In the episode host Elizabeth Emery speaks with Staci Mannella about ski racing legally blind with a guide, training for effective communication, why working with a counselor as an athlete is great idea, and why and how sport has been so important in her life, plus where it is leading her now.  Staci Mannella is a third year Ball State University PhD. student in counseling psychology with a focus on sport and performance. She is a mental health therapist and mental performance consultant in training at SKADI Sport Psychology. Drawing from her journey as a visually impaired Paralympic skier at the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games, Staci brings a unique blend of firsthand experience and academic rigor to her clinical work and research. Staci's academic journey, including a Bachelor of Arts at Dartmouth College, a Master's of Science from the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Ball State University, underscores her commitment to evidence-based practice. Her ability to produce, consume, and apply sport psychology research ensures that her clients receive the most effective strategies for optimizing their performance. When she’s not supporting the performance and wellbeing of athletes, Staci enjoys staying active herself! She loves hiking, skiing, spending time with her animals, and enjoying the outdoors.  Get involved and support the show directly at https://bit.ly/givetoHHSpodcastFind all episodes http://www.hearhersports.com/Sign up for Hear Her Sports newsletter at https://bit.ly/HHSnewsletterFind Staci at https://stacimannella.com/Follow Staci on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/staciskier96Follow Staci on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/staciskier96/Find Sisters in Sports at https://sistersinsportsfoundation.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices