If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be heading back to school in my mid-40s, I probably would’ve laughed and then gone back to drinking my coffee. But here I am, about to begin a new adventure: starting my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling this fall.
This decision was not an easy one, but it is about calling. It’s about kids. It’s about families. And it’s about something that’s been growing in my heart over the last few years, especially through my work with the HALO Program.
For the past two years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of walking alongside kids and caregivers in the HALO Program, helping them navigate tough stories, build trust, and move toward healing using the principles of TBRI®. That experience has been life-giving, and honestly, it’s one of the biggest motivators for this next step. Once I complete this program and become a therapist, I’ll be able to provide family therapy sessions for HALO participants. That alone makes the return to student life more than worth it.
Every week, I receive messages from people looking for therapists who truly understand trauma, attachment, and what it means to parent through connection. Families are hungry for professionals who can come alongside them with empathy, skill, and a TBRI lens. I want to help meet that need.
I’m genuinely excited about what this next chapter means, not just for me, but for what it will allow us to do at Village to Village. I believe this training will be a powerful tool as we continue to support children, caregivers, and our community with hope and healing.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. Your encouragement, support, and belief in this mission mean more than I can say. Here’s to new beginnings and to what’s ahead.
With gratitude and hope,
Matt