Walk-In is excited to announce awards to four mental health professionals who are committed to diversity-informed therapy. Each will receive up to $2,500 in reimbursement of expenses associated with obtaining licensure in their fields. The awardees are Karl N., Bilan M., Ahlam M., and Faiza S.., and each plans to volunteer as a counselor at Walk-In in the future.
Bilan M. (pictured on home page) will soon graduate from Saint Mary’s University with a Master’s degree in psychological and counseling services. Following graduation, she will seek her LPCC licensure. Additionally, she plans to obtain certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Karl N. will soon graduate from St. Mary’s University with a Masters in Clinical Counseling. Karl plans to focus on trauma and multi-racial identities in future practice. He adds, “I am Filipino-American. I’m a huge Minnesota Lynx fan. I like hiking and reading. My cat GeeChee and my nephews keep me busy. I look forward to volunteering at Walk-In in the future.”
Ahlam M. is a dual degree Master of Social Work/Master of Public Policy candidate and emerging clinical therapist whose work sits at the intersection of healing, systems, and justice. With a background spanning mental health, refugee resettlement, housing advocacy, and public policy, she bridges direct care with structural change—bringing a trauma-informed, equity-centered lens to every space she enters. Ahlam is especially committed to reimagining care systems for BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee communities.
Faiza S., who will also soon graduate from Saint Mary’s University with a Master’s degree in counseling. She is interested in adult, family and child therapy, including the subfields of intimacy, attachment-based therapy and intimacy. Faiza adds, “I love helping people and I’m excited about making mental health support more accessible. I look forward to learning and giving back through volunteering.”