By Caitlyn Linder //
Hood College has a new face in the counseling offices this semester.
Bless Whitaker is the new director of Counseling Services, part of the Division of Community and Inclusivity. “I’m excited to be a part of the Hood family,” Whitaker said. “I’m excited for this new journey, and I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone.”
She said she came to Hood because she was “excited about the opportunity to pour in young adults in my community at such a pivotal moment in their lives.” She said she is looking forward to putting an end to the stigmatization of mental health. “I want to create a braver space for students,” she said.
Originally from Baltimore, Whitaker received her bachelor’s degree in general psychology from Bowie State University. Whitaker also attended graduate school at Bowie State, where she studied counseling psychology.
Whitaker moved to Frederick, where, after she finished graduate school, she began working in the community. Before coming to Hood, Whitaker worked for the Sheppard Pratt psychiatric hospital, the Mental Health Association of Frederick, and as an online counselor with BetterHelp.
In her free time, Whitaker volunteers with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., spends time with her friends and family, and enjoys playing board games. Her favorite game is Monopoly. Whitaker also enjoys traveling when she is able. “My favorite place I’ve been is Jamaica,” Whitaker said. “I recommend it to anyone.”
Whitaker’s office is located at 8C on the first floor of the Joseph Henry Apple Resource Center. The counseling center is a free service to all students. Students can book an appointment with Whitaker or counselor Taylor Hahn or attend a 15-minute walk-in session,
Appointment information can be found on the Hood College website.
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