Posted on Friday, May 12, 2023
Just as a blanket is a source of comfort for the Peanuts character Linus, counselors provide a safe space for people who might be at the end of their rope and in need of a lifeline. Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program learn about compassion and empathy by engaging in community work not just to complete an internship requirement, but also to be the best advocate for their clients.
“In our world there is so much going on, but being able to show others that there is still peace and hope is always the first step to motivating others to follow along with lending a helping hand without looking for anything in return,” said Kiara Tookes-Williams ’23, a CMHC graduate who was recently accepted into Tennessee State University’s Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program.
After she earns her doctorate, she said she plans on having her own private practice with a nonprofit associated with it, as well as teaching at a college or university.
During her time at LC, she said she offered assistance to people in LaGrange and her hometown of Marietta.
“In partnership with the Area In Need Missionary House Inc., I helped hand out food and toiletry items to local residents at a senior living facility with my cohort members and professors,” Tookes-Williams said. “Personally, on a regular basis I also volunteer every month at my church in Marietta to help with our mobile food pantry.”
Rosie Arnold ’23, a CMHC graduate who works as an intern at LaGrange College’s Counseling Center and the Calumet Center for Healing and Attachment, also served with the Area in Need Missionary House Inc.
“I participated in coat drives, distributed Thanksgiving Meals and gave hygiene kits to local communities in need,” Arnold said. “It is encouraged and a big part of our work as beginning counselors to give back and invest in our communities.”
Other nonprofits students have been involved with include the Boys and Girls Club, Black Girls Smile Inc. and Harmony House.
Students enrolled in LC’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program take part not only in community service projects, but also professional development trainings and social justice initiatives.
“It's imperative that our students develop a passion and appreciation for assisting others from underserved, marginalized and minority communities,” said Dr. Justin Muller, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of CMHC program. “In our profession, clients attend counseling for a countless number of reasons including trauma, abuse, grief and loss, marital issues, addiction, physical health problems and childrearing concerns. Due to our program's commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and social justice, our students are prepared to serve each of the aforementioned areas in counseling and truly accept, support and empathize with clients from all backgrounds.”
Tookes-Williams said her professors taught her the importance of serving others.
“My CMHC courses emphasized the significance of making a change both inside and outside the counseling room,” she said. “As a counselor, what we do in the counseling room with our clients is certainly a huge role, but another part of that is being a servant to others and being able to advocate for underserved communities and individuals.”
Applications are open for the program’s fall 2023 semester. Prospective students can learn more on the CMHC website.
LaGrange College Commencement 2023
The college’s 192nd commencement ceremony on May 6 featured keynote speaker and former LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton ’94 and honorary doctorate recipients Louis and Mary Kay Smith.
Baseball
LaGrange’s hopes for its first Collegiate Conference of the South Championship were dashed after suffering a 2-0 loss against Covenant in an elimination game at the CCS Baseball Tournament on Friday, May 5. The Panthers managed just six hits on the day, led by Joe Ruth ’23 and David Smigelski ’24, who each went 2-for-4. Gabriel Pallo ’24 and Noah Preuer ’24 would have the only other hits.
Women’s Tennis
Kirsten Boyd ’23, Karson Troth ’23 and Leila Moss ’24 received the first three College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District selections in the history of the women’s tennis program. Each of the honorees earned a spot on the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) List in Fall 2022 in addition to being multi-year USA South All-Academic selections. Boyd earned the latter from 2019-20 through 2021-22, while both Troth and Moss did so in each of the past two years.
Category: Community, Service, Academics
Keywords: Nonprofit, Commencement
