I was in the United States Marine Corps from 1998-2003 and during this time I learned a great deal about myself and became more culturally diverse. During my third year of service, I was injured at Officers Candidate School and realized that I needed to develop my counseling skills, so I worked with an agency that counseled teens regarding their addiction. I have been in the social services field for the past twenty years and have been licensed for the past 10 years. When I got out of the Marines in 2003, I went home to North Carolina and my father passed away three days later unexpectedly so, I needed a job and I was able to use my previous years working with teens and became a supervisor at Sipes Orchard Home took in unwanted children from parents, Level II and Level IV agencies, and the Department of Children and Families. After being here at this facility for two years I left as they weren't following the Medicaid standards. I left the agency and went to work for The Cognitive Connection as the Prevention Supervisor providing preventive services for teens and was part of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) providing groups to adults. I worked with Cognitive Connection for three years and left to go to Pensacola, Florida because I had heard they were starting a MSW program. I felt hopeful as I knew getting my master’s in social work would change my life forever. After I finished the MSW program I immediately started working for Lakeview Services in Adult Outpatient Community Mental Health and then worked in the Drug Court program. I stayed here for three years until I got a job with the DoD in Oklahoma because my wife was trying to get a federal job, so I moved to support her and my family. While working with the DoD I was able to get my supervision for licensing, created an anger management program for the DoD, and stayed until my LCSW license was finalized in December of 2013. When I came back to Florida I worked for Volunteers of America for a couple of years until a federal job opened at Veterans Affairs in Pensacola, FL, in August of 2016. I have been licensed in Florida for the past 10 years, recently became licensed in Texas and Oklahoma. I have some clients who are in therapy with me for several weeks to several months depending on their individual needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will start brief introductions and then some rapport building. Clinical SW will complete the intake form by asking some necessary questions and will complete a treatment plan so you're always in control of your treatment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am a really good listener, I enjoy helping you figure out the solution to the problem, I like to take big problems and break them down to where you can solve them one step at a time. I enjoy empowering you to grow with each step you take. I love sharing knowledge and teaching you things about life, and work, and I enjoy hearing about your world, culture, and traditions. I am personable, and a fierce advocate for my clients, and I believe in never leaving anyone behind.