Leading Self

I started my career in 2010 when working at an inpatient substance use disorder rehabilitation center, being hired on after my internship as a behavioral health aide and later a counselor. During this time, I was an undergraduate just starting my career in mental health and substance use disorders and learning the ropes. Working two jobs and attending school full time graduating Cum Laude as an undergraduate and with a 3.85 GPA as a graduate, I was able to very effectively manage my time, and build becoming an adaptable employee, and individual.
I was able to learn from other great leaders throughout my educational career and my professional one. While studying as an undergraduate, I was chosen as a SOAR ambassador, a program for first-generation students to serve as ambassadors for the college experience. This was a great honor. I was also able to strive academically, which allowed me to be a member of Phi Theta Kappa, honor society. During my time in Phi Theta Kappa, I was able to do good in the community and for the college by participating and helping organize book drives, clothing drives, and plan student growth and development activities. Additionally, I was able to serve in an officer position and as a member of the college’s Chemical Dependency Counseling Student Association, providing outreach and prevention to students on campus and furthering opportunities for Chemical Dependency Counseling students.
Going on to my graduate studies, I was chosen for a competitive field placement at the Office of Veterans Affairs as a HUD/VASH case management intern. This field placement was only offered to top students and came with a stipend and invaluable experience serving the veteran population. Throughout my time with the VA, my self-awareness was growing, and I was really coming into my own as a professional. I then went on to be inducted in the Phi Alpha honor society for Social Work students. My drive for success also allowed me to continue to employ my ethics in practice, and pervasiveness and graduate with a 3.85 GPA.
Moving on from my academic career, I have been able to incite change within organizations I choose to be employed with. After years working in a nonprofit, moving on to private practice, and them moving here to Virginia, I knew that my passion was for public health, and I chose to pursue a career in that sector when moving to the Commonwealth to accommodate my husband’s career advancements. Moving to an entirely different state, with different licensing requirements and a different public health system required me to remain adaptable, and be humble. I was able to secure employment with the Rappahannock Area CSB and haven’t regretted my choice to move into the public sector. I now happily work towards the advancement of individuals in the Commonwealth as they transition from state hospitals.