Jordan Palma believes that the systems people move through schools, courts, families, and communities which shape how they understand themselves and what they believe is possible. Early in her studies, she began asking hard questions about fairness and opportunity, particularly for young people involved in the justice system. That curiosity led her to research bias in the juvenile justice system for her honors thesis and continues to guide the work she hopes to do moving forward.

Jordan is currently completing her Master of Social Work at Winthrop University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. During her internship with Healing Pathways, she has gained experience observing how different parts of the social work and mental health systems intersect, and how thoughtful, trauma-informed care can help individuals make sense of difficult experiences. She is developing her clinical perspective with the goal of becoming a licensed clinician working at the micro level, supporting individuals as they navigate personal challenges and systemic barriers.

Jordan brings a perspective shaped by both her academic work and her lived identity as a queer individual. She is especially interested in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and those who have been involved with the justice system or impacted by structural inequities. Her approach centers on meeting people where they are, recognizing the larger systems that influence their lives, and helping them find their voice within those experiences.

At Healing Pathways, Jordan is continuing to learn what it means to sit with people during difficult moments and support them as they move toward understanding and growth. Outside of her work and studies, she spends time with her 12-year-old cat, Turtle (named for her tortoiseshell patter) who has become a steady companion through long study sessions and the demands of graduate school.

Jordan hopes to build a clinical career that allows her to support individuals who have often felt overlooked or misunderstood, helping them move forward with greater clarity, dignity, and self-trust.