08/14/2026
Today was one of those full-circle moments I’ll never forget.
Twenty-one years after graduating from Mercer University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program (Class of 2005), I had the privilege of returning to speak with the incoming MFT students.
I shared the winding path from graduate student to therapist… and eventually to owning Lyons Center, where I now have the privilege of leading an incredible team of clinicians who serve our community every day.
One of the biggest messages I wanted them to hear is this:
Your career probably won’t unfold exactly the way you’ve planned. Mine certainly didn’t. But sometimes the unexpected turns become the most meaningful parts of the journey.
If you’re willing to keep learning, stay curious, ask for help, and care well for the people sitting across from you, you’ll build a career you can be proud of.
Thank you, Mercer, for inviting me back. It was an honor to spend time with the next generation of marriage and family therapists.
