Get to know us at aim
It’s hard to get to know counselors before actually getting into counseling sessions. Our interns here at AIM have a paragraph or two on the main website to tell you all about who they are, but that’s not very much is it? So to help you all get to know them a little better, we asked them some questions about who they are and how they think. Check out their answers below.
Karen Jiles
Why did you become a counselor?
I became a counselor because I know what it feels like to go through hard things without always having the right support. The experiences I’ve lived through shaped how I see people and taught me the importance of having someone who listens without judgment. Those moments are why I show up the way I do now; steady, compassionate, and committed to helping others feel understood and supported as they work through their own challenges.
What is your counseling style?
My counseling style is calm, supportive, and collaborative. I meet people where they are and create space for them to talk openly without feeling judged. I’m very person‑centered and I focus on helping people slow down, reflect, and tap into the strengths they already have. I bring empathy, honesty, and cultural awareness into the room, and I work with clients to build practical skills they can use in their everyday lives
What does self care mean to you?
Self‑care, for me, is about giving myself permission to rest and pay attention to what I’m feeling. It means listening to my body, honoring my emotions, and setting boundaries that protect my peace. After everything I’ve lived through, I’ve learned that self‑care isn’t a luxury; it’s how I stay grounded and healthy enough to support others. Sometimes that looks like quiet time, journaling, prayer, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
Quote That Reflects Who I Am:
A saying that really reflects who I am is, ‘I show up the way I needed someone to show up for me.’ This is how I aim to guide how I work with others.
Becky Snow
Why did you become a counselor?
I worked in mental health in Alaska for two years and was honored to help clients thrive. It was wonderful to watch them improve over time, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I care deeply for people of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and ages.
What is your counseling style?
My counseling style is integrative person-centered and humanistic.
What does self care mean to you?
For me, self care means spending time outdoors every day when possible, whether walking in the woods or by the water, biking, running, paddle boarding, or hiking. It also means spending time with friends and family, eating a healthy diet, maintaining good sleep hygiene, meditating, reading literature, and working on my novels and poetry.
Favorite quote or saying:
"Sometimes the break in your heart is like the hole in the flute. Sometimes it’s the place where the music comes through." ~ Andrea Gibson
jenn burnette
Why did you become a counselor?
I became a counselor because I desired a career where I can have a meaningful impact on the life of another human being. I believe our mental health and well-being is key to living an empowered and connected life, and that everyone should have access to healing. I am deeply curious about the human experience and its unique impact on each person.
What is your counseling style?
My style of counseling offers a supportive base for exploration and growth. I provide my clients with new perspectives and gently name the patterns that are maintaining the status quo, while empowering and supporting my clients in the changes they wish to make. I also pay attention to how the systems my clients reside within have shaped their unique experiences.
What does self care mean to you?
To me, self care means prioritizing the many facets of my health so I am able to show up for my clients, my community, and myself from a place of compassion, presence, and intentionality.
Favorite quote or saying:
"You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously." - Sophia Bush
delilah collins
Why did you become a counselor?
I decided to pursue a masters degree in addiction and mental health studies because it is such an epidemic in this country and the world.
But the beautiful thing about life, is there are solutions. But people have to be aware of them, get access to them and understand the psychoeducation behind the brain and how recovery can work to change lives.
I am particularly interested in seeing the involvement of Corporate America to promote awareness as well as funding for recovery from mental health and substance abuse disorders.
What is your counseling style?
My counseling style is biospychosocial/person centered. We are not the masters of the universe as counselors and we need to fully listen and get to know our clients in order be able to guide them to a healthier, happier life that they are trying to pursue.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care: balance, being of service, volunteering to help, sleep/rest, exercise, prayer/soulfulness, nature, gratitude.
Favorite quote or saying:
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi
