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School of Social Work
Indiana University

Because You Matter: Rural Telehealth & Wellbeing

Looking for ways to manage stress, depression and anxiety, build motivation for change, or connect to helpful community resources? Because You Matter provides free mental health support in partnership with rural communities throughout Indiana.

Description of the video:

Rural communities have fewer options for health care, mental health services, and to Internet access. For you, this means you might have to wait three months to see someone for care. And since only about half of rural Hoosiers have access to high-speed Internet, you may not be able to access online resources such as telehealth services.

Because you matteris a program designed to address these challenges.

We are making it easier to connect rural residence with free confidential social work services. 

Because you matter, we aim to improve the health and wellness throughout Indiana, one community at a time.

Statewide Telehealth Access for Rural Indiana Residents

All student practitioners provide telehealth services to rural Indiana residents. Services are available regardless of your location within the state.

CTA

Meet our Student Practitioners

Rural Indiana residents age 18+ can call or email our clinic for support. You may also contact a student practitioner directly by call or text. Free, private telehealth services are available statewide.
  • Headshot of Annika Fuller
    812-312-4602

    Annika Fuller

    Annika Fuller is a Master of Social Work student at Indiana University. She has experience working with adults facing addiction and life after incarceration and is passionate about helping and advocating for individuals from all backgrounds. Annika comes from an agricultural background and is committed to increasing access to resources and support in rural communities. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Annika understands the challenges that can arise when services are limited. She is enthusiastic about providing psychoeducation and helping clients better understand the origins of their behaviors, thought patterns, and emotions. Through a supportive and collaborative approach, she works to empower clients as they pursue growth and positive change.

  • 812-302-2753

    Evelyn Seymore

    Hi, I’m Evelyn Seymour, a graduate student in social work. I have experience providing behavioral health services to neurodivergent individuals and helping them develop skills that support long-term success. I have also provided crisis intervention services through a crisis hotline. My areas of experience include depression, autism, skill development, and life transitions. I strive to create a warm and empathetic environment where clients feel supported and understood. My approach is strengths-based and considers both the individual and the systems that shape their experiences. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call (812) 302-2753.

  • Headshot of Mariana Stavig
    812-310-3155

    Mariana Stavig

    Mariana Stavig is a bilingual (Spanish) MSW student practitioner with experience supporting individuals navigating mental health concerns, substance use and recovery, and life transitions, including those related to aging and caregiving. Mariana believes that effective care considers the whole person and the context of their life. She helps clients understand how their experiences, relationships, and circumstances may affect how they feel and respond today. She takes a collaborative approach that builds on each person’s existing strengths and respects their right to pursue changes that are meaningful to them. If you’d like to connect, please call (812) 310-3155. Si desea ponerse en contacto, por favor llame al (812) 310-3155.

  • 812-312-4869

    Abigale Strader

    Abigale Strader is an MSW student practitioner who supports individuals navigating emotional challenges and recovery journeys. She has interests in community resources, crisis care, and care coordination. Abigale also works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma-related concerns. She values empathy, resilience, and person-centered care in her work with clients. Abigale strives to create a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered in their growth and healing.

  • headshot of Kira Voelker
    812-326-5549

    Kira Voelker

    Kira Voelker is a master's in social work student at Indiana University. She has experience in peacebuilding, international social work, and community development and engagement. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and strengthening rural communities through authentic, community-centered engagement. Skilled at listening to local voices, building trust, and developing partnerships that connect rural populations with resources, opportunities, and solutions that reflect their unique needs.

A black and white photo of parents and a child in field walking on a log

You don't have to do it alone

Parenting is one of the hardest and most important jobs you'll ever do.

Parenting Skills Online is an online learning experience created by university online training researchers, parenting experts, and online instructional designers. It builds on years of experience helping families reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Whether you're parenting on your own, co-parenting, or raising kids in a close-knit community, this course offers tools that work in real life.In our anonymous online forum, you can connect with other parents to share ideas, reflect on real challenges, and learn together. You can participate at any time, from any place. No names, no pressure, just real support. Contact BYM for more information or to get started!

Contact BYM for more information

Our Staff

Our staff bring experience, mentorship, and dedication to supporting students and rural communities. They guide future practitioners while strengthening access to mental health services. Their work reflects a shared commitment to education, equity, and community care.
  • Headshot of Kristin Funk
    Clinical Supervisor/Practicum Instructor

    Kristin Funk, LCSW, LCAC, CSWM

    Kristin has been part of Because You Matter since it began. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she is dedicated to mentoring and guiding future practitioners as the program’s clinical supervisor and practicum instructor. Currently a doctoral candidate, Kristin is also an emerging scholar with a research focus on digital equity and rural telehealth.

  • Headshot of Gretchen Hall
    Task Instructor

    Gretchen Hall, MSW, LSW, MFA

    Gretchen Hall, LSW, brings firsthand experience to her role, having completed her practicum with BYM. She now serves as Task Instructor, guiding the next cohort of incoming students. With 15 years of experience working with college-age students, Gretchen offers a deep understanding of the unique challenges that accompany this pivotal stage of life. A graduate of Indiana University’s MSW program, Gretchen’s clinical focus includes grief, life transitions, addictions, women’s health, and perinatal mental health. She works from a strengths-based framework and believes deeply in the inner strength and resilience each client carries. Her warm, empathetic, and compassionate approach creates a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. As clients navigate their own paths, she helps foster healing, growth, and resilience.

  • Intervention Trainer

    Jenny Staats, LSW

    Jenny has been with BYM since 2023 as a practicum student and then task instructor. Now in private practice, Jenny serves as our designated intervention trainer, bringing real-word experience to teach our students evidenced-based best practices. She is passionate about access to rural mental health services and has a huge heart for Because You Matter.

Leadership & Program Development

Our work brings together leadership, partnerships, and shared commitment to expand mental health support. We collaborate with communities to grow programs that are responsive, accessible, and sustainable. Ongoing evaluation and thoughtful planning help ensure meaningful impact across rural Indiana.
  • John M. Keesler, PhD, LMSW

    John Keesler’s work focuses on strengthening rural community workforce development, with an emphasis on expanding capacity to address mental health needs. His research and practice center on building sustainable systems that support providers and improve access to care in underserved communities.

  • David A. Wilkerson, PhD, MSW

    David Wilkerson focuses on advancing rural access to digital technologies that support mental health services and community-based care. His work explores how technology can be integrated with trusted local networks to expand reach, improve engagement, and strengthen outcomes in rural settings.

Contact Because You Matter

Call or email to access free, private support services. Services are available to rural Indiana residents age 18 and older. Statewide telehealth is available across Indiana.