YES Institute mourns the loss but celebrates the life of Dr. Carolyn Garwood, former Dean, and Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Miami.   More than 20 years ago, when YES was still known as Project YES and a fledgling organization,  we heard from counselors in Miami-Dade Schools about her expertise and were eager to work with her.   After an initial explanation of the mission, she agreed to help, despite some admitted wariness on her part. Carolyn quickly immersed herself in studying and researching the topic of gay youth, which was relatively unfamiliar to her at the time. She opened doors for collaboration with schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as an academic community in Dahlonega, Georgia. Her impressive credentials and high regard in the professional community greatly contributed to the establishment of YES and garnered attention from mental health and school counselors across the country.

Founding Director Martha Fugate recalled an incident when Carolyn accompanied her to talk with an 18-year-old boy in need of help, and her ability to connect with him and alleviate his distress was remarkable and probably life-saving. 

Carolyn also played a crucial role in Martha’s own journey of understanding gender identity, which became the foundation for all of YES’s courses to date. Carolyn stood by the side of Martha and the entire staff as they learned about the criticality of gender identity, not only for transgender youth and their families, but gay, lesbian, and heterosexual young people as well and their caregivers. She continued to support the work of YES Institute many years after her retirement from the University of Miami opening doors at every turn.

Reflecting on Carolyn’s legacy, Martha shares, “We would go to a Miami-Dade public school auditorium filled with hundreds of counselors, many of whom Carolyn had trained, all of whom had heard of her. When there was a break and we had a moment for the restroom, we would be mobbed by all of them wanting to see Carolyn. It was like I was traveling with a rock star!”

From supporting the YES staff and supporters to having difficult conversations with troubled youth, Carolyn’s commitment to making a difference and celebrating life is a gift she gave to every corner of the world she entered. We were lucky to know her, we all fell in love with her, and we will never forget her.