Empowering Kids’ Mental Health: A Mom of Two Returns to School to Make a Difference

Emily Aiken from Fairfax made a bold choice. She decided to go back to school to become a mental health counselor. While her husband runs a successful landscaping and excavation business without a degree, Emily wanted to invest in her community and fulfill a long-held dream.

Throughout her life, Emily has worked in various roles that connect to helping others. She has been involved in healthcare research, taught preschool, served on the local school board, and raised her two young children. With a degree in psychology, she always aimed to become a counselor but had put her plans on hold when she became a mother.

After seven years working in a research clinic and a preschool, Emily returned to her dream. She started with a counseling class at Vermont State University, which gave her the confidence to pursue a degree in mental health counseling. She expects to graduate in December 2026, enjoying a flexible program that accommodates her busy family life.

One significant factor in her decision was the Vermont Mental Health Forgivable Loan, which helps students by forgiving one year of student loan debt for each year they work in Vermont’s mental health field. This program not only eased her financial worries but also allowed her to focus on her education without the burden of immediate debt repayments.

Research shows that mental health professionals are in high demand. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, highlighting the need for more counselors. Emily plans to work with middle and high school students after completing her studies, a crucial age group where young people often face significant mental health challenges.

Despite the demands of family life and school, Emily finds joy in balancing her responsibilities. She teaches Pilates and cleans houses to help with finances, but she’s committed to keeping her evenings free for family time, which she values deeply.

Emily’s journey reflects a larger trend where more people are prioritizing education and careers in mental health. As society grows increasingly aware of mental health issues, individuals like Emily are stepping up to answer the call for support. She believes her experience will allow her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Emily’s story is a testament to how dedication, flexibility, and community support can help make dreams a reality, all while addressing an essential need for mental health services in our society.

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