For more than a decade, Nova Mordecai longed for a career combining a love of people and animals. Entering the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at UVM, Mordecai’s goal was to work as an equine-assisted psychotherapist.

An extraordinary opportunity came about when Mordecai was selected for an internship designed to support mental health in rural community schools. The internship is connected to a participatory action research project led by UVM faculty Anna Elliott, Robin Hausheer, and Lance Smith to support public schools in Vermont.

“I did not expect to land a dream job in this field straight out of graduate school,” Mordecai says. “But I actually got to begin my work at High Horses Center for Equine-Assisted Services in Sharon, Vermont this spring while finishing up my degree. I was able to work with children and families in the local rural community to apply course curriculum concepts in real life and real time."

Mordecai praises the counseling program’s cohort model. “It allowed us to really grow with each other and feel comfortable doing the work it takes to be vulnerable and process our own experiences."

They also built strong connections with faculty. "I look forward to entering the workforce knowing that they are there for me if I need them," they say. "Anna Elliott supported me through much of my personal and professional development. She offered great insights into my work and supported my theoretical orientation and integration of relational-cultural theory.”

Mordecai received support through the VT-TREE program that offered financial support and trainings on trauma, resiliency, diversity and intersectionality. For additional income, they worked as a graduate teaching assistant and research assistant for several faculty members. 

In the community, Mordecai runs an LGBTQ+ climbing group called Queer Crush VT, and plays viola in a mental health awareness orchestra called Me2. 

“I have absolutely fallen in love with Vermont. It is a beautiful place filled with wonderful people. In my two years here, I made close friends and visited amazing natural places. So I’m excited to continue my work here where I know more mental health practitioners are needed.”