Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Sandino is a Lead Clinical Care Coordinator and Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (RAAC) based in Bellingham, Washington. She began her professional journey in behavioral health while studying psychology at Purdue University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2025. Shortly after graduation, she entered the mental health field, where she has developed expertise in care coordination, client advocacy, and counseling services for diverse populations. In her current leadership role, Sarah oversees client care coordination, therapist matching, scheduling, documentation management, and continuity of care initiatives. She also provides direct counseling services, working primarily with children, preteens, families, and Spanish-speaking populations. Her bilingual abilities and commitment to culturally responsive care allow her to effectively support individuals from diverse backgrounds while helping ensure timely access to mental health services. Sarah earned her Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Guided by values of empathy, compassion, integrity, and community service, she is dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges and access the support they need. Her professional accomplishments include earning a Certificate of Achievement in Italian and Cultural Competency and being promoted to Lead Clinical Care Coordinator, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and excellence in mental health care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the opportunity to help others and witness the positive impact that quality mental health care can have on their lives. Seeing clients gain access to services, make progress, and experience meaningful improvements motivates me every day. Knowing that my work contributes to better outcomes for individuals and families gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to "do it scared." Growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, and confidence is built through experience rather than waiting until we feel completely ready. By pushing through uncertainty, seeking supervision, and continuing to learn, I have been able to develop both professionally and personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the mental health profession to gain as much experience as possible and remain open to different roles, populations, and therapeutic approaches. Exploring various opportunities can help you discover strengths and interests you may not have initially considered. Being willing to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges is one of the best ways to build a meaningful and rewarding career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in mental health care is ensuring that clients are matched with clinicians who have the appropriate expertise, treatment modalities, and availability to meet their needs. Limited provider availability can result in referrals, waitlists, and delays in care. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity to improve care coordination processes, expand access to services, and create more efficient pathways for individuals seeking support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are empathy, compassion, integrity, and understanding the perspectives of others. I believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care. In both my professional and personal life, I strive to foster supportive environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered, while contributing positively to the communities I serve.
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