Danielle J. Dorfer

Danielle Dorfer is a graduate of Paul Smith’s College and is enrolled in the State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s master’s of mental health counseling program. A proud and long-term resident of the North Country of New York state, Ms. Dorfer has embraced the wilderness of her area and uses it as a therapeutic tool in her role within a community program to serve at-risk adolescents. She plans to continue serving her community as a counselor and offer services that address issues prevalent in her town, such as unemployment and addiction.

Kristen L. Keim

Kristen Keim is a graduate of Lock Haven University and is enrolled in the Pennsylvania State University’s master’s in elementary school counseling program. Possessing a natural talent for working with children and recognizing the need for quality mental health care in her rural hometown, Ms. Keim realized that school counseling was the path for her. Upon graduation, she plans to work as a counselor and child advocate, addressing the behavioral, emotional and academic needs of children experiencing both the benefits and hardships of living in a rural area.

Kay H. Lechner

Kay Lechner is a graduate of St. Norbert College and is enrolled in Valparaiso University’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling program. Ms. Lechner realized her calling to serve in a rural area after seeing her family and neighbors in rural Wisconsin drive for miles to obtain medical and mental health care. Her decision was reinforced during a study abroad in Rome where she worked to help many of the poor and homeless living there. She has committed to working in rural Wisconsin after graduation to bring mental health services to those with little or no access to such care.

Marchele C. McCarthy

Marchele McCarthy is a graduate of Regis University and is enrolled in the University of Northern Colorado’s master’s in clinical counseling program. Ms. McCarthy is committed to bringing much-needed mental health services to her community in rural Colorado, the residents of which face geographic and economic obstacles in seeking many types of care. She demonstrates this commitment by driving 170 miles—and over two mountain passes—to attend her counseling program. Ms. McCarthy is also gaining valuable experience by serving at several local agencies.

Maria Y. Renteria

Maria Renteria is both a student and a graduate of Northern Arizona University where she is pursuing a master’s in community counseling. Growing up in rural Arizona and making frequent trips to Mexico, Ms. Renteria saw early in life the need for more mental health services in her hometown and across the border. She believes she is the result of a strong support system and the right tools, and she hopes to be an asset for others in need. Ms. Renteria currently works for the United Way of Yuma County where she is learning about all of the different services available in her area, and plans to add herself to that pool of resources as a counselor.

Amy M. Stewart

Amy Stewart is a graduate of Lock Haven University and a student in Pennsylvania State University’s elementary school counseling program. Ms. Stewart’s rural hometown in Pennsylvania has little connection with modern technologies and lacks many important resources for its residents. She plans to become an advocate and counselor for children in rural areas, relying on her unique perspective as someone who knows firsthand the challenges and benefits of rural living.

Connie E. Carringer

Connie Carringer is a graduate of Guilford College and is enrolled in Appalachian State University’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling program. Possessing a passion for helping others and for the high country of North Carolina, Carringer has given her time and talents to organizations such as the Appalachian Heritage Council and the therapeutic art programs at the Swannanoa Correctional Institution and Express Yourself, and works as a counselor intern at Lees McRae College. She plans on serving the Watauga and surrounding counties upon graduation.

Dena M. Held

Dena Held is both a student and graduate of Indiana State University where she is pursuing a master’s of education in school counseling. Having grown up in rural southern Indiana, Held understands both the challenges and benefits of a rural community. She is an active member of the Knox County Child Protection Team and Knox County Early Intervention team, and is the Executive Director of the Knox County Court Appointment Special Advocate Program. As a school counselor, Held hopes to create a quality school culture where she can provide opportunities and address challenges for her students.

Michelle R. Kolch

Michelle Kolch is both a student and graduate of Slippery Rock University where she is pursuing a master’s in community counseling. She is dedicated to her community and plans to provide services in the small town of Ellwood City or New Caster, PA, two areas deeply affected by steel mill closings in the 1980s. Kolch lives on the family farm where her grandmother was born, raising goats, rabbits and beef cattle. She strives to be an advocate and voice for others, and left the corporate life to become a counselor and give back to her community.

Alesha C. McCord

Alesha McCord is both a student and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where she is pursuing a master’s of education in mental health counseling. She has a passion for helping others and has worked as a case manager assisting adults with mental illness. Upon graduation, McCord wants to increase the quality of mental health care in her rural Tennessee community through periodic needs assessments and the creation of a free referral and specialty services publication for agencies.

Kirsten A. Passmore

Kirsten Passmore is a graduate of the University of Mary and is enrolled in the University of Montana’s master’s in mental health counseling program, which she drives more than 320 miles to attend. As a native and resident of a small rural community, Passmore has seen firsthand the devastating effects of untreated mental illness. She has committed herself to helping her agriculturally dependent community, which has suffered under the current economic crisis and is recovering from three recent suicides. She also volunteers at a local counseling center, where she has the opportunity to serve not only her own community but the Blackfeet Indian Reservation as well.