Breaking the stigma: Bethel College welcomes two new counselors
Dayna Baxter and Mari Sailors bring unique and fresh perspectives to student mental health at the college.
Throughout the past few years, there have been several changes to the face of mental health at Bethel College. This year, the College has gained the addition of two new wellness counselors: Dayna Baxter and Mari Sailors. Both individuals bring a much-needed welcoming environment and diverse approach to the mental health of students on campus.
Baxter contributes a wealth of experience to the mental health and counseling department at Bethel. Before joining Bethel, Baxter completed her undergraduate degree in social work from Goshen College, and earned her master’s degree from Campbellsville University in Kentucky.
She then went on to teach in the social work program at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, and launched two police social work programs. Her career has also been marked by a strong commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. “I worked a lot on the advocacy end,” Baxter noted, “helping with protective orders and safety planning.”
After 2020, Baxter continued her work in crisis intervention and support for first responders. After moving to Kansas with her partner, Baxter took a social work position at a jail, providing individual therapy to the inmates there. “I wanted to get more well-rounded and then in the spring I started stepping out into private practice,” she shared. Her private practice experience broadened her skills in dealing with issues like suicide, depression, and mood disorders.
The position at Bethel appealed to Baxter because it allowed her to return to higher education and engage with students face-to-face. “I loved just the small feel, the more intimate family feel,” said Baxter.
She hopes to help work towards building up the program, emphasizing the importance of program sustainability and putting processes in place that can be carried over no matter who’s in the position.
Mari Sailors also joins Bethel as a new wellness counselor. Originally from Oklahoma, Sailors has spent most of her life in Newton, Kansas. She holds a master’s degree in health and wellness coaching and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Specifically, she is a certified health wellness and life coach through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches, as well as a licensed bachelor's level social worker.
Before joining Bethel, Sailors spent six years working in admissions with international students at Hesston College, and also teaches at Wichita State University Tech. “I feel really at home with college students, and of course Bethel has been in my backyard basically,” Sailors explained. Her values align with those of a Mennonite institution like Bethel, and she was eager to join. “There was no hesitation about Bethel. It’s an institution that I’ve always been very impressed with.”
Sailors highlighted the importance of serving and helping others become the best version of themselves. “Everybody has the capacity to make their own change inside them,” she said. “This life journey that we’re all on is really hard and we can’t do it without community.”
“Everybody has the capacity to make their own change inside them,” she said. “This life journey that we’re all on is really hard and we can’t do it without community.”
Mari Sailors
Both counselors offered words of encouragement and reassurance to students who are hesitant to reach out or ask for help. “Dana and I are both easygoing and we’re excited to be here,” said Sailors. “Everything that you tell us is confidential and we’ve probably heard it before and it’s all okay, we’re here for you.”
Baxter echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to take the first step and ask for help. “I definitely encourage students who aren’t really sure to step in and say hi,” said Baxter. Both counselors stressed the importance of openness in connecting students with the resources they need. “I think that’s how you break the stigma and make it more comfortable for people to come in.” Baxter continued, “Let’s normalize going to talk to someone.”
“I definitely encourage students who aren’t really sure to step in and say hi… I think that’s how you break the stigma and make it more comfortable for people to come in.” Baxter continued, “Let’s normalize going to talk to someone.”
Dayna Baxter