February 2022,  EDGE Learning and Wellness expanded its team and welcomed Yonne Houston, MA to the program. Houston is one of EDGE’s two Therapeutic Life Coaches. At EDGE, Therapeutic Life Coaches work one-on-one with students to help them set goals, make action plans, and get in touch with their thoughts and feelings. With the addition of a second Therapeutic Life Coach, EDGE is now able to offer expertise in new areas and provide students with more one-on-one time.

Houston is thrilled to join the team and is looking forward to helping students on their journeys to independence. Her experience working as a transitional living liaison, along with growing up in Chicago, gives her a special insight into the EDGE student experience. “I’m Chicago raised and I’m really proud of it.” Houston replied when asked about living in Chicago. “Everything I’ve learned about how to take on life has come from this city, especially the neighborhood I grew up in.”

Since earning her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Illinois Springfield, Houston has served in cities all across the country, helping people heal and grow by demonstrating radical self-care and emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Houston also has a special interest in using sound to help people heal. “I don’t think there’s one person on the planet that doesn’t connect with music.” Houston explained. “Music lets you express the things you don’t know how to say. Expressing with music doesn’t interrupt you and doesn’t give you rules or regulations. It’s universal and everyone can tap into it.” Houston has already spotted some EDGE students with hidden talents and is looking forward to the next EDGE karaoke night.

As EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community continues to expand, they look forward to bringing on additional experts and team members to help EDGE students grow and reach their fullest potential.

About EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community

EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is an accredited transitional living program located in Chicago, IL. EDGE offers therapeutically supported residential and non-residential options for post-treatment young adults. The participants, ages 18 -24, are striving to excel academically while creating a life of balance, joy, and wellness.