Tamicka Monson was a master’s-level fellow in the 2020-2021 class of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) with the American Psychological Association. Ms. Monson received a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Kansas in 2021. She completed her master of arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M) at Evangel University, and received a B.S. in computer engineering from Southern Illinois University. Ms. Monson is the proud author of the children’s story Where Daddy Lives, a public speaker, and a licensed professional counselor. Presently, Ms. Monson serves her community by providing counseling services at her practice, Tamicka Monson Counseling LLC. She specializes in trauma, including sexual, racial, and religious trauma; ADHD and executive functioning; anxiety; depression; grief; posttraumatic stress disorder; women’s issues; and youth mental health. She states that she “Works with people to heal from their past and prepare for their future,” and “enjoys helping other people of color heal from racialized trauma and realize that they are enough.”
Ms. Monson was drawn to the MFP because the program's mission aligned with her career goals as a clinician. She shared, “I loved the mission and its goal to help youth and the BIPOC community. My purpose in life is to destigmatize mental health and normalize mental wellness.”
Reflecting on how the MFP enriched her academic and professional career, Ms. Monson shared that the program provided access to resources, networking, and a sense of empowerment. She explained, "MFP helped me grow my network, strengthen my passions, and encouraged me to ‘build my own table’ if others would not give me a seat at theirs."
Further reflecting on how she was able to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired in the MFP, Ms. Monson shared that the MFP gave her the confidence and skills she now applies to her practice. She shared, “I have grown in my ability to network and showcase my talents, so that I can increase my opportunities.”
Ms. Monson attributes some of her career success to the mentorship opportunities in the MFP. She stated, “MFP mentorship helped increase my confidence and my abilities as an early career professional, knowing that I have much to offer my community and this world.”
When asked what advice she has for anyone considering applying to the MFP, she remarked, “Market yourself! Be a lifelong learner. Never give up on pursuing your dreams.”
Ms. Monson had these words to share for individuals considering applying to the MFP, “Do it! It is worth it to have a community of people who can help you grow and support you.”