Mentor Moments

Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode features Heather Hanvy and her experience and passion for creating positive change! Learn a little more about Heather!

Heather is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri. She received her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2014 from Maryville University after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education from Maryville in 2012. She has had almost ten years of experience as a therapist with eight years of experience providing mental health services in the school setting which includes providing counseling and crisis intervention services to students and their families. She has also worked in several community mental health settings providing individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults, including adolescents who have experienced sex trafficking and/ or sexual exploitation. She is also a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor and a private practice therapist in a group therapy practice seeing children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples for therapy.  In addition, she has also taught Practicum, Internship, and Advanced Internship as an adjunct faculty member for Maryville’s Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program where she earned the Adjunct Faculty of the Year award in May 2021. 

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive journeys shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode features Kristi Hammond and her unique style of equity-centered, relational leadership.

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive journeys shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

Kristi Hammond MA, LPC is a Director of Counseling Services at Youth In Need. Originally from Canada, Kristi came to the U.S. on an athletic scholarship and played college softball. Kristi's story has brought her to many different roles and mentors, forming the foundation of a leader that is passionate about creating access to low-barrier mental health services for children and youth in. Additionally, Kristi serves roles and positions with a focus on ABAR & REDI work. At home, Kristi is a wife, mother, avid reader, board game fanatic, and KC Chiefs fan!! But we're just scratching the surface!

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode we feature Elizabeth Perkins! Listen to how Elizabeth discuss how se developed as a leader and her leadership philosophy!

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

Elizabeth Perkins is the Coordinator of Program Services with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. Elizabeth has held various positions during her 20 years at VR, serving as a counselor, director, and manager. In her current role, she leads a program unit consisting of the following teams: youth services, community rehabilitation services, mental health services, rehabilitation technology, business services, and Veterans education and training. She’s passionate about the power of partnerships and works closely with WIOA and workforce partners across the state to collaboratively serve participants. She holds a Master’s degree in counseling and is a licensed professional counselor and national board-certified counselor. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Missouri.

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Part two with Katie and Thomas!

This episode we feature Katie and Thomas Wolff! Listen to how Katie and Thomas live a balanced life as married counselors!

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives. Katie Wolff, MA, LPC is a Senior Behavioral Health Care Manager/Succession Planner with Magellan Health where she helps members connect with their Employee Assistance Program and behavioral health benefits. She also collaborates with facilities to authorize higher levels of care and provides crisis support to members. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services with a psychiatric emphasis and her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling in the marriage and family track from Maryville University of St. Louis. Her experience includes working in local non-profit community mental health agencies and private treatment programs, including St. Patrick Center, Youth In Need, MERS Goodwill, Kids In The Middle, and Alsana. While her private practice counseling work is on pause, Katie also owns Grounded Oak Counseling LLC where she works with youth, adults, and families. Katie is passionate about working with people navigating life’s many transitions, including death, relationships, incarceration, school and peer dynamics, and family changes. The most rewarding part of her work is seeing and hearing relief for people when they get the support and tools they need and deserve.

Thomas Wolff, MA, LPC is a Clinical Services Supervisor with BJC Behavioral Health where he helps manage 988 mobile crisis staff, Community Behavioral Health Liaisons, and Youth Behavioral Health Liaisons. Thomas is also embedded with St. Louis County Police Department where he is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and Crisis Negotiation Team. He helps the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit at the St. Louis Field Office with threat analysis and threat management for the Eastern Region of Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and his Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Maryville University. His experience includes working in local non-profit community mental health agencies such as MERS Goodwill in the areas of Job Development and Veterans Services. He has also worked in higher education at Maryville University as the Veterans Services Coordinator where he would assist both active duty and Veteran students to best utilize their military benefits. Thomas owns Trailhead Wellness LLC where he works with first responders, military personnel, adults, and families, however, his private practice work is on pause. Thomas is extremely passionate about working in crisis within the community and assisting law enforcement.

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode we feature Katie and Thomas Wolff! Listen to how Katie and Thomas live a balanced life as married counselors!

