Madari finds her calling thousands of miles from home through Lipscomb’s MFT program
Kim Chaudoin |
When Réka Madari walks across the graduation stage in May to receive her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University, it will mark the culmination of a journey that began thousands of miles away in a small Hungarian city in the heart of Romania.
Born and raised in Transylvania, Madari’s path to becoming a therapist has been anything but traditional. But through determination, faith and a passion for helping others, she has found both her calling and her community at Lipscomb.
Madari, who has made her home in Nashville for the past 14 years, first returned to school in 2021 as a nontraditional student, earning an associate degree in health science from Nashville State Community College before transferring to Lipscomb, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Though she had long known she wanted to work in a helping profession, it was not until an undergraduate class at Lipscomb that her professional path became clear.
“I’ve always wanted to work in a helping profession in some shape or form,” recalled Madari. “For a long time, I didn’t know exactly how I would do that until I took one of Dr. Hunter Stanfield’s classes. He was incredibly inspiring, and I loved hearing about his clinical experiences. He opened that door for me toward MFT, answered all my questions and helped guide me toward this path.”
Madari said Lipscomb stood out during her college search because of the way the university treated her from the very beginning.
“Lipscomb was the only university where I truly felt seen and valued as a person, not just as a student, a number or a task,” she shared. “Every time I reached out with questions, it felt like I was talking to family or close friends who are there to help and support me.”
As a wife, mother, graduate student and clinical intern, Madari has balanced multiple responsibilities while completing her degree. She credits her family and support system for helping her persevere.
“Graduate school has been challenging in many ways,” she said. “In addition to being a full-time student, I worked at different clinics to make sure I completed my required hours while I am a mom and a wife as well. I’m incredibly grateful for my husband’s support. Without him, I don’t think I could have managed the challenges of balancing family, school and work.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Madari’s graduate school experience has been learning to conduct therapy in English, her second language. What initially felt like a challenge became an unexpected strength in the therapy room.
“At the beginning, I was very nervous,” she said. “I worried that clients might not take me seriously because of my accent or grammar mistakes. But I quickly realized that what I thought would be a barrier actually became a valuable therapeutic tool.”
Madari said her perspective as someone from another culture often deepens conversations with clients and helps build stronger therapeutic relationships.
“Because I didn’t grow up here, I naturally invite clients to share more about their cultural background and lived experiences,” she said. “Topics that might feel like common knowledge to others often become opportunities for deeper connection in my work.”
Throughout her academic journey, Madari said Lipscomb’s faculty and community have made a lasting impact.
“It has truly been the best experience,” she said. “I always knew my professors were there for me and genuinely cheering for my success. Everywhere I go I highly recommend Lipscomb. I’m a proud Bison!”
Following graduation, Madari plans to begin her professional career as a therapist, with hopes of working with adults and eventually specializing in geriatric populations and trauma-informed care.
“I hope to find a position where I can work with adults in their 30s and older. To work with geriatric population would be a dream come true,” she said. “During my graduate program, I realized this is the population I connect with most naturally and truly enjoy working with.”
As she prepares to begin the next chapter of her career, Madari remains grateful for the people and experiences that helped shape her journey.
“I believe everyone has something to teach me,” she said. “I am truly grateful for that.”