Our hope at The Seattle School is to be led by our alumni and their stories–how they labor to live out their calling among the people and communities they serve. Charlie Howell received his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) from The Seattle School in 2016. Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with him and learn how his time at The Seattle School shaped his journey.
When did you graduate?
I graduated in 2016 from the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program.
Where are you now?
After almost 5 years in Nashville, I recently moved about an hour away to Clarksville, Tennessee to live with my now wife and stepdaughter. Moving, getting married, and becoming a parent has been a huge transition, but I love my new life!
What shape has your vocation taken?
At some point during my internship at Recovery Cafe, I realized that being a therapist wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. I don’t function well when I have to sit still for long periods of time, so after graduation I found myself looking for ways to best use my passion for storytelling.
This has taken me in a number of different directions. I’m a photographer (mostly 35mm film these days) and love taking photos of people. I’m working with students as a tutor and often find myself mentoring as much as teaching, as many of my kids have ADHD and need extra support.
I’m also a small business consultant (redradnor.com) working with therapists (some from The Seattle School), small businesses, non-profits, and other sole practitioners on their business and marketing strategies. I build websites, create digital content, provide operational support, and set up SEO and social media profiles.
How has your vocation been shaped by your time at The Seattle School?
What I’m passionate about is the messaging side of my business. This is where my time at The Seattle School and my ability to listen to others and help them express their story has really impacted my professional life. Helping all types of small businesses, but especially therapists and other sole practitioners, understand their passion, narrow their focus, and use their stories to engage potential clients brings me great joy.
What new focuses/interests did you develop and pursue after graduation?
I’ve found myself drawn in a number of directions since graduation. Shooting film photography and playing pickleball are a couple of new interests. What has surprised me most since school is probably the way my creativity has come alive. My wife is a YouTube content creator and we work together in different ways, including photography.
Do you have any updates you’d like to share with your alumni family?
I recently got married and have a 9-year-old stepdaughter!
Any favorite memories from The Seattle School you’d like to share?
As I thought about this question, I kept coming back to the amazing trips and adventures school allowed me to experience. The location of the school and the available breaks allowed so much time for friends and me to see some of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever experienced. The school’s location in the PNW was such a blessing!
