This past Friday I passed the final step in my career path to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. In meeting this achievement I have come to realize that this success has been a long journey filled with what seemed like lots of detours, construction and sometimes whiteout conditions that I questioned if I was going in the right direction. Fortunately for me I had a great GPS system filled with the guidance and wisdom to lead me towards the green light and clear blue skies I am now seeing. I take this time to thank those who helped me along this path. Like most kids my journey started in kindergarten where Mrs. Sczublewski taught me the ABCs of life, and made learning fun. After graduating high school and getting my bachelor’s degree at California Lutheran University, I decided that counseling was the field I was meant to do. I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, and am so grateful for the professors and mentors who not only gave me the knowledge and skills of the profession but provided the guidance and road map to succeed. Even after graduating my supervisors John Semour and Diane Coursol were always there answering my nervous questions and giving me the support I needed. My internship supervisors Howard Walker and Judy Popp-Anderson gave me encouraging insight and mentoring. I must thank Brian Nystrom of Nystrom and Associates for giving me the employment opportunity to further grow in the profession and get critical hours of training needed to complete the process. It was here that I further found support and wonderful supervisors in Glenn Werner and Pam Baillie Johnson who continue to role model professional standards and given me the autonomy to learn and excel. I learned so much from my LMFT supervisor Michele Gordon who gave me hours of supervision to make me an even better person professionally and personally. I especially want to thank my family. My parents Paul and Marilyn Nechanicky, I would not be here if it were not for them. They never once doubted me even when I doubted myself and continue to give me unconditional love and support. I also want to thank my siblings and their families for continued prayers and support. I thank my friends, co-workers and significant others who never stopped believing in me. Finally my clients, who despite all they have been though remind me that in life it is truly the journey that counts and to always celebrate every single small step. In this I hope that many see each day a child is born and a journey begins. We all have the opportunity to be a GPS system to another. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, graduating high school or taking a licensure exam, they will need a road map and you might just be the green light they need.

Laura Nechanicky, MS, LMFT, NCC, CPRP