_Arava became interested in counseling during college at Eastern Michigan
University in Ypsilanti where she majored in social work. She worked
with school-aged students in outdoor education, facilitating groups in
emotional work, including team building, communication, and
self-awareness. Throughout her career, Arava has worked with adults
with severe and persistent mental illnesses, where she learned valuable
skills in crisis management. She earned her master's degree in clinical
social work at the State University of New York-Buffalo in 2009,
completing her field work as a School Social Worker at Cheektowaga HS.
Most recently Arava worked for Axis Health System as a child, adolescent
and family therapist both in an outpatient setting, and in the School
Based Health Center in Durango High School. In Arava's free time she
enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family :0)