Michaelae Cotton’s journey is one of quiet battles and powerful breakthroughs — a story shaped by mental health challenges, unexpected setbacks, and a fierce determination to rewrite her future.

From a young age, Michaelae struggled with auditory hallucinations. Despite this, she pushed forward with her education, completing most of her coursework at Indiana University. But the weight of her mental illness eventually brought things to a halt. 

“When I was first diagnosed with unspecified psychosis, I didn’t want to believe it,” she said. “Those with this diagnosis are often described as ‘crazy.’ I was embarrassed and felt ashamed.” 

Her diagnosis forced her to step away from school before earning her degree. When Michaelae became pregnant, her mental health hit another low point. She experienced suicidal ideations and felt herself teetering on the edge. 

But rather than give up, she found a reason to fight: her unborn daughter, Ya’Leah. Determined to build a better future for her child, Michaelae turned to Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership^® (NFP).

Through Goodwill NFP, Michaelae connected with Sara, a nurse who became a steady source of encouragement and support. Together, they set goals — one of the most important being to finish her college degree. With her daughter’s birth in 2021 as her turning point, Michaelae followed through, returning to school and proudly earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Today, Michaelae is a case manager at the Marion County Department of Corrections, working with justice-impacted  individuals. She’s just months away from earning her master’s degree in community psychology from Martin University, with plans to become a licensed mental health counselor. She also secured housing for her and her daughter as well as quality child care.

“Ya’Leah is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Michaelae shared. “She motivates me to keep going…and to work to give her the life she deserves.”

Michaelae’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with community, care and courage. Through Goodwill NFP, and with the love of her family and faith, she is paying it forward – using her own experiences to inspire others who face the same struggles.

Learn more about Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership.