2024 Master's Fellows
2024 Master's Fellows
Meet the 32 mental health counseling master's students named as 2024 NBCC Foundation MFP Fellows.
Mental Health Counseling Master's Fellows
Each MFP mental health counseling master’s Fellow will receive $12,000 to support their counseling education and to recognize their commitment to underserved communities.
Lujein Alkreidi (she/her) – Vancouver, Washington
Lujein Alkreidi is a graduate of Damascus University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Portland State University.
Lujein is a Syrian immigrant and mother of two. After fleeing Syria in 2014 due to the war, she spent 5 years in Egypt supporting unaccompanied refugee children through psychoeducation groups. Resettling in the United States in 2019, her experiences of displacement and healing from PTSD motivated her to pursue counseling to serve underserved communities. Currently, Lujein works as a peer support specialist supervisor at Lutheran Community Services Northwest, where she leads a team and collaborates on innovative programs to enhance access to mental health care. Her counseling focus includes supporting refugees, immigrants, and individuals from communities of color who face barriers to care. Upon graduation, Lujein intends to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to underserved populations, with a focus on resilience and identity development. This fellowship will enable her to attend conferences, gain specialized training, and strengthen her advocacy for mental health services. Lujein is dedicated to empowering displaced and underrepresented individuals, helping them navigate cultural transitions and systemic challenges while fostering hope and healing. Her work reflects her belief in the power of compassionate, culturally attuned care.
Miguel Arellano Sanchez (he/his) – Corvallis, Oregon
Miguel Arellano Sanchez is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Miguel’s professional and personal experiences have fueled his passion for helping people and improving health outcomes for underserved communities. As a low-income, first-generation immigrant, Miguel became keenly aware of systemic inequality and the detrimental physical, mental, and material manifestations it has on people and communities. This continues to inspire his dedication to helping others and shaping a better world. After graduation, Miguel aspires to become a professional counselor who draws on critical theories, ecological perspectives, and the works of liberatory scholars and thinkers to effectively support underserved, immigrant, and Spanish-speaking communities in addressing trauma and mental health concerns resulting from systemic injustices and their intergenerational consequences.
Daniel Asante (he/his) – Atlanta, Georgia
Daniel Asante is a graduate of the University of West Georgia, where he is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Daniel is a dedicated and hardworking counseling student with a passion for mental health advocacy. With a commitment to supporting individuals from all walks of life, Daniel is dedicated to fostering healing, empowerment, and resilience in the communities he serves. He believes that mental health is a universal concern that transcends race, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. Driven by a desire to create inclusive, accessible spaces, Daniel plans to make sure that all individuals feel heard, valued, and supported. His academic journey is focused on developing a strong foundation in therapeutic practices while exploring the intersectionality of mental health with race, identity, and social justice. Daniel is passionate about working with underserved populations, offering a safe and empathetic environment where clients can explore their challenges and aspirations. As an advocate, he seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and promote mentorship and resources for emotional and psychological well-being. Daniel’s ultimate goal is to contribute to society’s overall well-being by being a compassionate counselor, mentor, and advocate, fostering positive change through every client he encounters.
Yajaira Anahi Barraza Morales (she/her) – Denver, Colorado
Yajaira Anahi Barraza Morales is a graduate of Wichita State University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Colorado–Denver.
After graduation, Yajaira hopes to work with children, adolescents, victims of sexual abuse, and individuals with disabilities. Her passion for working with these individuals is deeply rooted in her own experience living with cerebral palsy. This fellowship will provide her with invaluable experience and professional connections to help her grow as a mental health counselor. As a member of the Hispanic community, she understands the critical importance of having counselors who can genuinely relate to and understand their clients’ experiences.
Nathaneal Barrow (he/his) – Macon, Georgia
Nathaneal Barrow is a graduate of Mercer University, where he is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program.
After graduation, Nathaneal plans to pursue working with veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. Nathaneal would also like to work with people who are often underrepresented. He plans to use the upcoming opportunities provided by this fellowship to further his professional development by engaging, learning, and networking with other passionate professionals.
Amber Blount (she/her) – Orlando, Florida
Amber Blount is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she is currently a master’s student in the mental health counseling program.
