Harcourt (center) with her parents Kathy (left) and Brown in 2001. Harcourt said it was her mother, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who inspired her to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED
Harcourt (center) with her parents Kathy (left) and Brown in 2001. Harcourt said it was her mother, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who inspired her to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED
Harcourt graduated from Carrol High School in Dayton and said she had no idea what she wanted in terms of a career. But after taking a social work class, he said he suddenly knew what his profession would be.
Harcourt is shown at her graduation from Carroll High School. At the time, she “had no idea” what she wanted to do with her life. She stumbled upon a social work class at Wright State University and developed a passion for the job.
Harcourt is shown at her graduation from Carroll High School. At the time, she “had no idea” what she wanted to do with her life. She stumbled upon a social work class at Wright State University and developed a passion for the job.
“After graduating from Wright State, I was 21 years old and started looking for internships,” Harcourt said.
But instead of staying in Dayton, she was referred to a position in Springfield, primarily because of her interest in working with the Hispanic population.
From 2007 to 2013, Harcourt worked for Clark County Children’s Services, performing a variety of roles from visiting children living in foster care to removing children from unsafe homes. Eventually, she was hired for a full-time position and she ultimately decided to pursue a master’s degree in social administration.
With all those balls in the air, Harcourt’s schedule was remarkably busy. Then, in 2010, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after having trouble breathing and a fever. The enlarged lymph nodes were later determined to be cancerous. Harcourt continued to work and attend classes while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for six months, eventually going into remission.
Harcourt was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 while working full time and pursuing her master’s degree in social administration. She had six months of chemotherapy and radiation and continued to work and attend school. She remains in remission today. CONTRIBUTED
Harcourt was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 while working full time and pursuing her master’s degree in social administration. She had six months of chemotherapy and radiation and continued to work and attend school. She remains in remission today. CONTRIBUTED
In 2013, Harcourt began working as a behavioral health therapist for Rocking Horse Community Health in Springfield, which specializes in working with Springfield’s underserved communities.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything for Harcourt, who decided to seek more opportunities to work remotely after the 2020 lockdown forced her to stay home.
“I decided to apply for a social work position at Thriveworks in Dayton,” said Harcourt. “I was immediately drawn to the idea of bringing therapy online and making it easier for people to get the help they need.”
Today, Harcourt continues her work at Rocking Horse Community Health, but also works part-time as a social worker for Thriveworks, a company that offers in-person and online appointments for people struggling with a wide variety of mental health disorders. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Companies like Thriveworks have provided easier access for people who need help,” Harcourt said. “Online services are less stressful for clients and therapists.”
Harcourt also confirms what professional studies have revealed: People in general experienced more anxiety and depression than ever before during 2020 and 2021.
“I’ve seen a lot of anxiety and it’s not going to go away anytime soon,” Harcourt said. “We have hundreds of people waiting for care, and ironically, therapists are overworked and have to monitor our own stress levels.”
This is especially important for cancer survivors, like Harcourt, who remain in remission after their cancer was found early. She constantly works to maintain a good balance between her professional and personal life. And spending time with her parents, who live in Beavercreek, is vital to her own mental health. She has also been a single mother since 2020 and is raising an 8-year-old son.
“Community mental health is stressful but also very rewarding,” Harcourt said. “My heart is in Dayton, and I would really love to move there again one day.”
To learn more, log on to prosperworks.com/dayton-counseling.
