Help Anna become a Mental Health Counselor

Dear Friends and Family,

As you know, I’ve been through a lot of changes and challenges in the last few years. In considering the best path forward to create stability and resources for myself and my children, and to find a clear vocation that utilizes my gifts and allows me to be of service in the world, I’ve decided to go to graduate school to become a licensed mental health practitioner.

I’ve recently been accepted to a three-year master’s program at Saybrook University and will start this January! The program includes both in-person and online classes which allows me to continue to work and parent while in school. I’ve decided to take out student loans for my tuition and part of my living expenses, and am applying for as many grants and scholarships as I can find. I understand that this is an investment in myself, my future, and my lineage.

I know that you are someone who loves me and supports me. It is often taboo in our society to make direct asks of support, but I believe that it’s actually a kindness to let people know what would be helpful and offer an opportunity to be generous in a way that might align with them.

With that, I want to take the vulnerable step in this message to invite financial support so that I may minimize my debt. Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated. If a financial gift isn’t a match for you at this time, please know there are other ways you can support me.

I’ve attached a breakdown of all my expenses for the next three years. A gift of any size is appreciated and will go a long way in helping me and my boys. I’ve organized this GoFundMe to make contributing easy to do and easy to share with your friends. I also take donations via Venmo or personal check. I’ve included those links below.

Here is a breakdown of my program and expenses:

Enrollment Period: January 9, 2023 – December 15, 2025.

Hybrid Program=Both online and in-person classes: Core classes for this program are online, and I am required to attend a week-long Residential Conference twice a year in Pasadena, CA.

Tuition: $953/credit (60 credit program) $19,060/year, $57,180 total

University Resources Fee: $1450 spring and fall, $1160 summer, $4060/year, $12,180 total

Books: ~$400/semester $1000/year, $3000 total

Travel: – flights to LA $400 each, $800/year, $2400 total

Travel: – room and board Hotels - $175/night for 5 nights=$875, Food - $200, Cab - $100 = $7050 total

Additional childcare for travel and homework: $30/hour, ~50 hours, $1500/year, $4500 total

Total costs: $86,310

Ways you can donate:

• GoFundMe. This is my main fundraising page. Please share it with your friends!

• Venmo. If you want to help me avoid fees associated with GoFundMe, you can use my personal Venmo @Anna-Holden9

• Personal Check: If you want to avoid fees altogether, you’re welcome to send me a personal check. You can make it out to Anna Holden. My address is 11234 Cornell Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178

Other ways you can support me:

• Donate airline miles or hotel points to help reduce travel costs, or if you know of someone in Pasadena who has a low to no cost Airbnb, let me know!

• Childcare help on evenings, weekends, or travel weeks

• Cheerleading! I could use your support cheering me on in this endeavor!

• SHARE this fundraising effort with friends and family who might want to help

• Donate handyperson skills or housecleaning to help me keep my house in working order

• Offer to shuttle my kids to and from school/daycare

• Brings some healthy meals for the kids and I to eat

• This requires money, but book a service from me at www.soulwisemedicine.com

• Hire me! I am currently running my business, above, and doing gig work. Hire me for interior painting and organizing. OR, know of a remote position that offers a living wage with flexible hours? Send me the application page.

Thank you for being here for me. I am grateful for your presence in my life.

With love and gratitude,

Anna