[box]The North Haven resident hopes to serve students and lead change in mental health care.[/box]
Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., has honored graduate Hope Notaro with the 2013 Edith Lesley Wolfard Award. Named for the founder of Lesley University, the prestigious annual award is given to a senior undergraduate liberal arts student who has excelled in intellectual engagement, community leadership and civic engagement.
The North Haven, Conn., native earned her Counseling degree from Lesley with a minor in Art Therapy and a specialization in Holistic Psychology. Lesley University Commencement was held May 18, 2013.
Notaro is currently enrolled in Lesley’s Dual Degree program in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a School and Community specialization (Guidance, 5-12). By earning her Master’s Degree at Lesley, Notaro will be eligible to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and plans to work in a middle or high school as a guidance counselor.
“As a student of the helping professions, I hope that I can affect change on the micro level, by providing direct service to students, and secondly, on the macro level, by affecting change within our school systems and helping future generations to take on leadership roles,” says Notaro. “As a leader in the 21st century, it will be my job to holistically view the complicated policy issues—especially regarding our broken mental health care system—facing our country so as to work to find solutions that address the whole problem.”
The Edith Lesley Wolfard Award
The Edith Lesley Wolfard Award is named for the founder of Lesley University, and the recipient is chosen by a vote of Lesley’s College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies faculty and administrators. This award is given to a graduating senior who exhibits a commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and the promise of a future best exemplifying Lesley’s ideals.