My name is Jordana Novotny and I am an ISN Grant Writer. Currently, I am a graduate student at West Virginia University. My studies involve counseling, disability rehabilitation, and alumni and student networking. My undergraduate degree was in Psychology with research concentration on children and adolescents.

I was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma in 2002. I have made it my career goal and lifelong passion and to give back to those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. My hobbies are cooking, the fine arts, reading non-fiction, participating in variety of outdoor activities and sports, and working with animals.

In summer 2009, I will start my internship at the Veterans Benefits Administration. I am also co-founder of “Networking without Borders”. This project can deliver professional alliances and resources to my fellow counseling students with the least amount of confusion and with the most amount of support. Ideally, this site plans to provide the resources and framework for fostering global networking interdisciplinary alliances between professionals, paraprofessionals, and student counselors alike.

I am also very active in the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. I am a member of both the Ladies of Charity and the Associate Franciscan Program, which is a 3rd order lay movement within the Franciscan Sisters. If you have grant opportunities or ideas for the ISN, please contact me. My email address is jordana-novotny@sclero.org.