Amber is deeply committed to enhancing access to mental health services for underserved communities, with a particular focus on low-income, older adults. Drawing from her extensive experience in psychological research with older adults, she has developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges and barriers they face, which are often overlooked or underrecognized. Amber is especially interested in improving mental health accessibility within community centers and independent living facilities, as she firmly believes that mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. This fellowship represents a pivotal opportunity for her to gain valuable professional experience and build connections that will further shape her career trajectory. After graduation, Amber intends to work within community mental health agencies to bring her vision to life by implementing and expanding mental health resources in community centers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Gabrielle Ernestina Cardenas (she/her) – Oak Point, Texas
Gabrielle Ernestina Cardenas is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of North Texas.
Gabrielle is a Mexican American woman passionate about advocating for equal access to mental health care for underserved children and families. Currently, Gabrielle serves as treasurer for her university’s chapter of Counselors for Social Justice. She hopes to positively impact her colleagues and clients through advocacy work at her university and in her community. Gabrielle is honored to be recognized as an NBCCF MFP Fellow and believes this opportunity will deepen her expertise in culturally inclusive mental health practices while building a foundation for meaningful change. After graduation, she plans to continue her education and pursue a doctoral degree. Gabrielle is particularly interested in conducting research to establish Child-Centered Play Therapy as an effective, evidence-based approach to support underserved communities.
D. C. Constant (he/his) – Fort Myers, Florida
D. C. Constant is a graduate of Florida International University. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Florida Gulf Coast University.
D.C. has a heart for working with the LGBTQIA and Haitian communities. Specifically, he plans to work with LGBTQIA couples and Haitian families. He desires to work with couples and specialize as a sex therapist, as that is where his heart and passion lie in this profession. He intends to build a private practice to help center around the needs he desires to meet for these communities. After graduation, he plans to pursue his PhD in counselor education and supervision. Currently, he is conducting research assessing how competent counselors are in working with LGBTQ Caribbean couples, how educated counselors are in navigating sexual issues with clients, and examining theoretical systemic frameworks in working with Haitian families. This fellowship will allow him to fund his education and make an impact in the profession. As a second-generation Haitian immigrant, he wants the Haitian community to know there is a space for them in the counseling world, and he intends to be part of that creation.
Laura Sofia Enciso (she/her) – Nashville, Tennessee
Laura Sofia Enciso is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Lipscomb University.
Laura is a second-generation Colombian and is intentional in serving others well by using her passion for mental health as a way to give back to her community, which is underserved. After graduating, she intends to continue serving Hispanic and immigrant populations through counseling and advocacy for individuals seeking mental health services, specifically working with survivors of sexual violence. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and being culturally competent so that she can tailor therapy to her clients’ needs and goals. She aims to continue advocating for mental health awareness through her podcast, “Garden Convos,” and creating opportunities to provide psycho-education on the intersection of mental health and spirituality by creating episodes in both English and Spanish. Through the fellowship, Laura hopes to grow in her understanding of the mental health needs for underserved populations and gain the knowledge to provide better resources for her future clients through these experiences and connections.
Moises Franco (he/his) – Lynwood, California
Moises Franco is a graduate of California State University–Los Angeles. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical counseling program at California State University–Fullerton.
Moises is dedicated to learning cultural humility and culture’s impacts on mental health in Spanish-speaking and multicultural communities. With his focus on liberatory practices, cultural humility, and evidence-based research, he envisions working with various communities. After graduation, he intends to use his bilingual skills to collaboratively work with Spanish-speaking clients and their families to break the stigma around mental health and eliminate language barriers. Having grown up in a mixed-status Mexican-immigrant household in Lynwood, California, he shares empathy for communities of diverse backgrounds that require critical resources to survive, live, and thrive. Earning this fellowship will allow him to finish his counseling program to strengthen his academic and professional development by attending conferences and trainings, and learning about effective counseling practices. Moises intends to break barriers in mental health care with an emphasis on serving bilingual and multicultural communities with heart, humility, and compassion.
Rozelle K. Gipson (she/her) – Charlotte, North Carolina
Rozelle K. Gipson is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Walden University.
Rozelle is a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community, particularly young adults and parents navigating autism, ADHD, and related challenges. As the mother of a neurodivergent teen, Rozelle’s personal experiences have fueled her commitment to improving mental health outcomes for underserved populations. Her mission is to inspire families to feel truly seen, heard, and valued, while equipping them with the tools and resources they need to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Rozelle is deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive this prestigious fellowship. which will empower her to build a community of resources by fostering meaningful connections with mentors and collaborating with other counselors dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health care.
