2024-2025 Award Recipients
NBHP’s WREDI Program Awards 14 Scholarships to Support Behavioral Health Students
In Fall 2024, the Network of Behavioral Health Providers’ Workforce Recruitment, Education, and Development Initiative (WREDI) program awarded scholarships to 14 outstanding students from 12 different schools through its Marion T. Coleman Pathways Scholarship and WREDI to Launch Scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing behavioral health careers in nursing, social work, psychology, and counseling.
From a competitive pool of 35 applicants, the selected scholars represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Notably, 9 of the scholarship recipients are fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian, Malayalam, Nepali, Hindi, Persian, Urdu, and Pashto, enhancing their ability to serve and connect with diverse communities. Additionally, 8 recipients are first-generation college students, reflecting the program’s commitment to expanding access to education and career development for underserved populations.
These scholarship recipients are actively engaged in internship and practicum placements at some of Houston’s leading behavioral health organizations, including NBHP members such as The Montrose Center, HGI Counseling, Legacy Community Health, Houston Methodist, and West Oaks Hospital. Their roles in these organizations allow them to apply their studies in real-world settings, gaining invaluable experience to support their professional development.
The 2024 WREDI scholarship cohort includes an international student, a refugee, an opportunity youth, and individuals living with disabilities. This diverse group also includes survivors of domestic violence, underscoring the resilience and commitment these students bring to the behavioral health field.
NBHP is proud to support these promising future behavioral health professionals who are dedicated to addressing critical mental health and substance use needs across our communities. The WREDI program is committed to fostering a robust and inclusive behavioral health workforce that reflects and serves our diverse society.
In Fall 2024, the Network of Behavioral Health Providers’ Workforce Recruitment, Education, and Development Initiative (WREDI) program awarded scholarships to 14 outstanding students from 12 different schools through its Marion T. Coleman Pathways Scholarship and WREDI to Launch Scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing behavioral health careers in nursing, social work, psychology, and counseling.
From a competitive pool of 35 applicants, the selected scholars represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Notably, 9 of the scholarship recipients are fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian, Malayalam, Nepali, Hindi, Persian, Urdu, and Pashto, enhancing their ability to serve and connect with diverse communities. Additionally, 8 recipients are first-generation college students, reflecting the program’s commitment to expanding access to education and career development for underserved populations.
These scholarship recipients are actively engaged in internship and practicum placements at some of Houston’s leading behavioral health organizations, including NBHP members such as The Montrose Center, HGI Counseling, Legacy Community Health, Houston Methodist, and West Oaks Hospital. Their roles in these organizations allow them to apply their studies in real-world settings, gaining invaluable experience to support their professional development.
The 2024 WREDI scholarship cohort includes an international student, a refugee, an opportunity youth, and individuals living with disabilities. This diverse group also includes survivors of domestic violence, underscoring the resilience and commitment these students bring to the behavioral health field.
NBHP is proud to support these promising future behavioral health professionals who are dedicated to addressing critical mental health and substance use needs across our communities. The WREDI program is committed to fostering a robust and inclusive behavioral health workforce that reflects and serves our diverse society.
Meet WREDI to Launch Freshmen Scholarship Recipients
The WREDI to Launch Scholarship Program aims to assist incoming college freshman to launch their academic endeavors to student behavioral health fields such as nursing, social work or psychology. Thank you to United Way of Greater Houston and NBHP member organizations for sponsoring our freshman scholarship program.
Freshmen Scholarship Recipients
Mindy Nguyen
Mindy Nguyen is an incoming freshman at The University of Texas at Austin with a declared major of Biology. Mindy was a WREDI Summer Extern in 2024 at was placed at UTHealth - The Dunn Center. She also completed the Houston Methodist West Hospital Summer Program and served as the HOSA (Future Health Professionals) at Tompkins High School. Mindy intends on pursuing a pre-med track and utilizing her personal experience with mental health to support her career as a pediatric physician. She believes that physical wellness is intrinsically linked to mental wellbeing.
Nosazena "Zena" Ogbeide
Nosazena "Zena" Ogbeide is an incoming freshman at The University of Texas at San Antonio as a Psychology major. Zena was a WREDI Summer Extern in 2024 and spent her time at Katy Christian Ministries. During her time in high school, she also participated in National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cross Country, and Dance. Zena is a published artist and in 2022, her art was auctioned at the Fort Bend County State Fair. Zena wants to continue her education to obtain her master's degree to pursue a career in counseling. She hopes that she can be a committed ally to her clients and utilize skills such as compassion, empathy and active listening to make her clients feel empowered.
Meet NBHP's 2024-2025 Marion T. Coleman Scholarship Recipients:
The Marion T. Coleman Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship was named after NBHP's former Executive Director, Marion T. Coleman, Ph.D., who had a passion for building the behavioral health workforce of tomorrow. The goal of the program is to ensure that students working toward licensure in a behavioral health field are able to graduate and practice within their field in the greater Houston area.
Thank you to Harris County (ARPA) and The George Foundation for sponsoring our Coleman Pathways scholarship program.
Thank you to Harris County (ARPA) and The George Foundation for sponsoring our Coleman Pathways scholarship program.
Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
Syed Afridi
Syed Afridi, a nursing student at San Jacinto College, has an expected graduation date of March 2025. He is completing his internship at one of our member organizations, West Oaks Hospital. Syed is multilingual and speaks Urdu, Persian, Pushto, and English. He is an international student and first generation college student. After earning his associate's degree in nursing, Syed will transition into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program while working as a nurse. He is deeply committed to working in mental health settings, particularly in psychiatric units and hospitals, where he can provide care to those dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use and trauma.
