Halle hofman

I graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. I am figuring out what is next for me in regards to education and my own career but my ultimate goal is to become a counselor, psychologist or a life coach specializing in craniofacial differences.

I have been involved with several non profit organizations dedicated to the craniofacial/facial difference community. Making connections in this community has truly become a huge passion of mine. I was fortunate to grow up with a psychologist on my medical team here in Chicago who focuses on Craniofacial differences. She impacted my life in many positive ways and

completely changed the trajectory of my life. Not only did she help me through individual counseling sessions but also helped my parents by influencing them on how to best parent and raise me. Getting involved with several organizations and meeting others with similar experiences as me, I realized that not a lot of families have access to this kind of specialized counseling.

Using my own experiences, I hope that I can give others like me, the guidance on navigating life with a facial difference. Having a craniofacial condition myself, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with it. I have been blessed to have been provided the care that I need, including an amazing medical team in managing the many aspects of my condition. Dr. Pravin Patel has been my surgeon since the start of receiving medical care and I am so inspired by the difference he has made in so many lives, including mine.

With an amazing team by my side, I was able to achieve so many things in my life. I want every child and family facing similar challenges to feel the same sense of hope, support, and possibility that I have experienced.

I am a patient at UI Health Craniofacial Center and each time I am there it always impresses me how this team works together to give their patients the best possible care. I am so grateful that I have gotten to receive care from part of this team at the Center. "I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives." This quote from the movie Wonder has been one of my favorites for a long time because it reflects the values of kindness, empathy, and uplifting others. A little recognition can go a long way in building confidence and inspiring someone

to keep going, especially during difficult times. Having experienced this kind of support myself, I’m motivated to help others feel valued and encouraged as they face their own challenges.

I am from Boise, Idaho. I love to travel, get outside, read and hang out with friends.