The Opposite of a Gate Keeper

As much as I love social work, let’s be real: We all have lives outside of our occupations. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my partner Ben and the girls (two dogs and a sweet cat). I also love to read, collect vintage cookbooks and paddleboard. Sometimes I pretend to garden, as well.

In high school, I talked with a counselor and told her I wanted to help people. This marked the first time I had ever heard of ✨Social Work✨ and I still remember that encounter. As a budding extrovert, it sounded appealing. 

I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University in 2010. I started working for a high-volume general mental health community center. I averaged 60-70 clients on my caseload and helped with a multitude of needs. By the end of my 2 1/2 years with this agency, I had successfully completed over 4,000 home visits, averaging 40 visits a week.

My fast-paced, solutions-focused approach to social services led me to break productivity records and also resulted in my demise. I burned out with less than three years under my belt and needed a change.

I returned to school to earn my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health at UT Martin and completed the program in 2016. During this period, I moved from Tennessee to the beautiful state of Colorado. It was a breathless year to say the least. I landed at an agency serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission excited me and I’m still here, 9 years later. 

Across the course of my career, I have worked with everyone from all walks of life. I welcome anyone to work with me including all genders and identities. As a pro-BLM and LGBTQ+ Social Worker, I want to help everyone I can find the resources they need. 

TL;DR I have a proven track record of helping people and happy to work with you, as well!