Lucy Rimington has held several roles at SCAN and most recently returned in 2021 to serve as the Family Support Program Clinical Coordinator.
How did you first get involved with SCAN?
In August of 2010, I reached out to Melissa McGinn with my interest in being a children’s group facilitator with SCAN. At the time, I was a clinician in the Richmond City Schools and wanted to extend my opportunities for working with children. I was intrigued by the SCAN program and pulled in by the mission. I facilitated the children’s group at William Byrd for a while, before adding one at 103 E Grace St. Since that time, I’ve spent time as a Parent Facilitator, the FAM Coordinator, and now (again) as the FSP Clinical Supervisor.
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN?
I had early experiences volunteering as a youth that I think initially started by interest in working with people in a helping role. I enjoyed the study of psychology in undergraduate and found places to volunteer while at Virginia Tech on a crisis line and a domestic violence shelter. I think these experiences shaped my interest in supporting individuals experiencing trauma. My practicum and internships while in graduate school were in a clinical role in the Richmond City Schools. I learned so much from the kids during this time that really shaped my interest in focusing on trauma and parenting work.
What inspires you to stay involved with SCAN?
The stories parents share in the Family Support Program inspire me to stay involved. Even with so many barriers, we hear parents wanting to show up for their children more than they did the day before. There is so much magic in parenting. Positive parenting practices can really shape our world for the better.
I also feel energized by the culture at SCAN—it is community of dedicated people connected by the most important mission there is.
Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
I’d love for more people to know the scope of SCAN’s services that are encompassed within the 5 programs. The work that is being done by SCAN is far-reaching and aims to reach families both in prevention and treatment (it’s not just reactive!) I also would love more people to have a better sense about the complex, layered situations caregivers are facing when they’ve been “mandated” to services. This isn’t a story about “bad” parents- all parents really do need help both directly from services like SCAN and systemically.
