"I quickly realized that my coursework is often immediately applicable to my work with our Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars. My counseling classes empower me to become a more effective and compassionate youth worker. While working full-time and studying part-time definitely keeps me busy, I have found tremendous support at Loyola. My courses are both clinically useful and intellectually stimulating. Our professors are committed to student growth and to counseling education that is grounded in ethics, animated by diversity, and oriented toward advocacy and service. Loyola's counseling program has offered opportunities for professional development, writing for publication, and presenting at conferences and most important provided an inspiring community. My classmates are smart, talented, and committed to social justice."

Sarah grew up in Seattle and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame where she studied theology and peace studies. She moved to New Orleans after graduation to teach in under-resourced schools. She earned a Master’s of Education degree through Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows. She also worked in the Boys Hope Girls Hope boys' home for nearly three years as a live-in residential counselor. While working there, she decided to pursue a master’s of science degree in clinical mental health counseling at Loyola University New Orleans. She will graduate from Loyola in 2018, and then pursue licensure as a professional counselor. She plans to continue working with trauma-exposed children and adolescents in a school or community agency setting.