for other communities who wish to expand their mentoring services.

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey