Her Story
About McKayla
McKayla Nick is a licensed professional counselor based in Clarion, Pennsylvania, specializing in mental health and addictions. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, she previously worked as a case manager before earning her bachelor's degree in rehabilitative science with a concentration in the addictions field from Clarion University after four years of study. She then pursued her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling through a three-year program at her local community college. After completing an internship at a therapist's office, McKayla obtained 3,000 hours of supervised experience and passed the National Counselor Exam on her second attempt to earn her state license in May. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and recently launched her private telehealth practice, Be Unfiltered, where she focuses on making clients feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for. McKayla attributes her success to her family and children, who have motivated her throughout her educational and professional journey. She values integrity, authenticity, honesty, kindness, and ethical practice in both her work and personal life, and she advises others not to wait for perfect readiness but to seek support, understand ethical responsibilities, and remain teachable.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with McKayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say definitely my family, my children. I got pregnant with my first son Riker when I was in undergrad... those two boys have definitely been my pursuit to continue.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Not to always define growth as linear. Growth doesn't always look like an up-going pattern... as long as your mindset is focused on getting back onto that path, it'll continue going up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until they feel completely ready. Preparation might matter but perfectionism can become another way of staying stuck. Seek out support and consultation, understand ethical responsibilities, and always remain teachable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are making sure that you're being seen and that people are finding you... I don't yet have my website launched... struggling just with people finding me right now.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethically, integrity, just being who you are, not wearing a fake front, being genuine and authentic, carrying yourself with integrity, honesty, kindness, caring for people, and just giving a shit about things.
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