Yohannes Hailu Girma (he/his) – Silver Spring, Maryland
Yohannes Hailu Girma is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Bowie State University.
Yohannes plans to work with immigrant populations, particularly Ethiopian immigrants. He is passionate about ensuring that all people, regardless of their race or background, have access to educational opportunities. As an Ethiopian immigrant, Yohannes has experienced acculturative stress firsthand, which inspires him to support other immigrants in navigating these challenges. Through this fellowship, he aims to enhance his ability to advocate for immigrants, promote inclusive programs, and address the unique needs of diverse communities.
Madison J. Hales (she/her) – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Madison J. Hales is a graduate of Central Michigan University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health program, specializing in child and adolescent counseling, at Marquette University.
Driven by a profound passion for supporting the holistic development of children, especially those from diverse backgrounds, Madison possesses a deep understanding of the critical role of early childhood in shaping social and emotional well-being. Her experience as an early childhood educator has underscored the transformative power of nurturing environments. After graduation, Madison aspires to contribute meaningfully as a play therapist in inner-city Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she will dedicate her expertise to supporting the mental and emotional health of children. This prestigious scholarship represents a vital opportunity to enhance her knowledge and skills through specialized training, enabling her to more effectively serve diverse populations and create a lasting positive impact on the lives of young individuals.
Tanisha Hanson (she/her) – Seattle, Washington
Tanisha Hanson is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Seattle University.
Tanisha plans to serve LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and transracial adoptees after graduation. As a queer, Black, neurodivergent woman and transracial adoptee, Tanisha understands firsthand the complexities of navigating identity, belonging, and systemic barriers to care. She is committed to addressing the disparities these communities face, including cultural stigma and the lack of representation among therapists. Tanisha’s goal is to establish a private practice in Seattle, Washington, focused on trauma-informed, somatic, multicultural, and humanistic counseling practices. By emphasizing empathy and the inherent worth of each individual, she aims to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. This fellowship will bolster her efforts to make mental health care more accessible, further enabling her to advocate for and empower underserved populations.
Ameena Marie Igram (she/her) – Cleveland, Ohio
Ameena Marie Igram is a graduate of DePaul University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Cleveland State University.
After graduation, Ameena intends to work alongside children and adolescents in the Cleveland, Ohio, area and beyond, offering services in English and Spanish. As someone who is multi-ethnic and bilingual, Ameena is passionate about working with multi-ethnic folx who come from diverse families, as well as those that hold Arab American and Latinx and/or Hispanic identities. Her goal is to hold brave spaces for clients and empower them to voice their unique stories so that they may better understand their experiences. Ameena also has a background in trauma-informed approaches to mind-body facilitation and hopes to create a curriculum for schools using mindfulness techniques including breathwork, journaling, yoga, and other movement to help students build self-awareness and better communicate their feelings. After graduation, Ameena also intends to become licensed in play therapy to further support children in making sense of their stories. This fellowship will provide Ameena with the opportunity to collaborate with other counselors and counselors-in-training, take on new perspectives, and explore how they, as a cohort, can begin to create changes in their communities that will empower those who have been disempowered.
Markita R. James (she/her) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Markita R. James is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health program specializing in addictions at Central Connecticut State University.
Markita, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, relocated to Connecticut in 2018 for a fresh start. Her life experiences have inspired her to use her voice to promote representation, community engagement, and advocacy within BIPOC communities and nonprofit organizations. She currently volunteers with several organizations and prison institutions. Additionally, she is a proud facilitator for the first and only National BIPOC Recovery meeting through SMART Recovery. After graduation, Markita plans to continue her work with Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ), The Next Level Speakers Academy, and SMART Recovery. She also intends to continue concentrating on her social media platform, where she aims to empower BIPOC young adults and Black single mothers who face challenges related to mental health and addiction. Her mission is to sow seeds of healing and transformation through her unique approach to holistic wellness. Earning this fellowship will enable Markita to attend counseling conferences, enhance her counseling identity, learn more evidence-based practices to better serve underserved populations, and continue advocating for the counseling profession.
