AAPI Heritage Month 2025 – A Q&A with Stella (Sheetal) Rao, Marriage & Family Intern

What is your role at Momentum for Health and how long have you been with the agency?

I’m currently a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) intern at FSP residential. Before this role, I worked as a per diem Crisis Residential Specialist (CRS) for two years, supporting clients across the five different residential facilities. My time at Momentum has deepened my passion for trauma-informed care and strengthened my commitment to client-centered healing.

What does the work of behavioral health mean to you?

Behavioral health work, to me, is about walking alongside individuals as they navigate some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments in their lives. It means meeting people where they are, offering empathy without judgment, and helping them uncover their inner strength and capacity for growth. It’s both a responsibility and a privilege to support others in finding stability, meaning, and hope.

What is your favorite book, movie, or podcast?

One of my favorite movies is Inside Out. It does an incredible job of illustrating the importance of emotional awareness and how every emotion, even sadness, plays a vital role in our mental well-being. It’s a beautiful, accessible way to start conversations about emotional regulation, especially with younger clients or families.

How is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month meaningful to you?

AAPI Heritage Month is an important time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It’s also a time to reflect on the unique challenges we face, particularly around mental health, stigma, and representation, and to celebrate resilience, creativity, and connection within our communities.

What are some ways that you, your family, and/or friends celebrate AAPI month in May (and the rest of the year)?

We celebrate by sharing stories, reconnecting with cultural traditions, supporting local AAPI-owned businesses, and engaging in conversations around identity and mental health. Throughout the year, we stay connected to our heritage through food, language, and honoring our elders’ wisdom.

Anything else you’d like to share or want people to know?

I believe mental health care should be accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in compassion. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that works every day to make that a reality.