Kimberly Mena is a master’s-level fellow in the Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program (IMFP) with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation. Kimberly is a military veteran and a 2023 graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Liberty University. Kimberly received her B.S. in psychology from the University of Buffalo. Currently, Kimberly serves as an associate therapist in the greater Miami area where she provides cognitive behavioral therapy, biopsychosocial assessments, and grief counseling. Kimberly seeks to use alternative therapy methods to assist clients in working through their trauma in creative ways. In addition to biopsychosocial assessments and cognitive behavioral therapy, her clinical interests include providing psychoeducation and clinical care to military members, veterans, and their families.
When reflecting on how the MFP has enriched her academic and professional career, Kimberly shared that her experience as a fellow provided networking opportunities and tremendous support for her professional growth and development. She stated, “The MFP has given me invaluable access to tools, resources, and workshops, and connections with like-minded professionals whom I would not have otherwise known. Having a mentor to guide me through this journey provided a unique opportunity to have a personal coach and sounding board.”
Kimberly was drawn to the MFP because the program’s mission aligns with her goals as a clinician and affords the opportunity to implement change in veteran communities. She shared, “As a veteran of the Marine Corps and the Army, I understand the struggles and stigmas of mental health firsthand. I wanted to be a part of the change I wanted to see. Becoming a counselor will help me advocate for veterans and military families through service, research, and education.”
In addition to her work at a local mental health facility, Kimberly works to promote advocacy and awareness for the mental health of her community. She shared, “I am working to build a relationship with local organizations that offer alternative therapies to help military members with trauma or stressor-related disorders. I’ve also worked with my practicum site to implement alternative therapy methods in group counseling sessions.”
Kimberly plans to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the MFP to her practice as a professional counselor and hopes to encourage counseling in military veteran communities. She shared, “Everything I am learning through my fellowship is helping to shape me into a professional counselor who specializes in treating military members. Although I have already started to apply my newfound knowledge in my current practice, all the research, new skills, and exciting workshops will continue to be used to shape my career and patient care model.”
After completing her master’s in clinical mental health counseling, Kimberly plans to open a private practice and remain actively involved in advocating for therapy for veterans. She explained “I want to work with the department of Veteran Affairs (VA). This will allow me to serve my target population and grant me an in-depth look at the policies and governance surrounding veteran healthcare. I would eventually like to open a private practice that specializes in utilizing alternative therapies to assist military members in healing from trauma. Throughout my academic and career journey, I intend to continue volunteering with organizations that serve veterans, military members, and their families.
When asked her advice for anyone thinking about applying to the MFP, Kimberly provided these inspiring words, “Please do it! The MFP is an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard, be surrounded by like-minded peers, and have a plethora of knowledgeable mentors and supervisors at your disposal. This rare opportunity will open doors that you did not even know existed.” She went on to state, “The MFP is an excellent program that has allowed me to exist in a safe space and a platform to share my voice. I am so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to be a fellow. The program, staff, volunteers, everything is beyond reproach!”