We are pleased to announce
LILY SNYDER and FRANCES STRATMAN
as the Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)
Volunteer Highlight for May 2026!
MHAM’s volunteer highlight for May – Lily Snyder and Frances Stratman – are being honored for their contributions as master’s in counseling interns with MHAM and with the Pro Bono Counseling Project (PBCP).
Lily graduated from Purdue University in 2024 with her B.S. in Physiological Sciences and Human Services, first serving as the MHAM administrative assistant and completing her practicum with MHAM in May.
“My most meaningful experience was getting to work closely with the perinatal population and learn more about mental health during pregnancy and post-partum. Over the course of my practicum, I had 6 clients, 4 of which were perinatal. I worked at MHAM 2 days a week under the supervision of Maria Guarraci, who was such a big help in my academic and professional journey.”
Clinical Coordinator Maria Guarraci on Lily’s contributions to the PBCP:
“We are grateful for Lily and the wonderful work she did with her Pro Bono Counseling Project clients. Some of Lily’s many strengths are her warmth and approachability. Her clients, many of whom were accessing therapy for the first time, were able to feel comfortable almost immediately with Lily and begin the difficult but important work of self-exploration and change.”
Frances recently earned their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from IUSB and began their internship with MHAM in January 2026. Their professional interests include neuroscience-informed counseling, bottom-up approaches in complex mental health diagnoses, and affirming work with queer and neurodiverse communities.
“What stood out most to me was MHAM’s commitment to serving diverse populations, including individuals who may not have insurance coverage or easy access to mental health services. Their work in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health through counseling, educational classes, support programs, and community outreach is truly meaningful.
“Unlike some internship settings where students may feel overextended or undervalued, MHAM demonstrates genuine investment in its interns by offering support throughout the experience, including grant opportunities following a successful internship.”
Clinical Coordinator Maria Guarraci on Frances’s contributions to the PBCP:
“Frances was a great asset to the Pro Bono Counseling Project. Frances has a deep passion for this work and an ability to connect deeply with her therapy clients from a variety of different backgrounds, ages, and circumstances. Her natural curiosity helped her clients be curious about themselves and make real progress toward their therapy goals.”
It is an honor to train master’s in social work and counseling interns at MHAM. Along with our maternal mental health fellowship, we are increasing access to care for marginalized individuals and increasing access to quality mental health workforce training. Thank you Lily and Frances 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 Pro Bono Counseling Project, click HERE!
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info@mhamichiana.org
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