Stephanie Hairston, MSW

Stephanie Hairston received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from Pomona College and her Master of Social Work degree from New York University. She spent several years in the field of clinical social work before transitioning into professional writing and editing. As a social worker, she provided group and individual therapy, crisis intervention, and assessment services in substance abuse, mental health, and hospice programs. She has also worked as a technical writer for a medical software company and as an in-house editor for a company that appeals insurance coverage denials for behavioral health treatment.

In her work, she has gained insight into the complex interactions between psychological, medical, legal and social issues. Her diverse experiences as a social worker convinced her that education about the causes and effects of behavioral health conditions is essential to recovery. She carries this conviction forward into her work as a mental health freelance and ghostwriter. Stephanie is dedicated to providing clear and accurate content that helps people understand the issues they face and the best ways to address them.

Outside of her work as a freelance writer, Stephanie is an avid reader, rescue animal advocate and group fitness enthusiast. She sometimes moonlights as a fiction editor for her partner Chet and needs to take her own novel out of a drawer. She recently received her certification to teach Pound, a “rockout workout” that uses movements from drumming and Pilates to inspire people to push themselves and leave it all on the mat.