Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

05/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/27/2026 08:12

A Calling Rewarded: The Journey Behind a Future Counselor’s National Recognition

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When Tiffany Walker received the phone call informing her that she had been selected for the $15,000 National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counseling (MFP-AC), she was at a loss for words.

"Nothing like that had ever happened to me before and the moment felt surreal," she said. "I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude."

Walker is a graduate student at Palm Beach Atlantic University's School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. She is pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in crisis and trauma, along with additional training in substance abuse..

Fellowship Impact

The NBCCF fellowship program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to graduate counseling students who are committed to working with underserved and marginalized communities. After completing the application process, which included written materials and a video submission, fellows are required to develop a fellowship plan that is meaningful to the community they hope to serve. Maintaining the award is very demanding, requiring monthly assignments, training, meetings, surveys, and trips. The scholarship funding is distributed in installments, and Walker has been using the funds directly towards tuition.

Rooted In Resilience

Growing up in Broward County, Florida, Walker learned early what perseverance looked like. As the middle child in a tight-knit family, she watched her mother navigate the challenges of raising three children on her own-a lesson in resilience that would shape the path Walker would later choose for herself.

Her decision to pursue counseling was also shaped by the work she had done within her community. After completing her undergraduate degree, she spent several years working with community agencies where she had the opportunity to connect with people on personal levels, including work within the child welfare system supporting vulnerable youth and struggling families. She also worked in a residential substance abuse treatment facility, helping people facing mental health concerns, substance abuse, and behavioral challenges.

"Many of the conversations I had with individuals were deeply meaningful, and on several occasions, people would ask me if I was a therapist," Walker shared. "At the time, my answer was always no, but those interactions made me realize how valuable it can be to simply listen, offer support, and create a space where someone feels heard. Over time, I began to recognize that helping others in that way was something I felt naturally drawn to."

Walker's faith also played a significant role in her journey. Her relationship with Jesus deepened her desire to serve others and strengthened her sense of purpose.

When Faith Overcomes Fear

But the journey hasn't been easy. Like many students, Walker faced challenges while pursuing her education. She has had to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities. For a period of time, she worked both a full-time and part-time job while attending classes to pay for tuition and avoid taking on student loan debt. The schedule was exhausting. Eventually, Walker realized she needed to make a difficult decision: reduce her workload to focus fully on her education and training as a counselor. Leaving her full-time job felt risky.

"I had never been without two jobs before," she said. "But I trusted that things would work out the way they were supposed to."

Shortly after making that leap of faith, she received the call letting her know she had received the NBCCF fellowship.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

As part of the fellowship, Walker had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans in January for the 2026 NBCCF Bridging the Gap Symposium where she was able to connect with fellows and professionals from across the country and world at a variety of presentations, roundtables, and keynote sessions. Walker will also be traveling to California in May to attend the 2026 MFP-AC Hazelden Betty Ford School training. This training is designed to provide a deeper understanding of substance use disorder treatment and will challenge fellows both intellectually and emotionally by taking learning beyond the classroom and into real treatment environments. The fellows will have the opportunity to observe and engage in aspects of the recovery process as participants, gaining insight into the experiences of individuals receiving treatment.

Looking Toward the Future

Walker's immediate goal is to continue learning and growing through her practicum and internship experiences as she works toward graduating in December. After graduation, she will prepare to take her licensing exam and complete her supervised clinical hours over the next couple of years before obtaining her professional counseling license. Ultimately, she hopes to make a meaningful impact in her field by creating safe and supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood.

"I want to meet individuals where they are with empathy, compassion, and understanding," Walker explained. "Through my work, I hope to be a source of light in difficult moments and provide guidance, compassion, and encouragement to those who may be navigating some of life's most challenging experiences."

Palm Beach Atlantic University continues to empower future counselors like Tiffany Walker to make meaningful differences in their communities. Click here to learn more about PBA's School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc. published this content on May 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 27, 2026 at 14:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]