As a teenager, Class of 2026 counseling grad Grace Schroeder participated in a queer social media account with over 40,000 followers and witnessed firsthand the need for support services.
“These experiences ultimately solidified my belief that becoming a therapist was not just a career choice, but a calling,” Schroeder said.
To gain the education to fulfill her career goal, she enrolled in Cal State Fullerton’s master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy.
“I sought a program that emphasized both rigor and social justice,” she said. “I felt confident that CSUF’s counseling program would support me in growing into a more thoughtful and competent practitioner.”
For her academic excellence and community advocacy, Schroeder is the recipient of the Alumni Association’s 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
“Receiving this award reinforces my commitment to continuing my work and making a meaningful impact in my field,” she said. “It’s both an honor and a responsibility to keep striving for excellence as a counselor and contributing to the community in ways that truly matter.”
In January, Schroeder graduated with a 4.0 GPA and landed her first counseling position at Provia Psychology, where she provides individual therapy to clients of all ages. She specializes in working with queer communities and creates a space that is grounded in client-centered care.
“I’m involved in this field because I deeply value human connection, and the transformative impact of feeling truly seen and understood,” said Schroeder, who plans to participate in the College of Health and Human Development’s May commencement ceremony.
Eric W. Price, associate professor of counseling, said Schroeder consistently distinguished herself as an exceptional student, supportive peer, servant leader and amazing counselor.
“Grace is very committed to community involvement and is truly a servant leader. She is committed to putting others before herself and strives to remove barriers to help others succeed,” Price said. “She approaches all her work with positivity and generosity as she supports others to create an inclusive and affirming space wherever she goes.”
For her capstone research project, Schroeder focused on how video games can be used as a therapeutic tool to support self-reflection and identity exploration, particularly for queer counseling students.
“The idea is to explore how the gaming experience itself can create a space for emotional processing, self-connection and meaningful conversation,” Schroeder said. “Rather than therapy happening separately from the activity, the game becomes part of the therapeutic process.”
During her master’s program, Schroeder served as chair of her college’s Inter-Club Council and held leadership roles with the counseling honor society, Chi Sigma Iota, Kappa Omega chapter. She also interned at Radiant Health Centers, providing counseling services to LGBTQ+ clients.
As Schroeder gains counseling experience, she aspires to attain leadership roles in her field and contribute to policy to support mental health care, centered on accessibility and inclusion.
“Being involved in spaces like these would allow me to bridge clinical work, advocacy and innovation to expand how we think about healing and connection,” she said.