October Hero of the Month: Raelyn S., LCSW, MEd, CST

Every month, we spotlight a counselor who has gone above and beyond for Uwill as our Hero of the Month. This month, we are delighted to recognize Raelyn S., LCSW, MEd, CST as Uwill’s Monthly Hero.

Since joining the Uwill team in December 2023, Raelyn has always gone above and beyond for Uwill. In that time, she’s had over 500 appointments, impacting the lives of students across Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania all with a very high feedback rating.

Therefore, this month, we are delighted to recognize Raelyn as our Uwill Hero for all his contributions and support for our students and the larger Uwill community. Raelyn — thank you again for all you do. We are truly grateful for your support and commitment.

Check out our interview with Raelyn as she discusses why she loves working with young adults, how Uwill trainings have helped her practice, and tips for dealing with Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder.

What excites you the most about working with Uwill?
What excites me most about working with Uwill is having the opportunity to connect with and support students as they navigate some of the most exciting yet challenging transitions in their lives. I’m passionate about helping students feel heard, supported, and empowered as they manage new experiences, personal growth, and uncertainty. Being able to make a meaningful difference in their well-being during these pivotal moments is what makes this opportunity especially rewarding to me.

Can you illustrate the importance of a student being able to access a platform like Uwill?
Access to a platform like Uwill is incredibly important because many students are navigating a unique period of life where they are gaining independence while still learning how to advocate for themselves and navigate available resources. Many also face financial barriers or other challenges that make traditional mental health support difficult to access. Uwill helps bridge this critical gap by providing students with accessible, convenient mental health care when they need it most. For students who might otherwise go without support, having access to these services can be truly life-changing, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and feel supported during such a pivotal time in their lives.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my work with Uwill is the flexibility to meet students where they are and provide support in ways that work best for both them and me. I appreciate being able to adjust my availability to meet the needs of individual students, schools, and communities, while allowing students to schedule appointments at a pace that feels comfortable for them. I also value the option to offer additional support through messaging, which can be especially helpful for students who may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in writing. Beyond that, I love the variety of students I have the opportunity to work with across different schools, programs, and states. Uwill has also been instrumental in helping me obtain licensure in multiple states, allowing me to expand my reach and support a broader range of students who may otherwise have limited access to mental health care.

What are some skills you have learned from Uwill that you have been able to apply in your everyday practice?
One of the most valuable aspects of working with Uwill has been the access to ongoing trainings and professional development opportunities. Through Uwill, I was able to participate in specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which has been incredibly beneficial in expanding my clinical skills and therapeutic approach. I have been able to apply these techniques directly in my work with students through Uwill, as well as in my private practice. These opportunities allow me to continually strengthen my practice and provide more effective, individualized support to the students and clients I serve.

What was it that first attracted you to working with Uwill?
What initially attracted me to working with Uwill was the opportunity to support one of my favorite populations: young adults. I was also drawn to Uwill’s flexible model, which allows me to meet students where they are while balancing their individual needs with my own clinical practice. Most importantly, I appreciated that Uwill values the experience of both students and providers, creating an environment that prioritizes accessible, meaningful mental health support while also recognizing the importance of provider flexibility and well-being.

How has being a member of Uwill’s Counselor Community impacted you as a professional?

Being a member of Uwill’s Counselor Community has allowed me to continue growing professionally through access to a variety of continuing education opportunities that help me keep my clinical skills sharp and current for the students and clients I support through Uwill and my private practice. Additionally, Uwill’s multi-state licensure program has broadened my reach and expanded the range of individuals I am able to support, helping me provide care to students across state lines which helps to fill gaps as we await continued progress toward a multi-state social work compact, which could further expand opportunities for social workers to provide accessible mental health care across state boundaries. Overall, Uwill has supported my ongoing professional development while allowing me to extend my impact to a wider population of students in need of support.

Would you recommend working with Uwill to a colleague?
I would, and have, recommended working with Uwill to colleagues who are looking to connect with, support and help college students.

What advice do you have for students who may be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is something I see many students struggle with, particularly here in the Northeast, where shorter days, limited sunlight, and inclement weather can have a significant impact on mood and energy levels. My biggest piece of advice is to be intentional about incorporating natural light, fresh air, movement, and social connection into your daily routine, even when it feels challenging.

I often remind students that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference. Open your curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible, and when the weather allows, step outside or open a window for a few minutes of fresh air. Try to incorporate some form of daily movement, whether that means taking a short walk, choosing the stairs, stretching in the morning or before bed, or trying a new physical activity you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout to be beneficial.

I also encourage students to be mindful of their social connections. During the winter months, it can be tempting to hibernate and isolate ourselves, especially when our energy is low. However, meaningful social interaction is an important part of our overall well-being. Try having a meal with a friend, FaceTiming someone you care about, or finding a buddy to join you for a walk or other activity.

Most importantly, give yourself grace. You don’t have to do everything at once, and even small steps count. If you notice that changes in your mood, energy, motivation, or daily functioning are becoming persistent or overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. You don’t have to navigate these feelings alone, and support is available to help you through the season.

To learn more about becoming a counselor with Uwill, click on the link below.

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