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives. Katie Wolff, MA, LPC is a Senior Behavioral Health Care Manager/Succession Planner with Magellan Health where she helps members connect with their Employee Assistance Program and behavioral health benefits. She also collaborates with facilities to authorize higher levels of care and provides crisis support to members. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services with a psychiatric emphasis and her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling in the marriage and family track from Maryville University of St. Louis. Her experience includes working in local non-profit community mental health agencies and private treatment programs, including St. Patrick Center, Youth In Need, MERS Goodwill, Kids In The Middle, and Alsana. While her private practice counseling work is on pause, Katie also owns Grounded Oak Counseling LLC where she works with youth, adults, and families. Katie is passionate about working with people navigating life’s many transitions, including death, relationships, incarceration, school and peer dynamics, and family changes. The most rewarding part of her work is seeing and hearing relief for people when they get the support and tools they need and deserve.

Thomas Wolff, MA, LPC is a Clinical Services Supervisor with BJC Behavioral Health where he helps manage 988 mobile crisis staff, Community Behavioral Health Liaisons, and Youth Behavioral Health Liaisons. Thomas is also embedded with St. Louis County Police Department where he is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and Crisis Negotiation Team. He helps the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit at the St. Louis Field Office with threat analysis and threat management for the Eastern Region of Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and his Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Maryville University. His experience includes working in local non-profit community mental health agencies such as MERS Goodwill in the areas of Job Development and Veterans Services. He has also worked in higher education at Maryville University as the Veterans Services Coordinator where he would assist both active duty and Veteran students to best utilize their military benefits. Thomas owns Trailhead Wellness LLC where he works with first responders, military personnel, adults, and families, however, his private practice work is on pause. Thomas is extremely passionate about working in crisis within the community and assisting law enforcement.

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode we feature Kim Pudlowski! Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

Kim (Gee) Pudlowski, MS, CRC, LPC is Director of the Pre-Employment Transition Services Program at University of Missouri. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and English from Freed Hardeman University. She later received a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University. Her experience includes working in community mental health centers as well as both public and private vocational rehabilitation. Prior to her current role with the University of Missouri she worked for the Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation agency until her retirement in 2021. While employed for VR Kim served as a Counselor, as the Assistant Director of Independent Living Services, as the Director of Transition and Section 511, as Assistant Field Operations Manager, and finally as Manager of Youth and Program Services. Kim has a mission to help students and youth achieve their potential through the provision of excellent Pre-ETS. One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is supporting the staff who work to provide opportunities for youth as they identify their personal strengths, aspirations, and prepare for their future.

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Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

This episode we feature Luka Cai (they/them), a trans-masculine, pansexual, Singaporean immigrant, co-founded SQSH to create a resource they wish they had. As Executive Director, Luka develops SQSH’s annual budget, strategic plans, and project timelines, and oversees program activities. With 10+ years of community organizing experience and 250+ hours spent learning, teaching, and applying peer counseling, they provide leadership and program coordination for SQSH through their passion for queer liberation and transformative justice.

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

Follow us at:

Mentor Moments Season Three

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Welcome to Mentor Moments, the podcast where distinctive lives shape the individuals we become. Join us for engaging counseling conversations that delve deep into personal journeys while focusing on pressing professional issues. In this season of Mentor Moments, we're honored to feature remarkable individuals who not only introduce you to the world of rehabilitation counseling but also tackle current topics and issues that matter. Each episode invites you into the minds of our guests as they share their unique perspectives.

This episode Brayton and Michael discuss the origins of Mentor Moments, how we have evolved as a podcast, and the focus of season three.

Time Stamps

[00:01:11] Dr. Kiener about starting a podcast & colleague's inspiration.

[00:03:48] Deep storytelling, memorable research methods, qualitative data.

[00:08:11] Mentor moments, season one, keep rolling.

[00:11:18] Improve podcast with listener input and innovation.

[00:18:05] Enjoyable experience with Brayton, leadership training. Powerful session with attendees from MRA Conference. Group cohesion and energizing. Coach Denny's inspiring leadership talk.

[00:20:07] Excited about faculty role, good semester.

[00:22:27] Thank you for listening & suggestions welcome!

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Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Casey Anderson, Brayton Wooters, and Michael Kiener.

This episode was recorded live at the 2023 Missouri Rehabilitation Association state conference. Casey, Brayton, and Michael presented a session entitled: Early, Mid, and Experienced Professionals: A Panel Discussion of Career Development.

The session description is below!

This interactive session will include three individuals in various stages of their career development. They will discuss their career progression, life/work roles, self-care, networking, mentoring, and finding meaning in their profession. A moderator will guide the session and engage participants in the discussion. Participants will be encouraged to share their professional journey and how they remain energized in an ever changing work environment.     

