Isabelle van Winkle

Background

About Isabelle van Winkle

As a student at NIU, my journey in Counseling, Gender Studies, and Psychology has been defined by a blend of academic rigor and real-world application through my diverse practical experiences. Throughout earning my undergraduate degree, I engaged in social psychology, fat studies, and media studies research in a variety of modalities, challenging myself to examine the commonplace through a critical lens. Further, I participated in a school-based internship at the Family Service Agency of Dekalb, which involved group facilitation of social-emotional learning sessions and preventative services among myriad other responsibilities.At this internship site, I was a facilitator of the agency's Queer Movement support group for children aged 12-17 who identify as LGBTQ+, a formative experience in the development of my career trajectory. By prioritizing a second major in Gender Studies while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, my coursework has been understood through a framework of social justice, a specialization I hope to employ in my future counseling career.My academic pursuit at NIU has only become richer since beginning their Master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant for LGBTQIA+ Programming at our Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, where I am developing a greater competency for working with young queer/trans adults. My long-term goal is to continue pursing independent writing and research opportunities while working to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I hope to work in this future position to contribute to the betterment of my patients' and community's wellbeing, particularly among queer and otherwise marginalized populations.