Carla Mendez
Carla Mendez, a first-generation social work student at The University of Houston Downtown, is completing her internship at Avenue CDC. Her anticipated graduation date is December 2024. She married and started a family at a young age, postponing formal education after high school. In 2021, she graduated with an associate degree from Houston Community College and set her sights on a career in behavioral health and social work. Her post-graduation goal is to become a licensed social worker in a community-based setting that serves survivors of domestic abuse, individuals dealing with trauma and families in crisis. Eventually, she hopes to start a nonprofit or work in public healthy policy to improve access to behavioral health services for marginalized communities in Houston.
Daniela Williams
Daniela Williams is a Psychology student at Houston Community College. She is a first-generation college student and also is a leader on the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative's Young Adult Action Advisory Council. Before Psychology, art was her main passion and how using creativity can help a person get through tough times. She wants to show others artistic outlets with people who don't know how to cope with hardships and traumas and help them process in ways other than using words. Her long-term goals include becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and helping her community regain trust in mental health professionals through art therapy.
Rachel Thomas
Texas Southern University Social Work Student Rachel Thomas is a bilingual student who speaks English and Malayalam. She has previously completed the WREDI Behavioral Health Summer Externship Program and spent her summer at Alexander Jewish Family Services. Rachel is currently completing her year-long internship for her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Transition Medicine. Upon completing her degree, she plans to attend graduate school to obtain her master of social work. She will then take the licensing exam to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW). She would like to be a community-based social worker. Ultimately, she aspires to make a difference in the Texas Legislature.
Roshana Timalsina
Roshana Timalsina, nursing student at San Jacinto College, speaks English, Nepali and Hindi. Originally born in Nepal, Roshana is completing her Nursing Clinical Practicum Placement at Houston Methodist Baytown. This first-generation college student aims to specialize as a Trauma Nurse, providing care that addresses the physical and psychological aspects of recovery after severe incidents and life-threatening medical events. Her dream is to one day open a rehabilitation center and nursing home that provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy and mental health counseling for patients recovering from traumatic incidents, road accidents, and injuries.
Zeljka Mijic
Zeljka "Zee" Mijic is pursing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her journey began in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with the eruption of the Bosnian Way in the early 1990s, she and her family faced persecution based on religious beliefs and sexual orientation. She moved to Houston as a refugee and speaks multiple languages including Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian and English. Zeljka is completing her internship at Bates Counseling Center providing case management services including conducting assessments, treatment planning, and engaging in direct client intervention. She plans to continue her education to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), specializing in trauma-informed care. She wants to work directly with veterans, refugees, and others affected by PTSD, providing therapy and resources to support their healing.
Graduate Scholarship Recipients
Alexis Sammur
Baylor University student, Alexis Sammur, is pursuing her Master's in Social Work with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026. Her internship is at NBHP Member, Legacy Community Health, and she's serving as a Lead Health Advocate Student Intern. Alexis has held a variety of leadership positions including President of ACCLAIM, ambassador for the Black Cultural Center, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She also participated in the AmeriCorps program, City year. Alexis envisions herself as a resource broker for underserved communities and would like to help people transition to life in a new country.
Asha Minix
Asha Minix is a Counseling student at Lamar University and is expected to graduate in December 2025. Asha currently services as the Assistant Director of Healthcare and Social Services for Harris County Precinct 2, Commissioner Adrian Garcia. She also serves as a volunteer speaker for NBHP-member, NAMI Greater Houston. Asha earned her Master of Public Health in Community Health Education and spent nearly a decade in public health as a community health educator. While benefiting from counseling herself, she realized her true calling is a career in the mental health field. Her goal is to complete a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and work with a Federally Qualified Health Center or another community mental health agency that prioritizes not only exceptional care but also advocates for enhanced access to healthcare.
Jenn Blandon
Jenn Blandon is studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University through their online program. Her anticipated graduation will be in May of 2025. Her practicum placement is at HGI Counseling, another member of NBHP. Jenn is a bilingual, first-generation college student. Once she is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), she has goals to provide group therapy for communities such as first-time parents and empowerment circles for women. She also aims to implement art therapy and skill-building workshops for children, providing them outlets to express their emotions in healthy ways.
Maham Sultan
A University of Houston - Victoria counseling student, Maham Sultan, is planning on graduating next May. She is a multilingual student, speaking Urdu, Hindi and English. She is completing her internship at West Houston Counseling Center in Katy and she is facilitating group sessions for children and adults and providing sensory play for children. After graduation, Maham hopes to pass the National Counselor Examination and obtain licensure as a professional counselor in Texas. She is particularly interested in working with children and adolescents, as she has seen the profound impact early intervention can have on long-term mental health outcomes. Her long-term goals include opening her own practice with a focus on trauma, family therapy, and cultural competence.
Michelle Ross
Michelle Ross is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Houston - Victoria, with an anticipated graduation date of August 2025. She is completing her practicum at Fort Bend Women's Center, which serves survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Michelle is a registered volunteer with the 7cups counseling hotlines and has led a workshop at the National Little People of American Conference on diversity of little people in pop culture and society. Her short term goals include obtaining her license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and begin practicing. Ultimately, she wants to open a clinic in the Greater Houston area and utilize different types of therapy modalities including eye movement Desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), to help people from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as underserved populations who are experiencing behavioral health issues such as trauma or experiencing need for individual, couple, or family therapy.
Network of Behavioral Health Providers
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410