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Graduation season is upon us! Let's get inspired and listen to three rehabilitation counselors give their student commencement speech! Each speech will provide unique insights and motivation for professional development! Be moved by the story moments of Jorge Wallace, Andy Howard, and Brayton Wooters.

This episode we feature Jorge Wallace, Andy Howard, and Brayton Wooters!

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Erica King!

Erica is the current president of the Missouri Rehabilitation Association and a rehabilitation counselor for the state of Missouri. This episode Erica shares news about MRA's annual conference.

MRA is pleased to host another great opportunity to gather and learn as a community at our annual state training conference. This year’s theme is: The Power of Partnerships: Creating Success in New Opportunities. We are striving to create formal and informal opportunities for people to meet, share ideas, build on already strong programs, and provide an atmosphere of inclusion and innovation. Join us June 5-7, 2023 at Tan-Tara-a/Margaritaville Lake Resort for the annual MRA Conference. This annual training opportunity gives you access to an exciting keynote speaker, relevant break-out sessions, networking opportunities with other professionals in the rehabilitation field, evening entertainment, great food, and a beautiful meeting facility.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Amy Turk!

Amy Turk is a licensed professional counselor specializing in substance use, anxiety, and depression. After overcoming childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction, she now helps others do the same. Along the way, she has navigated a major career change from French teacher to therapist. When not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her family. When not at kids’ sporting events, Amy likes to be on a hike. Her passions include international travel and learning something new. Her proudest accomplishment, other than being a mom, is breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Her greatest wish is to see others find peace and happiness. She lives with her husband, Justin; three children, Henry, Charlotte, and Eliza; cat, Lilac; and dog, Kevin, in St. Louis, MO.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Crystal Weaver!

Crystal Weaver is a Board-Certified Music Therapist, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy in 2004 and graduated with a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2010 from Maryville University. In 2019, Ms. Weaver obtained an additional graduate degree, a Master’s in Health Administration, from Saint Louis University.

In 2004, Crystal Weaver completed a National Roster Music Therapy Internship at Hospice of Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach, Florida. Later that same year, she accepted a full-time music therapy position at BJC Hospice in Saint Louis, Missouri. In 2011, Crystal Weaver accepted a music therapy position at the Saint Louis University Cancer Center (SLUCare Physician Group). In 2019, Crystal Weaver was promoted to Manager of Patient Support Services at the Saint Louis University Cancer Center. In this position, Ms. Weaver was responsible for managing the accreditation processes through the Commission on Cancer (American College of Surgeons) and for supervising music therapy, social work, rehabilitation counseling, and nutritional services staff.

As the new Director of Music Therapy at Maryville University, Crystal Weaver’s focus is to continue to develop a cutting-edge music therapy program that provides evidence-based educational opportunities for students to achieve ongoing success and advancement in the evolving music therapy and healthcare landscapes. Crystal Weaver is committed to providing high-quality experiences for students, so they not only develop into effective music therapy professionals but also leaders in the healthcare community.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Maya Harris!

Maya J. Harris is a certified rehabilitation counselor. A 2015 graduate of Maryville University, where she received her Master of Rehabilitation Counseling. Maya is the owner and founder of MJ's Coaching Corner, LLC. Her mission is to assist individuals of all abilities with the planning, coaching and transitioning of meeting life goals; while building the tools of life skill development. Maya is an adjunct instructor at UMSL where she teaches a vocational curriculum she designed, to students in the SUCCEED program. Maya also provides professional development to young scholars of a home school coop, Sovereign University. It's Maya's passion to promote empowerment and independence for individuals to reach their greatest potential.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Jess Cox! 

Jess Cox is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a bachelor’s in Urban Ministry. Jess possesses twenty years’ experience working within the homeless service industry, currently serving at DOORWAYS as the Director of Behavioral Health. In her role at DOORWAYS she has built a new, successful behavioral health program from the ground up, which offers both individual and group psychotherapy services. Throughout Jess’ career, she has assisted hundreds of clients with obtaining housing, employment, and mental wellness. Jess has managed high-performing teams with an emphasis on staff development, grant compliance, outcome achievement, and has overseen budgets upwards of one million dollars. With less than 150 hours left of clinical supervision to complete, Jess is excitedly moving towards her goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Casey Anderson!

