Mary Hellstrom M.A. '16 is 1 of 35 students enrolled in Wheaton’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. Although it’s only four years old, the program has become well established, and Mary describes the curriculum as perpetually challenging and empowering. 

“The reading is endless but fascinating. Class discussions are intense but life-giving,” she says. 

Mary identifies Couples Therapy with Dr. David Van Dyke ’91 as her favorite course, where she learns much about herself and others. 

“We delve into how to handle the raw, human side of functional pairings,” Mary says. 

After majoring in biblical studies at Gardner-Webb University, Mary felt drawn to Wheaton’s MFT program, noting her choice became “clear” as she toured campus.

As Mary nears the end of her time at Wheaton, she feels ready to step out into the world and embrace the calling God has for her to speak into others’ lives with a voice of compassion and Christ-centered love. 

“I’ve been given the tools and knowledge not merely to practice a profession but to thrive in my vocation,” Mary says.

NAME: MARY HELLSTROM M.A. ’16

DEGREES: M.A. IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, WHEATON COLLEGE (IL); B.A. IN BIBLE/BIBLICAL STUDIES, GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

HOMETOWN: NAPLES, FL

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY INTERN AT CENTENNIAL COUNSELING CENTER IN ST. CHARLES, IL

FUN FACT: MARY’S FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM IS THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS