Izzy is a social worker born and raised in upstate New York, but is delighted to be able to now call South Carolina their home. Their journey into social work began at an internship when she was just 18, so she has more than 10 years of mental health advocacy under their belt! She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Albany and after taking a few years break from school to work as a social work case manager, she earned her Master's degree at the College of Saint Rose. 

Izzy is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population because of the needs she has seen firsthand as a queer person, and as a social worker. She's spent time working with queer folks at the United States oldest LGBTQ+ Pride Center in Albany, New York and this has only fueled their desire to advocate for and uplift queer folks. They also have interest in the intersectionality (or the crossover of social categorizations) and finds it important to always be thinking about how different identities in one person interact and play important roles in a person's life, both in terms of personal goals and the adversity someone may face. 

Izzy enjoys doing all kinds of art, especially acrylic painting and building miniature diagrams. They also have special interests in all things "Transformers", cartoon media, crystals, and eclectic objects. (Ask her about her collections). She lives with her wife, parents, 3 furry children (2 cats and a dog) and 21 chickens. 

Email: Izzy.Franzese@amarylliscounseling.org