We are pleased to announce
GISSELLE DWYER
as the Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)
Volunteer Highlight for August!
MHAM’s volunteer highlight for August – Gisselle Dwyer – is a volunteer within our Pro Bono Counseling Program (PBCP). Dwyer, who had previously spent 13 years in education prior to coming to MHAM, joined as a Practicum student in 2023 while pursuing her graduate degree with IU South Bend. Gisselle graduated in 2024 with a Masters in Education, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. Gisselle returned to MHAM this summer to help pilot MHAM’s maternal mental health early career fellowship.
MHAM is developing the next generation of clinicians who are prepared to work with pregnant and postpartum women, especially those historically underserved. This fellowship is a unique opportunity for clinicians to gain valuable clinical experience, advanced training and supervision.
“Gisselle is an important contributor to MHAM’s programming and a valuable asset for the community. Her interest and commitment to developing her clinical skills and compassion for her clients is especially noteworthy,” said MHAM Executive Director, Lisa Kelly.
When asked why volunteering with Mental Health Awareness of Michiana was important to her, she said:
“I began my involvement with MHAM and the Pro Bono Counseling Project as a Practicum student in January 2023. This particular experience was very meaningful to me as it created a strong foundation to what was about to be the beginning of my training. I had spent 13 years in the education field prior to coming to the mental health setting. The thought of starting to see clients was intimidating. However, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and clinical supervision. I had a small but very diverse client population. The PBCP clients were appreciative of their sessions. They were consistent and had a clear understanding of how the program worked. I believe that having 12 sessions allowed my clients and myself to be intentional about the goals set and the journey towards meeting those goals. I am forever thankful for my first clients as they allowed me to step into their worlds. The client-therapist bond created was powerful.”
Why does she feel it’s important to contribute to the PBCP?
“In August of 2023 I began my internship at a private practice where I was able to continue seeing clients through the ProBono Project. During this time I had my very first Spanish speaking clients! This was very special to me because one of the reasons I came into this field was to offer my services to our Latino and Hispanic communities. In the summer of 2024, I continued seeing clients, this time focusing on maternal mental health. Once again this experience has been unique. The supervision and the learning opportunities provided by MHAM and the ProBono Project have been meaningful in my life personally and professionally.”
To learn more about what we do, check out the MHAM website HERE!
Have more questions about mental health? Visit our parent organization, Mental Health America.
Are you interested in volunteer opportunities? Send us an email:
info@mhamichiana.org
→ To make a financial gift to support MHAM, visit:
