THE ASPIRE BLOG

Aspire’s new lead psychologist Aarika White, Ph.D., HSPP, took on the role of peer mediator early in life.

“I was always the friend people would tell things to,” she says with a chuckle. “Even in preschool, my teachers called me ‘the little diplomat’ because I would solve all the problems on the playground and help friends get along.”

Born and raised primarily in central Indiana, she was one of the first peer mediators in a pilot program at her middle school in Beech Grove.

“When I first started college, I was actually studying to be a physical therapist,” she says. “But I ended up really liking the psychology classes I was taking. Learning more about Skinner and Pavlov and their work was so interesting. I was also surrounded by really good mentors in the psychology program and felt at home — like I was with my people.”

After graduating from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Dr. White received her master’s degree in counseling and her doctorate in counseling psychology from Ball State University.

Having previously worked as a staff psychologist for Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Dr. White sees herself as a lifelong learner with a curious mind and a heart for helping change lives.

“Who doesn’t want to be in a field where you work with people who want to be supportive and empathic and talk through things that are hard,” she says. “I think there’s such a great culture within the psychology community, and I’ve always valued that.”

Dr. White and her husband moved to central Florida in November 2021 — where they enjoy all things Disney and time with their two Australian Labradoodles, Winnie and Rue. Then in early 2024, she began to look for other remote opportunities that offered leadership roles.

“As I was researching Aspire, I was impressed with not only the number and types of services Aspire offers but also the depth and breadth of the leadership within the organization,” she says. “And when I met with Dr. Sarah (Dross-Gonzalez) and Adrianna (Burgos), I felt really welcomed and encouraged by their focus on getting the right person in the position.”

As lead psychologist, a new role at Aspire, Dr. White’s responsibilities include clinical supervision and oversight, program development and quality control.

“I want to help give our providers at Aspire the best chance for success, supporting them with the guidance and resources they need to ensure we are providing the best quality care we can to our clients,” she says. “There is a contagious spark at Aspire, a feeling of genuine support and connection. As large as the organization is, it feels like a small community, and I look forward to my future here.”