Casey graduated from Maryville  University’s Rehabilitation Counseling program in 2017 and started my  career as crisis intervention advocate at YWCA St. Louis, offering  support to individuals who experienced emotional, physical and sexual  abuse. I then was promoted to the Program Supervisor of Crisis  Intervention where I continued developing professionally; planning and  facilitating community trainings, supporting a team of staff and  volunteers and developing partnerships. I left YWCA in March 2020,  joining VR as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the St. Charles  office. I have found that my advocacy skills are valued here in my  position. I have been on various committees and I am the designated VRC  for the Work Based Learning program that coordinates and partners with  Workforce Development, a CRP, and local school districts. I love making  connections with others and watching folks discover confidence and  independence by achieving their employment goals. I look forward to  making a difference in people’s lives through our mission and vision  here with the MRAEC.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Fiona Hill! 

Fiona Hill is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Missouri and holds national certification as a Registered Play Therapist™. She has extensive experience providing clinical services in nonprofit and government agency settings. She has worked in full-time private practice since 2019, offering specialized therapeutic services in the areas of childhood trauma and attachment disruption, as well as, specializing in supporting families impacted by varying developmental needs within the family system. In addition, Fiona has a sub-specialty of incorporating digital tools into therapeutic practice, about which she is very passionate. She has provided professional training and published therapeutic interventions related to this topic. She is currently an active member of the Association for Play Therapy and the Mental Health Virtual Reality Coalition. She is also an advisory board member for Digital Play TherapyTM and technology committee member for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

This episode we feature Melissa Rankin-Short. Currently she is employed at Marygrove as Director of Transitional and Independent Living and has worked there since graduating from Maryville's Rehabilitation Counseling program in 2012. In addition, she opened a private practice, InDEPTH Counseling, in 2020. Learn how Melissa has developed her skills in various positions at Maygrove and found ways to give back to the greater good. We hope you enjoy getting to know Melissa!  

Melissa is the Director of Transitional Services at Marygrove. In this role, she oversees the Independent Living Program and the Therapeutic Foster Homes. Melissa has worked at Marygrove for almost 10 years. She also maintains a small private practice, In Depth Counseling, LLC. Outside of providing therapeutic services, Melissa enjoys spending her down time with her husband, their three dogs and her family and friends. She is always open to sharing about her professional experiences and providing space for others to express themselves, explore their own ideas and perspectives as they navigate their professional and personal paths.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Episode 5 of season 2 will feature friend of the podcast, Darrion Tobias! Darrion is currently employed as a counselor at the Salvation Army. He shares his unique experiences in developing his career interests and discusses defining moments that led him to a degree in rehabilitation counseling. We are excited for you to meet Darrion and to learn a little more about his passion and dedication for the profession.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Episode 4!

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Season two of Mentor Moments is welcomed by Chris Clause. Chris is the Assistant Commissioner of DESE Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation. In this episode Chris will share the many defining moments that shaped his career and his life, in addition to the Mentor Moments that drive his passions.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Episode 3!

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Season two of Mentor Moments will kick off with a special 3 episode interview with Anna Zelinske. Anna is the Director of Programs and Services for Patient Care at The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter. In this episode Anna will share with us how she found her passion to be in the helping profession and she will also share how changing life roles helped her advance in her career.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Episode 2! 

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Season two of Mentor Moments will kick off with a special 3 episode interview with Anna Zelinske. Anna is the Director of Programs and Services for Patient Care at The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter. In this episode Anna will share with us how she found her passion to be in the helping profession and she will also share how changing life roles helped her advance in her career.

Mentor Moments Season Two

Story Moments: Everyone has a story to tell.

Our unique stories shape our lives and the individuals we become. This season Mentor Moments will feature individuals sharing their story moments. Each episode will illustrate how seemingly little life moments ultimately shaped our careers in ways that were unpredictable and personally fulfilling.

Season two of Mentor Moments will kick off with a special 3 episode interview with Anna Zelinske. Anna is the Director of Programs and Services for Patient Care at The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter. In this episode Anna will share with us how she found her passion to be in the helping profession and she will also share how changing life roles helped her advance in her career. 

We are joined by Mirranda Cardinali on this episode of Mentor Moments. Mirranda is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a trained EMDR therapist, and the owner of Osage Valley Counseling. Tune in to hear insightful advice on starting your own private practice, assembling a team of practitioners, and taking steps into the unknown. 

