Graduate Spotlight: Counseling grad plans to use degree, family’s experience to encourage prioritizing mental health

Misha Laster overcomes obstacles and leads the way for others to pursue their dreams.

Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491  |  12/21/2022

As Misha Laster prepared to receive her master’s in clinical mental health counseling with an addiction specialization from Lipscomb University at the Dec. 17 commencement ceremony, she reflected on some of the obstacles she has had to overcome on her education journey.

She navigated a few of life’s more difficult challenges, a child to care for, full-time job and typical adult responsibilities, at an early age. There were also other complications that would have derailed most other students. She experienced a time of homelessness, raising a child with autism spectrum disorder and the impact of family members struggling with addiction.

“This accomplishment means everything to me and my family because I have overcome so many barriers and set an example for my younger siblings,” said Laster. “It shows them they can pursue any career they want without the limitations of what they feel society or their environment tells them they have to be.”

Laster was drawn to addiction counseling because of her interest in its effect on mental health. She grew up with several family members addicted to substances and knows firsthand how it tears families apart and leaves a lasting impact on children raised in that environment. It often creates a cycle of trauma for all that it touches.

“I want people to know to always put your mental health first because if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be in a position to help anyone else,” Laster said. “I also want people to know that no matter what stands in your way, you should never give up. It’s not about where you come from but where you are going.”

Despite her environment and circumstances, Laster has made her education dream a reality and her story one that encourages others from similar backgrounds who want to pursue higher education.

“My whole life I always told my mom that I wanted to change the world, but I could never imagine that I would actually be doing it.”

Laster has passed the National Counselor Exam and has accepted a position at Cumberland Heights as a counselor. She is also continuing her work as a pre-licensed counselor at Ubuntu Counseling and Wellness for the hours required to obtain a Licensed Professional Counseling with a Mental Health Services Provider credential.

After reaching this significant goal, Laster is not going to stop dreaming of what she can accomplish. She is contemplating her next step as either working to open her own nonprofit or private practice for individuals without access to quality and adequate mental health services or pursuing a doctorate in clinical counseling or sports psychology.