After finishing my first degree in Colorado, USA, at Colorado State University, I realised I wanted to do more to contribute to the healing process of others. I began my career in mental health working in the Substance Abuse Disorder field in a triage and residential detoxification facility. In order to pursue the long time dream of becoming a therapist, I moved to Scotland to study a Doctorate in Psychotherapy. In the first two years of this programme, I took up a placement at KASP. After becoming a qualified counsellor, I decided to remain at KASP as a volunteer offering individual sessions to clients. These years at KASP were an important step in understanding the type of work that was valuable to me – namely, empowering survivors and listening empathically as they come to a deeper understanding of themselves. After completing my doctorate, I applied to join the Board of Directors as a way to give back to this incredible organisation and the clients I have been so fortunate to work with. I bring along experience in managing mental health organisations, creating policy and procedure, and experience in the therapy fields of bereavement, complex trauma, and substance use disorders. I am also able to offer experience and knowledge about counselling research, particularly qualitative research. I also bring experience in advocacy for LGBTQ+ people from many years of organising, campaigning, and educating in this area.