Aaron Barksdale
@aaronbarksdale
Aspiring mental health counselor dedicated to supporting student-athletes.
What I'm looking for
I am a dedicated mental health counseling graduate student with a passion for supporting student-athletes. My journey began at Longwood University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, and I am currently pursuing my Master's degree at the University of Lynchburg. With a GPA of 3.64, I am committed to academic excellence and practical experience in the field.
Throughout my internships, I have gained valuable experience providing counseling services to student-athletes and individuals facing various challenges, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. My role as a podcast host and social media manager has allowed me to combine my love for sports with my communication skills, creating engaging content that resonates with audiences. I aim to transition into working with professional athletes in the NBA, WNBA, or NFL, where I can make a significant impact on their mental well-being.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Counseling Intern Student
Kairos Counseling Outpatient Center
Sep 2024 - Present (9 months)
Provided counseling services for addiction, anger management, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Received peer consultation and weekly supervision to ensure effective and safe client care.
Caterer
Ross Catering Services
May 2017 - Present (8 years 1 month)
Assisted the catering manager with setting up formal and informal banquets, providing customer service by waiting tables and greeting guests. Responsible for loading and unloading catering vehicles and restocking inventory.
Podcast Host & Social Media Manager
Podcast Platforms WOKE & You Reaching or Teaching
Sep 2020 - Present (4 years 9 months)
Produced and co-hosted the basketball podcast "You Reaching or Teaching," discussing NBA and WNBA games, providing commentary and breakdowns. Managed Instagram and X pages to engage viewers and promote the podcast and basketball.
Counseling Intern Student
Randolph College
Jan 2025 - May 2025 (4 months)
Provided counseling services to student-athletes through group therapy and individual sessions, addressing topics like identity crisis, depression/anxiety, and performance anxiety. Facilitated group discussions focused on supportive therapy and team-building exercises.
Counseling Practicum Student
Kairos Counseling Outpatient Center
Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 (3 months)
Provided counseling services for various therapeutic needs including addiction, anger management, and childhood trauma. Assisted licensed counselors in therapy sessions, offering observation and consultation as needed.
Graduate Assistant
Historical Sandusky, University of Lynchburg
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 months)
Gave guided tours of the historical site, covering its ownership and the Battle of Lynchburg. Assisted with researching lost history, transcribing letters, and coordinating historical events.
Graduate Assistant
Academic Achievement Resource Center, University of Lynchbur
Aug 2022 - May 2024 (1 year 9 months)
Instructed the undergraduate course College Success Strategies, covering time management, goal setting, and resume building. Served as an Academic Advisor to freshmen, addressing their academic and personal needs.
Social Media Marketing Intern
Robert Russa Moton Museum
Aug 2021 - Aug 2022 (1 year)
Produced, recorded, and edited audio for the Moton Podcast, educating audiences on the history of Brown Vs. Board of Education. Coordinated and interviewed guests, created artistic covers, scripts, and formats for episodes.
Longwood C.L.A.S.P Men’s Empowerment Student Leader
Longwood University
Sep 2020 - May 2022 (1 year 8 months)
Elected to lead and mentor men in the C.L.A.S.P. program, facilitating discussions on academic and personal growth. Led tutoring sessions and collaborated with organizations to support first-generation and minority students.
Black Student Association Historian
Longwood University
Sep 2021 - May 2022 (8 months)
Elected as Historian for the Black Student Association, updating students on current events and campus involvement. Attended Student Government Association meetings to advocate for change and inform members about NAACP programs.
Assistant Youth League Basketball Coach
Prince Edward Fundamental Youth Athletics (PEFYA)
Jan 2017 - Dec 2019 (2 years 11 months)
Attended and facilitated youth league basketball practices, instilling hard work and sportsmanship. Provided training and conditioning, and aided students with academics through tutoring.
Guest Service Assistant
Robert Russa Moton Museum
Aug 2018 - Aug 2022 (4 years)
Facilitated guided tours, providing historical information about Prince Edward County's segregation/desegregation history. Assisted in organizing special events and managed the gift shop, providing customer service.
Volunteer
Farmville F.A.C.E.S. Food Pantry
Sep 2017 - May 2022 (4 years 8 months)
Assisted with bagging meals for patrons, unloading food trucks, and organizing and inventorying supplies. Contributed to community support by ensuring efficient food distribution.
Longwood University MLK Challenge Day
Longwood University
Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 (3 years)
Participated in the MLK Challenge Day, a university-wide volunteering event promoting service and community engagement. Provided aid to elderly individuals, cleaned parks and highways, and promoted unity.
Customer Service Associate
Game Stop, Inc.
Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year 11 months)
Provided customer care, assisted with store inventory and re-organization, and managed cash register transactions. Accompanied the store key holder during nightly deposits.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Lynchburg
Master’s Degree, Mental Health Counseling
Grade: 3.64
Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a strong academic record. The program is CACREP Accredited, focusing on comprehensive mental health practices.
Longwood University
Bachelor’s Degree, Mass Communications
Completed a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Mass Communications and a concentration in Digital Media. Gained foundational knowledge in communication theories and digital content creation.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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