I was prepared to leave New York State to pursue a mental health counseling degree on the West Coast. I even had my home on the market. I saw a brochure posted about Medaille's program at my job, and the irony was uncanny. Inspired by the layout of the program, I took my house off the market and enrolled. The intimacy of a private college provides a sensitive environment that supports an intensive learning experience. After graduating from Medaille in 2006, I was immediately offered a position as a trauma counselor at Hopevale, Inc. I would not be able to do what I am doing now without my degree. It is recognized as a powerful achievement in the work of a mental health counselor.

-- Katie Miller, MHC

I didn't believe I could hold a full-time job, do a year-long internship, and attend classes several evenings a week, so Medaille's weekend program was very attractive to me. Beyond that, the cohort format was a wonderful experience. In my field, the OASAS (Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse) and Department of Education often mandate that professionals have certain degrees and credentialing. Medaille has remained competitive in the academic arena, and many of my professors work in the mental health counseling field. With a degree from Medaille, the rewards are priceless.

-- Denyse Lewis, MHC

I started my career in mental health over twenty years ago. During that time, I raised my family to include caring for my four children. It was always a dream to advance my education, but never a reality. One day I opened the paper and read about a new program: the Licensed Mental Health Counselor could be earned by one weekend a month study. One weekend a month was something I could do while continuing in my life roles. Medaille College has been welcoming and understanding of the adult learner. My cohort has been my inspiration and support through this journey. The instructors are knowledgeable and share their wealth of experience with their students. My children asked me: "Mommy, do we get to see you graduate?" Pausing for a minute to realize that was me, I replied "Yes." Thank you, Medaille College for this life-changing opportunity.

-- Michele Bauman, MHC