We are joined by Sarah Schwegel on this episode of Mentor Moments. Sarah is the President and Outreach Coordinator for FestAbility, and has an extensive background in advocacy and inclusivity. Sarah joined FestAbility because she loves being able to celebrate the disability community and bring disability awareness to the St. Louis region.  Sarah is  passionate about hosting fully inclusive events, and FestAbility gives her the opportunity to share that skill with the world.

FestAbility is back! FestAbility celebrates the disability community through education, empowerment and unity. FestAbility will return on July 23, 2022! The event will kick off at 10:00  a.m. with a Disability Pride March to the Missouri History Museum sponsored by St. Louis Arc. The fully inclusive festival will feature local and nationally recognized acts by disabled performers, advocates, creators, and vendors. All of the performances will feature sign language interpreters, and live-captioning. 

We are excited to have Alexis Duggan joining us on this episode of Mentor Moments! Alexis is the current Student Disability Case Manager at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Get to know Alexis, her diverse set of skills, and how they have helped her in changing the lives around her!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, we interview Kathleen McCoy. Kathleen is a licensed professional counselor, certified rehabilitation counselor, and she shares how she has progressed in her career. She also discusses her love of animals! Sit back and enjoy you don't want to miss a second! 

Join us for our first Mid-Season Spotlight on one of our hosts, Brayton Wooters. Brayton is a current Maryville University Rehabilitation Counseling student, completing his last semester of the program. Tune in to learn more about Brayton, his tips on school, internship, and more!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, we are pleased to talk with Stephen Wooderson. Stephen is the CEO of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation. He began his career in Missouri before working in Iowa, and now is in Washington DC. It is our honor to have Stephen with us on Mentor Moments and for him to share his passion for rehabilitation counseling!

Hop into this episode of Mentor Moments and get to know Laura Weeks! Laura is a graduate student at Maryville University's Rehabilitation Counseling program, as well as a member of the Maryville University Rehabilitation Counseling Students organization! Tune in to hear Laura's perspectives on counseling, the adolescent population, and answering your calling!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, we are welcomed by two professionals in the podcasting and rehabilitation world, Richard Sizemore and Betsy Civilette. Richard and Betsy are the Media Specialist and Communication Manager at the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, respectfully. In addition, Richard and Betsy are the co-hosts of the VR Workforce Studio Podcast. It is our pleasure to have Richard & Betsy with us on Mentor Moments!

VR Workforce Studio Podcast Ep. 83 - https://vrworkforcestudio.com/episode-83-vrs-national-anthem-and-judy-heumann-on-crip-camp-as-well-as-steve-woodersons-csavr-message-on-4-20-20-for-vision-2020/

Get to know Lesa Barber on this episode of Mentor Moments! Lesa is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, working for Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation as the Director of Business Services. It is our pleasure to have Lesa on the show!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, get to know Marisa Hiatt! Marisa is the Disability and Inclusion Operations Manager for Mercy, and has over ten years of experience working for MERS/Goodwill. Join us as we learn more about Marisa and the work she doing here in Missouri!

For this episode, we welcome Tim Gaines. Tim is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and the Assistant Commissioner for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services. Tune in now!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, meet Kelsey Schumacher! Kelsey is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, doing for-profit rehabilitation counseling, and mental health counseling for her own private practice! Learn more about Kelsey and the diversity of her career in this episode of Mentor Moments!

On this episode of Mentor Moments, get to know Liz Ewert! Liz is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. This episode is full of great insight that you don't want to miss!

On this episode, we are welcomed by Candice Farrell! Candace has a background in community mental health, and currently sees clients at St. Louis Counseling. In addition, Candace operates as a Practice Consultant and an Adjunct Professor at Maryville University. Get to know Candice and more on this episode of Mentor Moments!

Get to know the hosts of Mentor Moments in this new episode! Program Director Dr. Michael Kiener and counseling student Brayton Wooters introduce who they are, where they've been, and what they're looking forward to! Don't miss this introductory episode of Mentor Moments!

Welcome to Mentor Moments! Hosted by Maryville University Rehabilitation Counseling Students, in conjunction with the Missouri Rehabilitation Association Eastern Chapter. Each episode, we will meet and chat with professionals in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling- learning more about what they do, how they develop their skills, insights into the career of counseling, and more! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes!