Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight our alumni and share their stories.
Stephanie Perkins is an impactful mental health professional supporting individuals who need care, intervention, healing and support after challenging life circumstances. She earned an M.Ed. in Health and Wellness Education from American College of Education (ACE) in 2024 while working as a paraprofessional, and during her program, discovered that a career in mental health was where she belonged.
We were thrilled to learn about the impact of her experience at ACE as well as how it equipped her to serve others during vulnerable times.
ACE: Tell us about your career in mental health.
Stephanie Perkins (SP): I currently work in the mental health field as a care coordinator, also known as a qualified mental health professional. I get to help people build essential skills in areas like effective communication, problem-solving, coping with stress and more. I also assist with crisis evaluations to coordinate care. This role allows me to meet many people from all walks of life who have had a difficult past, and I’m inspired by their resilience.
Working in the mental health field was not something I thought I would be doing, but during my program at ACE, I realized I wanted more out of life and to make a difference. I love helping others, and ACE helped me become a Certified Health Education Specialist.* I later earned a tobacco treatment specialist certification at work.
ACE: You mentioned that it was during your ACE program that you realized you wanted more out of life and to make a difference. What led you to discover that?
SP: During my ACE program, I was working as a special education paraprofessional. I loved what I did, but I noticed that there was a gap between how mental health was being addressed and the lack of representation in mental health education. I would get offers to become a teacher, but I knew there was something else out there for me.
When I was asked what I wanted to do professionally, I always simply said, “I want to help people.” I was learning so much in my ACE program, and everything started making sense when I realized that I could incorporate behavior change strategies to assist people with learning life skills and helping clients understand their diagnosis in a way they can understand.
ACE: How did what you learned in your coursework prepare you for your current role?
SP: Studying at ACE provided the knowledge I needed to offer meaningful support to others that can ultimately change their lives. It laid the framework for what was an “ah ha” moment leading me to this field.
Specifically, learning how to design programs has equipped me to make healthy meal plans for clients. I’m also able to assess and improve current programs. Research papers gave me the opportunity to understand how things work and build my knowledge of key subjects.
ACE: What is your favorite part about working in the mental health field?
SP: I love the people that I meet. The relationships and trust that I’ve built mean a lot to me as well as being able to make a difference in people’s lives. I love what I do, and I have a deep passion for it.
ACE: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in the mental health field?
SP: I would encourage them to make sure it’s the right fit first. Volunteer, research and ask as many questions as you need to. The mental health field is rewarding, and I think if people give it a chance, then they just may find out that they have a passion for it!
Being an American College of Education alum has its perks. When you return as an alum for another program, you receive discounted tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant. That’s Smarter Ed.
*Certification requirements vary and may require additional steps beyond completion of an academic program.
