Before I became a therapist, I taught elementary and middle school. I loved working with youth and had the privilege of educating many unique and unforgettable personalities. Eventually, I realized being an educator was not going to be sustainable. I found myself overworked and exhausted. This fatigue led me to feel guilty that I was not performing as the teacher I envisioned.

I knew I needed to do something else.

Before I was able to make that decision, I had to grapple with guilt for leaving the profession I believed I was meant for. It took several years to permit myself the freedom to consider other careers. Leaping into a new career and leaving a profession so closely tied to my identity was unthinkable.

But with help, guidance, patience, and support, I decided to focus on my dream of becoming a therapist. And that decision has been one of the best I've ever made.