Kristin Nicole Hotvet, of Schenectady, New York, passed away on 8 September 2017 after suffering complications from a long-term illness. Kristin was just shy of her thirtieth birthday. Born on 3 November 1987 in Schenectady, New York, Kristin remained in the Capital Region where she carried out her life’s work. She graduated, with honors, from Colonie Central High School in 2005 and was accepted into the psychology program at Union College in Schenectady. Kristin’s graduation from Union in 2009 was an important milestone, not only in the way that finishing college always is, but also because she overcame great illness to do so. Her Union degree opened the way for Kristin to pursue her dream: to bring love and meaningful care to others who also suffered. To that end, in 2011 Kristin completed her Masters of Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, and punctuated that success by earning her official certification and becoming a Licensed Social Worker. She continued to work for the various professional certifications that would allow her to best serve those who most needed her help. Kristin earned her certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after 3,000 client hours and a state-administered exam, and had met the additional three year and 2,400 client hour requirement to receive her Psychotherapy R certification – the highest in the state.

Kristin’s personal mission to bring light to those who lived in darkness began before she graduated college. She served as a therapist in the supervised visitation program at Jewish Family Services, an Albany-based social work organization. Upon becoming a Certified Clinical Social Worker, Kristin moved to Equinox Inc., another Albany-based social work organization, where she focused on supporting those with mental health issues. After continuing her work in counseling and clinical roles at Northeast Parent and Child Society and Upstate Physician Services, Kristin’s ambition to serve her community by helping people find hope in their lives drove her to build her own practice. Kristin opened Counseling for Restored Hope in 2016, where she focused her work on psychotherapy. One year later, Kristin’s practice became Phoenix Counseling, invoking the powerful imagery of the legendary bird that rises from its own ashes.

Kristin was a fighter, her tenacious spirit epitomized by her oft-stated belief that “once you choose hope, anything is possible!” She fought daily, for herself and especially for her clients. It was for both that she fought to build the practice that became Phoenix Counseling. This was a battle well fought; her dream was realized.

A memorial service to honor Kristin will be held on 16 September 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.