Senior Mental Health Counselor Leeanne Hadsel’s Commitment to Student Wellness
By Elysian Alder | Editor-in-Chief
Leeanne Hadsel stepped into the role of mental health counselor at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) in the fall semester of last year, following a vacancy left by the previous counselor’s departure in the spring semester. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and a background in trauma-informed care, Hadsel brings not only a wealth of knowledge in her field but also a special connection to the Mount, considering it an integral part of her personal success. Having taken classes at MWCC in the past to complete her remaining credits after experiencing difficulty at a traditional 4-year school, Hadsel stated,“The Mount provided the very-needed second chance to believe in myself and my desire to be educated. It was such a privilege that opened up a lot of doors for me. So I’m excited to become a member of the community again and work with students that have faced adversity and are trying to educate themselves and better their lives.”
Hadsel worked in law enforcement in a jail diversion program for 2 years prior to landing her role at the Mount, and she continues to serve as a negotiator for the Franklin County Special Response team, actively engaging in crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts with a central focus on destigmatization. “I was the first female to be appointed to the program, and I recently completed an FBI-sponsored negotiator training program,” stated Hadsel. “I’m really passionate about that work; when people are in crisis, they call 9-1-1. That’s just what happens, right? Until we promote 9-8-8 and the other behavioral health hotlines, people still call 9-1-1, so because law enforcement therefore becomes the point of access for treatment and support, I think it’s paramount that trained professionals are embedded in that capacity so that we can bolster the resources that are directly available.”
Hadsel’s journey into the field of mental health was catalyzed by deeply personal experiences and a desire for understanding and compassion. “My extended family has a lot of mental health concerns, substance misuse, things of that nature,” explained Hadsel. “Originally, I wanted to know more about myself and my family, about why this happened, but I feel really inspired to employ that knowledge in a way that improves the lives of other people.”
Following her time as a student at the Mount, Hadsel eventually went on to study at Johns Hopkins University. In her doctorate studies, she focused on the intersection of trauma and mental health and the ways that adverse childhood experiences inform future mental health presentations. “I think that in our culture, people believe that folks with a mental illness are weak-minded, or people who are addicted to something lack willpower or they’re bad people. And it’s really important to me to reconstruct that dialogue, to change the way that we perceive mental illness and addictions, because there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re likely behaving in this way because something happened to you. And I’m just really inspired to understand it deeply and to know more.”
A cornerstone of Hadsel’s approach when it comes to supporting the Mount’s community is meeting students where they are, both physically and emotionally. Understanding the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges, she offers a variety of resources and access points to ensure that every student can feel supported. “Our college community does a really good job of advocating, but that’s something that I’m continuing to find ways to enhance: the promotion of help with seeking self-care. We need to get better at getting better,” noted Hadsel. “Wellness is just as much a part of your success as showing up for class.”
From traditional cognitive behavior therapy to mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathwork, Hadsel ensures that her counseling approach is tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and preferences. Through a partnership with Christie Campus Health, MWCC also offers access to a service called Be Well The Mount, providing 24/7 access to counselors, telehealth visits, and a crisis line, ensuring support is readily available. Additionally, the Mount provides tangible spaces like a wellness room, furnished with amenities for relaxation and mindfulness, available for students and connected to Hadsel’s office. “It’s a really nice space just for people to quietly check in with themselves,” she said.
Hadsel recognizes the diversity within MWCC’s community, however, and understands that everyone has unique lived experiences that may influence the support they need. “I would consider myself very culturally humble and willing to learn,” she explained. “But regardless of anyone’s identity or background, I want to learn about you and your experiences and align what I’m doing in a way that honors your individual experience.”
Acknowledging the challenges inherent in her role and how taxing it may be, Hadsel emphasized the need for honesty and self-awareness in managing her workload. “I also go to therapy,” she admitted candidly. “I would be kind of a hypocrite if I didn’t access the resources that I preach, but I have the Insight Timer app on my phone. I listen to meditations. I do breath work. I legitimately practice what I work with other people on because I personally found that those skills help. I find that I do my best work when I’m taking care of myself, and that means prioritizing my own wellness, setting boundaries, saying no, asking questions, being vulnerable with myself and with other people, even though that can be deeply uncomfortable.”
Hadsel is working to make mental health resources readily available to all students on campus. Through initiatives like text-based scheduling, where students can simply text the word “help” to her direct line at 978-630-9292 to receive a link to a calendar to pick an available date and time that works for them, and collaboration with student services, Hadsel aims to make accessing support as easy as possible. Students have multiple options for scheduling appointments, including text messaging, online scheduling, or visiting Student Services for assistance. Appointments can be arranged for virtual or in-person sessions, and Hadsel is available at both the Gardner and Leominster campuses as needed.
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