What's your job title at AVP and how would you describe what you do here?
My official title is Outpatient Therapist/Intake Coordinator. I like to say I do a little bit of everything. I'm a therapist who works with adults out of the counseling center. I do also go to two schools-- Strawberry Mansion and Edison-- to do individual and group therapy with students who may have been impacted by community violence. As intake coordinator, I manage our waitlist and handle the intake process for all clients who work with our counseling center.
Why did you decide to get into victim services?
I got into victim services wanting to work more closely on trauma. I have a big background working with the juvenile justice field and seeing that made me want to get involved in victim services.
What part of your job means the most to you?
I generally feel very privileged to get to spend the time I do with all of my clients. Spending time with them, hearing their stories and helping to provide some hope is the best part. Client-facing, whether in school or in our counseling center, is rewarding.
Is there anything you'd like to focus more of your effort toward as you further define your role here?
I would love to find ways for us to provide our services within the juvenile justice system. There's a lot of abuse that goes on that doesn't have to do with the initial trauma and, because of that, isn't really addressed, and I'd like it if we could assist with that.