We are pleased to announce
JESSICA HARDING
as the Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)
Volunteer Highlight for March 2026!
MHAM’s volunteer highlight for March – Jessica Harding – is being honored for her contributions to MHAM’s Asesoramiento Gratuito (PBCP) and 2026 Journey of the Mind through Visual Artistic Expression exhibit.
Jessica is a graduate student at IUSB’s Masters in Social Work program and began her internship with MHAM in Fall, 2025. She is also a full time employee at the University of Notre Dame as an Assistant Director in the Study Abroad Office. Her primary interests are human rights and reproductive health.
"I learned about MHAM through community resource fairs; one of my colleagues informed me of the newly-developed internship program at MHAM, and strongly encouraged me to apply,” says Jessica. “I am part of the Pro-Bono Counseling Project, and the experience has been incredible. I have been able to work with a variety of clients, to develop my practice skills with talented supervisors and colleagues, and directly help MHAM reduce the barriers to mental healthcare in Michiana.”
Clinical Coordinator Maria Guarraci on Jessica’s contributions to the PBCP:
“We are so grateful for Jessica’s many meaningful contributions to the work that we do here at MHAM. Not only is she offering therapy services to a diverse mix of clients through our Pro Bono Counseling Project, but she was also instrumental in making MHAM’s second Journey of the Mind art exhibit a reality. Journey of the Mind serves the community by reducing stigma around mental health, raising awareness about the many ways in which community members struggle with mental health concerns, and giving a voice through art to community members, and we are truly grateful for all of Jessica’s hard work on this unique and meaningful event.”
MHAM’s professional and mental health workforce development reflects our commitment to improving community access to effective and culturally responsive care. MHAM has provided continuing education classes, community summits, and perinatal symposiums since 2019. MHAM’s master’s level Social Work and Counseling Internships began in July, 2024.
“Training future clinicians is a privilege and allows MHAM to have a direct mental health benefit to the community. Providing training in the context of a community based non profit also gives interns a chance to contribute in other ways to the mission of the organization,” says Lisa Kelly, MHAM Executive Director.
Jessica shares what she enjoys about her work with MHAM:
"It’s difficult to choose (a favorite), but I think my ability to further experience the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist has been very special. My clients at MHAM have been so diverse in their backgrounds and life experiences. Their desire to grow and thrive has made learning therapy skills a very positive experience.
One thing I really like about MHAM is that it is a relatively small internship program, with only a few interns at any given time. This allows for individualized and consistent supervision and learning support. It’s also great that with MHAM, you are part of an organization that provides numerous professional mental health education opportunities. As an intern, you can take part in these presentations and workshops for free! MHAM also has a curriculum of in-person presentations from community professionals who provide up-to-date research-based practice information for all of the interns. One of my favorite things about MHAM, though, is that the clients are voluntarily seeking therapy and would not be able to access it otherwise. It’s a great way to connect with community members who need and are seeking support.”
Thank you Jessica for your hard work and dedication to improving mental health in Michiana!
To learn more about doing a masters level counseling or social work internship at MHAM, contact us at info@mhamichiana.org.
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To learn more about the Asesoramiento Gratuito, click HERE!
Are you interested in volunteer opportunities? Send us an email:
info@mhamichiana.org
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