Andrea King (she/her) – St. Louis, Missouri
Andrea King is a graduate of Maryville University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Andrea is a former elementary teacher and is passionate about increasing access to mental health services for children and adolescents. As a queer, biracial Black woman, she is specifically interested in working with children of color and those with LGBTQIA+ identities. She witnessed the power of representation and providing safe spaces for students of those backgrounds throughout her career as an educator and aims to continue that work in the mental health field. Andrea is also interested in advocacy as a mental health professional. She recognizes that most mental health challenges arise when individuals are forced to cope with oppressive systems and believes working to liberate people from those systems should be a major focus of those in the mental health field. Andrea looks forward to the mentorship and professional development opportunities this fellowship provides so that she will be better equipped to accomplish her goals and improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations.
Miles Medina (he/his) – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Miles Medina is a graduate of Fort Lewis College. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling and school counseling program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Miles is deeply committed to expanding access to culturally competent mental health services for Indigenous and underserved communities. Drawing from his Yo’eme and Tiwa heritage, he has a firsthand understanding of the challenges Indigenous people face in accessing adequate mental health resources. After graduation, Miles plans to offer counseling services to Indigenous and underserved populations. One of his goals is to provide culturally relevant mental health care that respects and integrates both Indigenous and Western ideologies, ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve.
Joe Mireles (he/his) – Casper, Wyoming
Joe Mireles is a graduate of Florida International University. He is currently a master’s student in the community mental health counseling program at the University of Wyoming.
Joe is a first-generation college graduate who dedicated the early part of his career to working with students as a teacher, mentor, and academic counselor. His work has included designing and implementing programs to combat bullying, promote gang resistance, and support LGBTQ+ students in schools. Beyond these targeted initiatives, Joe has also guided countless students from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate the often-challenging journey of discovering their passions and preparing for their futures as adults. Together, these efforts have positively impacted thousands of students across Florida, California, and Wyoming. Motivated to address critical mental health gaps in his community, Joe is committed to serving three key populations: school-aged children and families from vulnerable homes, individuals navigating questions of sexual orientation or gender identity, and veterans encountering barriers to mental health care. His goal is to reduce stigma, build resilience, and provide culturally competent, high-quality care tailored to each individual’s unique experiences.
Beatriz Moreno (she/her) – West Palm Beach, Florida
Beatriz Moreno is a graduate of the University of Florida. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Florida Atlantic University.
Beatriz is a first-generation Argentine American who is interested in providing Spanish-speaking services to low-income, first-generation, immigrant, and Hispanic clients. Growing up as a Florida native, she got to see the impact of Hispanic communities on American culture, yet the lack of support in providing mental health resources to this vibrant community. Beatriz plans to use this fellowship to help her access specialized trainings and education to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive Spanish counseling services, a service that is currently lacking in low-income community mental health settings. This fellowship will also allow Beatriz to focus on her upcoming internship, providing diverse services in a community mental health agency in her parents’ hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. It is Beatriz’s goal to positively impact the Hispanic community by providing accessible mental health services and eliminating challenges related to financial, linguistic, cultural, and educational barriers.
Deborah Perez (she/her) – Austin, Texas
Deborah Perez is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. She is currently a master’s student in the mental health counseling program at Seminary of the Southwest.
Deborah is a first-generation child of undocumented parents. This experience has deeply shaped her compassion for underserved populations, particularly Spanish-speaking individuals who face both language barriers and financial hardship. Motivated by her desire to give back to her community, she is currently pursuing her counseling degree with a Latinx concentration and engages in a specialized curriculum designed to equip her with the tools and knowledge to effectively serve the Latinx community. Deborah’s background and academic path drive her commitment to advocating for and supporting underserved individuals in need. After graduation, she hopes to participate in the Bishop Dena A. Harrison Fellows program. The mission of that fellowship is to expand mental health care to rural communities by partnering with the local rural mental health services in central and east Texas. The location in which she intends to work encompasses people from Latinx, African American, and rural communities.
Shirin Podury (she/her) – Washington, D.C.
Shirin Podury is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at The George Washington University.
Shirin is a passionate advocate for individuals with multiple intersecting identities. In particular, she intends to work with the South Asian population and LGBTQ+ populations and the intersection between the two. Her work to destigmatize mental health within South Asian communities drives her to explore the impact of racialized and intergenerational trauma in her research and as a counselor. Her passion for developing tailored, culturally informed, and evidence-based techniques in her career is influenced by her research background in working with a wide range of populations, including veterans, the chronically ill, underserved communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This fellowship will allow her to develop her professional identity and build community with like-minded counselors through attending conferences and will bolster her counseling education through learning evidence-based practices.
