Danielle Myers Frierson

I love being a Professor and Counselor because it is a powerful act of empowerment and transformation. Each day offers an opportunity to inspire and guide students, helping them discover their potential and strengths. Teaching fosters growth—not just academically, but personally—instilling curiosity, resilience, and a love for lifelong learning. It’s about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing world.

My most memorable teaching experience was when I designed and implemented my own social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, incorporating art, light therapy, and plant therapy. This innovative approach not only challenged me as an educator but also allowed me to witness remarkable growth and transformation in my students. It was a journey that combined creativity, research, and empathy, and it continues to inspire my teaching philosophy.

If awarded $25,000, I would leverage my extensive experience in counseling, education, and therapeutic programming to expand my social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. My career as a school counselor, mental health practitioner, and founder of therapeutic art programs like Life in Bloom, LLC, and Roses on the Ceiling has underscored the transformative power of creative, trauma-informed approaches to student wellness. With this funding, I could amplify my work.