2021-2022 Quell Foundation Scholars

Congratulations to psychology undergraduates Beryl Belmonte, Cooper Gerads, and Francesca Wurm for receiving the Quell Foundation scholarship!

The Quell Foundation works to educate communities about mental health, promoting open, judgment-free dialogue. This scholarship was established by the Quell Foundation's Project Access to increase the "talent pipeline" through scholarship awards to students entering the mental healthcare profession. The scholarship supports students pursuing a degree in psychology, social work, or other fields of study related to the provision of mental health services.

Beryl is a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Justice. Belmonte is a first-generation Filipinx immigrant who is truly passionate about culturally responsive, anti-oppressive mental health care. They are currently interning for the Case Management department of Hamm Clinic. At the University of Minnesota, they have worked as a research assistant in the field of cognitive, social, educational, counseling, and cultural psychology. Other experiences include creating content for Tubman’s violence prevention program and implementing campus-wide policies with the Prevention, Wellness & Training Committee. Beryl hopes to earn their degree by Spring of 2023 and work towards a PhD in Counseling Psychology.

Cooper is a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He is passionate about his studies, particularly in adolescent and family therapy care, and marriage counseling. He is especially interested in providing care for less fortunate populations. Along with majoring in Psychology, Cooper plans to minor in Spanish and Family Social Science. He currently works as a Customer Relations Representative for One Stop Student Services at the University of Minnesota. Cooper hopes to earn his degree by the Summer of 2022 (a year early!). In the future, he plans to gain some experience in a mental health care setting, return to graduate school, and pursue a career in counseling or therapy.

Francesca is a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about working with children and their families, as well as both the physical and mental health care fields. Francesca currently works as a Mental Health Technician in a day treatment program for preschoolers at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN. Here, she works with children ages 2-6 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, histories of trauma, and/or other mental health diagnoses. In her role, she helps the children develop healthy coping techniques, strong problem-solving abilities, and social skills in a therapeutic group setting. She aspires to become a Mental Health Practitioner at Fraser after graduation, and eventually attend graduate school to become a Social Worker or Psychiatric Physician’s Assistant. Francesca plans to graduate in May 2022.

Composed by Flora Pollack, communications assistant.

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