BY DANIELLE LEGARE

“I’m very big on having an open-door policy and creating a safe space for people,” she said. “A lot of my clients may not have had that otherwise.”

Jackson says what motivates her most is seeing clients move from crisis toward stability, even when the work itself is slow, complex and, at times, emotionally exhausting.

“There’s a reality to working in this field where sometimes it’s tedious,” she said. “You encounter clients who may not be ready for specific changes in their lives. But when someone comes in knowing what they want, and we’re able to collaborate and streamline things so they can achieve their goals—that’s chef’s kiss.”

One former client entered the program without stable housing or employment, and while in recovery from substance use. Over the course of their work together, he maintained sobriety, secured housing and eventually landed a job with the state.

“In an ideal world, that would be the case for everyone,” Jackson said. “But seeing that kind of progression—especially when someone is ready to actively put in the work—makes a huge difference for me.”

A New York City native, Jackson moved to Buffalo a decade ago seeking a change of environment. “At first I thought I’d stay for two years and go back,” she said. “But here I am, 10 years later, and I’ve gotten degrees and settled here.”

After earning an associate degree from ECC and a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University, Jackson enrolled in GSE’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program. The experience helped her narrow her focus and deepen her skillset.

In particular, her group therapy course with Scott Sabella, associate professor of counseling, school and educational psychology, helped her foster lasting relationships with peers during the isolating early days of the pandemic and gave her the strategies she still uses in her patient education sessions.

Now, Jackson is building on her education through UB’s advanced certificate in mental health counseling.

“As a Black woman, I think it’s important to occupy space in this field,” she said. “Many of my clients—especially clients of color—have shared how difficult it is to get the care they need from people who don’t look like them. There’s still so much stigma around mental health in the Black community. I want to help run interference where I can.”

“I’m not afraid to occupy space, especially when it comes to my clients,” she added. “I am here to serve my clients. Sometimes I have to take initiative on their behalf, especially if they don’t have the tools to adequately do it themselves… I take on that role because everyone deserves adequate care.”

In the future, Jackson hopes to transition into a full-time counseling role while continuing her advocacy work.

Her advice to students and emerging professionals?

“Don’t get in your own head, especially when it comes to imposter syndrome,” Jackson said. “We all have voices telling us we’re not good enough to occupy certain spaces. I’ll be honest: as a Black woman, that has played a role in how my career has unfolded, and imposter syndrome is something I’ve dealt with in some form every year. But every single year, I’ve also defied what my brain told me I couldn’t do. My advice would be to do it afraid.”