A young mother and children’s book author found faith, support and purpose while pursuing graduate studies.
Rheannon Trampf (’26) came to CUW looking for a counseling program that could fit her life as a young mother and found a community that strengthened her faith, deepened her calling and prepared her to serve others with compassion.
For Trampf, pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling was not simply an academic decision. It was a step of faith. “I chose Concordia because the virtual option made it possible for me to pursue my education while raising two children,” Trampf said, noting that a fully in-person program would not have allowed her to continue in the same way.
That flexibility mattered. But what she found was more than convenience. She found care. “I was drawn to this campus because of its strong sense of community and the genuine care faculty show for both students and one another,” she said.
A program marked by support
Trampf, who graduated this month, described the support she received as “outstanding,” noting she was able to get answers promptly regardless of which professor she contacted.
That support became especially meaningful during difficult seasons. She pointed to Professor Bargmann, Dr. Laura Kaae and Professor Laura Adameak as faculty members who made a lasting impact.
“They consistently responded promptly, supported me like enthusiastic professional cheerleaders and checked in during challenging times, making me feel truly valued and genuinely cared for as a student,” Trampf said.
Professor Laura Adameak, assistant director of graduate counseling, said Trampf brings the kind of heart and reflective spirit that will serve her well in the profession.
“Rheannon is a dedicated professional counseling student who brings thoughtfulness, compassion and genuine curiosity to her counselor training,” Adameak said. “She demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals across diverse settings, and her collaborative spirit and reflective nature position her to make a meaningful impact in the counseling profession.”
Learning that becomes real
One of the most meaningful parts of the program was her internship experience, where she saw firsthand how her coursework prepared her to support clients in real-life settings.
“It reinforced the strength of the counseling program because I have been able to succeed in my internship based on the foundation I gained through my coursework,” she said.
She also appreciated the way Concordia’s program structure helped students build connections, even in an online format. The video discussion posts helped classmates get to know one another on a more personal level, she said, and she even recognized some of them at graduation.
That sense of connection helped her grow not only as a counseling student, but also as a person. “I have grown as a mom, a student and a friend, and I have also found my purpose in life,” she said. “I feel so proud of the person I am and have so much confidence.”
Faith in the middle of the unknown
Trampf’s experience has also strengthened her faith in a deeply personal way. “I grew up in a strong faith-based household but stepped away from it for a few years, and this university and program helped me see how faith in God can help you get through obstacles I never imagined I could face. I thank God every day for His love and forgiveness,” she said.
One moment in particular stands out. When she began practicum, her initial site was not what she had expected. She remembers going home to her husband and saying, “I can’t do this.”
She felt panicked and worried she might need to take a semester off, so she emailed 28 nearby counseling sites asking whether they could urgently take her on for practicum or internship. Most did not respond. Five said no. “I prayed continuously,” Trampf said.
The next day, one clinic responded. Although the clinic had not planned to take another intern until fall, the timing worked out.
“I truly believe God placed this opportunity in my hands and answered my prayers,” she said. “I am still working there and have found a lot of value in my time at the ATT Center in Green Bay, Wis.”
Family, perseverance and purpose
Trampf’s journey has been shaped by perseverance. She gave birth in June 2024 and filmed her first discussion-post video just one day later.
That is not exactly the usual “welcome back to class” routine, and coffee probably deserved an honorary degree. “I often completed papers and assignments after my kids went to bed,” she said.
She credits her husband, parents, in-laws and sister-in-law for helping make the journey possible. “It really does take a village,” Trampf said, “and their support made it possible for me to finish assignments or even take time to work from a coffee shop while they cared for the kids.”
That same heart for children and emotional well-being also inspired her to become an author. Her children’s book, “Luca’s Heavy Backpack,” grew out of her own experience with big feelings.
“The story follows Luca as he carries all of his emotions in his backpack and learns that big feelings can become too heavy to carry alone, and that talking to a trusted adult can help take the weight off,” Trampf said.
Adameak also celebrated this part of Trampf’s work, noting that her book “thoughtfully supports emotional growth by helping children feel safe, understood and supported as they process their feelings.”
Carrying compassion into the counseling profession
Now preparing for her next steps, she is looking for a professional counseling position in the Fox Valley area. She also plans to begin a doctorate in behavioral health through Arizona State University Online in January 2027, with the goal of growing as a behavioral health professional in integrated health care systems.
“My hope is to one day do behavioral health consulting in a hospital setting with physicians, APNPs, PAs, nurses and more,” she said. “Helping educate others on the importance of behavioral health is a huge goal of mine.”
One counseling mindset she will carry forward is simple but powerful. “Solutions are not always what people need,” Trampf said. “Sometimes the greatest value comes from simply being understood, validated and heard.”
For anyone considering Concordia’s counseling program, Trampf offers the same advice she carried with her as a student therapist intern.
“Do it scared,” she said. “By stepping directly into fear, I have seen growth and a decrease in anxiety over time, compared with when avoidance takes over. If you are considering the program but feeling scared, I encourage you to set up a meeting with an advisor and learn more about how supportive and meaningful the program truly is.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.