An Interview with Grace Estabrook

by Gordon Nary

Gordon: What is one of your earliest childhood memories?

Grace: One of my earliest memories was traveling to Lake Michigan with my family to spend time at my aunt’s lakehouse. My cousins (all girls), sister, and I spent our summers at the beach, and grew up returning to Michigan each year for the 4th of July. It is a wonderful family tradition that has turned our little corner of heaven in Macatawa, Michigan into an extremely nostalgic place.

Gordon: Tell us something about your family.

Grace: My family are faithful Presbyterians. I converted to Catholicism my senior year of college at the University of Pennsylvania. My parents raised my younger sister and I to believe in God, go to church every Sunday, pray before meals, and live a good moral life according to the Ten Commandments. I am very grateful for the foundation and good soil that they gave me for the faith to really take root in me and become my own later in my time in college.

Gordon: When did you attend University of Pennsylvania, what degree did you earn, who was your favorite teacher, and why was that teacher your favorite?

Grace: I attended the Penn from 2018-2022. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Minor in Nutrition, and a Certificate in Spanish Language. I had numerous favorite professors - but Professor Monique Dowd and Dr. Ayelet Ruscio were my favorites. Professor Dowd was extremely kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable and passionate about what she was teaching. Dr. Ruscio was the same way, and she in particular inspired my desire to become a mental health counselor through her own passion for the profession.

Gordon: When did you attend Franciscan University of Steubenville, what degree did you earn, what was your favorite course, and why was that course your favorite?

Grace: I am currently completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Franciscan and am set to graduate in May of 2026. My favorite course so far has been Therapeutic Techniques of  Counseling, because this was the nitty-gritty course that taught me how therapists listen, engage with, and speak to their clients in a way that is compassionate and effective for creating an environment of healing and growth. It was practical, and essentially trained me on what my counseling sessions will look and sound like when I am a therapist.

Gordon: Please produce an overview of your work as a Campus Missionary

Grace: I was a campus missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) from 2022-2024 upon graduating from college. I worked at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I befriended and mentored students, led Bible studies and small groups, put on campus events, and accompanied students to various conferences and retreats. I did a lot of athlete outreach since I was a Division I athlete in college, and I got to talk to a lot of women about topics like the impact of faith on athletic career, why God cares about their sport, and what a gift our athleticism was.

Gordon: What initially interested you is becoming a counselor?

Grace: My journey into the profession of mental health counseling was slow. My initial interest was sparked in taking the Abnormal Psychology class with Dr. Ruscio in undergrad. This was compounded by my work in clinical research, where I realized that I loved the patient-facing care aspect of this job. Finally, my work as a missionary sealed the deal: I got to encounter many women in places of deep woundedness and pain, and I realized that I would love to be able to have the tools to clinically treat people in this way.

Gordon: Mental health challenges in children are a serious issue, with a significant portion experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. Please list the more common mental health challenges in children, and the treatment address the treatment options for each disorder.

Grace: Two big diagnoses in children right now are Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Treatment options for ADHD include behavior -based psychotherapy and medication. Applied behavior analysis is a great treatment option for autism. Anxiety disorders and depression are also common in children, with cognitive behavioral therapies being a good option for treatment. Finally, conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder can be particularly disruptive for children and parents, and best treatments include psychotherapy for both the child as well as trainings for their parents.

Gordon: What parish do you attend and what do you like most about your parish?

Grace: I attend Triumph of the Cross parish in Steubenville with my fiancé. I love the music, the pastor, and the rich family life that is present in the parish. I love our pastor’s zeal for prayer and mercy, as well as outreach and community events, and I think these are key elements that makes it a thriving parish. During the Triduum liturgies, there wasn’t enough room in the church for everyone, so people had to stand in the back! It’s a wonderful problem to have, and I pray that more priests and parishes can take on this missionary approach to Catholicism.

Gordon: Thank you for a great an inspirational interview.