Hanan Qasem (she/her) – Fairfax, Virginia
Hanan Qasem is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Marymount University.
After graduation, Hanan plans to work with underserved and underrepresented communities that face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. Her focus is on helping individuals navigate a wide range of challenges, including trauma, mental health disorders, and the impacts of personal and environmental stressors. As a second-generation Middle Eastern individual, Hanan grew up hearing stories of her grandparents’ and ancestors’ experiences as refugees and the obstacles they faced in accessing culturally competent care. These stories have shaped her belief that individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, especially refugees and underserved communities, deserve mental health care that is culturally responsive, compassionate, and tailored to their unique needs. Hanan is eager to develop advanced skills in trauma-informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy through this fellowship. She values the mentorship opportunities it offers, including the opportunity to receive constructive feedback, guidance on challenging cases, and the chance to refine her therapeutic techniques. She is confident this fellowship will enhance her growth and self-assurance as a future therapist. Additionally, she hopes to expand her professional network by connecting with peers and professionals, which will enrich her understanding of and approach to therapy.
Mayumi Suzuki (she/her) – Kenmore, Washington
Mayumi Suzuki is a graduate of Keio University. She is currently a master’s student in the mental health counseling program at Seattle University.
In 2017, Mayumi relocated to the United States from Japan for her career and is now transitioning into mental health counseling after over 20 years of experience in the IT industry across Japan, the Asia-Pacific region, and the U.S. As an immigrant, Mayumi is deeply committed to supporting immigrant communities. After graduation, she plans to work with clients facing a range of challenges, ensuring they receive compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health care. Mayumi is also passionate about exploring counseling approaches that go beyond verbal communication. As a non-native English speaker, she understands firsthand the challenges individuals face when seeking counseling in a second language. Her goal is to integrate modalities that use supplemental tools or alternative methods, enabling clients to express themselves more fully and feel truly heard.
Jerome West (he/his) – Cleveland, Ohio
Jerome West is a graduate of Malone University. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical counseling program at Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
Jerome is passionately committed to breaking down barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing culturally relevant behavioral health services that promote resilience and recovery. As a future counselor, he is deeply concerned about the pervasive impacts of depression, anxiety, and tobacco use in urban areas. Jerome’s extensive experience includes creating and implementing the Nicotine Dependence Prevention and Treatment Program at MetroHealth System, which has significantly supported individuals in overcoming nicotine addiction. He has also spearheaded transformative initiatives like the Grace Initiative and the Our Minds Matter Urban Teen Summit, focusing on integrating mental health and prevention services into underserved communities. Earning this fellowship will enable Jerome to attend specialized training and conferences, further enhancing his professional skills and knowledge. This opportunity will help him implement evidence-based practices, advocate for progressive mental health policies, and build a stronger professional network. Jerome’s ultimate goal is to assume a leadership role in behavioral health, where he can drive systemic change and improve access to mental health services for underserved populations.
Ty Wilson (he/his) – Austin, Texas
Ty Wilson is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Liberty University.
After he graduates, Ty intends to positively impact the lives of underserved teens, college students, and couples throughout the trajectory of his professional career. At his core, Ty is most passionate about bringing destigmatization to mental health services among young Black men across his city of residence. His goal is to gather the training, network, and experience encapsulated in this fellowship to empower young Black men with a holistic, person-centered therapeutic approach backed by evidence. Additionally, being that Ty is an individual with a disability, he is personally inspired to foster hope to the population of people living with disabilities who oftentimes lack access and relatability to mental health service providers. Furthermore, because Ty possesses an extensive professional background in Christian ministry, he is highly motivated to learn how to integrate a spiritual approach to his counseling sessions for those desiring such a holistic approach. Overall, he hopes to instill restoration, healing, and encouragement into every individual who comes into his counseling room and become a beacon of support to other Black male counselors in training.
Luke Zimmerman (he/his) – Sacramento, California
Luke Zimmerman is a graduate of New York University. He is currently a master’s student in the marriage, couple, and family counseling program at California State University–Sacramento.
Since 2021, Luke has served as the Regional Director of El Parkis Youth Ministry, an organization that provides LGBTQ+ affirming faith formation and service opportunities to youth and young adults throughout the greater Sacramento area and in Placer County. He is grateful to have been selected by the NBCC Foundation as a recipient of this fellowship and plans to use their generous support as a springboard to continue his work supporting transgender adolescents and young adults after graduation.
