Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursela Knox.
Hi Ursela , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a Licensed Medical Social Worker and community advocate was never part of Ursela Knox’s original plan. Like many students entering college, her goal was centered on business ownership and entrepreneurship. She envisioned a future of building businesses and creating opportunities, not navigating hospitals, insurance systems, and healthcare advocacy.
When Ursela first enrolled at Houston Community College, she was shy, uncertain, and intimidated by the college experience. The unfamiliar environment made her question whether she belonged. However, her professors shared their own stories of hardship, setbacks, and perseverance as former students. Their honesty gave her the confidence to continue. She soon realized that while the journey would be difficult, it was achievable.
Drawing from the soft skills she developed through previous employment experiences, Ursela began to excel academically and personally. Just as she was finding her footing, life took an unexpected turn.
A close relative was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Without preparation or formal training, Ursela stepped into the role of caregiver and advocate. She found herself navigating a complex healthcare system while fighting for someone she loved. She challenged doctors, nurses, pharmacies, insurance companies, and healthcare providers whenever she believed her relative deserved better care. The emotional and physical demands became overwhelming.
The battle consumed her life.
Faced with the impossible choice between continuing her education or helping her dying relative, Ursela refused to abandon either responsibility. She completed assignments in emergency rooms, studied in hospital waiting areas, and wrote papers in medical facilities while balancing caregiving duties. There were moments when she stood on the brink of academic failure, but she refused to quit.
Then, during one hospital visit, a social worker entered the room.
The social worker’s compassionate demeanor immediately caught Ursela’s attention. Having worked closely with healthcare professionals throughout her relative’s illness, she was curious about this particular role. What began as a simple conversation would ultimately change the trajectory of her life.
After learning about social work, Ursela made a life-changing decision. She changed her educational path and redirected her studies through multidisciplinary arts toward a career in social work.
Although her relative eventually passed away, the experience left a permanent mark on her life. The pain, frustration, and determination she developed during that season transformed her into one of the most driven and persistent students at Houston Community College and within the University of Houston System.
Today, Ursela Knox serves as a Licensed Medical Social Worker, Community Health Worker, Qualified Mental Health Professional, and unapologetic public servant. Her mission is rooted in ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources, advocacy, justice, and basic human rights they deserve.
What began as a painful personal journey evolved into a lifelong calling.
Ursela’s work extends beyond individual clients. Through community advocacy, mental health education, health equity initiatives, social justice efforts, and public service, she continues to fight the same battles that first introduced her to social work—helping people navigate systems that often seem impossible to understand alone.
Her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of turning personal tragedy into service for others. While business ownership may have been the original destination, the unexpected path led Ursela Knox to something even greater: a career dedicated to changing lives, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every voice has an advocate.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No where near a smooth road. I was low income, in the process of healing from past traumas an uncertain about my future
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Mental Health Professional, my mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve emotional wellness, personal growth, and long-term stability. Through education, advocacy, and supportive counseling, I help people navigate life’s challenges while developing the skills necessary to maintain mental safety, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.
My work extends beyond addressing mental health symptoms. I assist individuals in identifying barriers that may impact their quality of life, including access to healthcare, housing, employment, financial resources, and community support services. By connecting people with essential resources and teaching practical coping strategies, I help them strengthen their ability to remain self-sufficient and resilient during difficult times.
My proud moments come from me seeing progress and hearing success stories from clients that I work with
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I won’t say luck had anything to do with my life ever. As long as I know how to love I know I will survive😃. Being a ginuely good person has opened up doors I did not know existed. Go-getting is an art to me, though it is not easy but I enjoy it.
Pricing:
- I accept private pay and most insurances
- I accept EAP benefits also
Contact Info:
- Website: https://share.google/7iaOPL0U7JX9oCucB
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@askilltoheal?_r=1&_t=ZT-96phoFttVFN
