Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Miami and a Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Previously, I have worked as an in-school counselor and after-school program coordinator for an elementary school and as a caseworker for those affected by disasters with the American Red Cross. I am currently the Programs Manager for a nonprofit organization called Sound Mind Live whose mission is to build community and open dialogue around mental health through the power of music. Much of my current work involves working with famous musicians on mental health campaigns and connecting music fans into mental health resources at concerts and music festivals.

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My work with Sound Mind Live and the American Red Cross has allowed me to work with a large variety of people facing a number of different social issues. This has allowed me to build a large referral network and work with a lot of different organizations across the human services field. This broad range of experiences and contacts allows me to better share with my students real life case examples and details on a number of different areas in the field they might end up working in.

How did you find your way to your career path?

I worked in the music industry for several years before pivoting and deciding to become a social worker. My current role allows me to combine my prior music industry experience and utilize my old industry contacts to promote health and wellness for musicians, music industry workers, and music fans.

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

To the extent that you can, get practical experience in the field. Whether that is taking on internships or volunteering with a local community organization, practical experience is super valuable. My internships and volunteer experiences during my master's degree really helped me hone in on what I wanted my career to look like once I graduated and gave me a great network of professional contacts that helped me find a job once I had my degree.

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG.

I currently serve on active duty in the United States Navy as an embedded mental health clinician and the Installation's Deputy Director of Psychological Health. My role involves reducing stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care and offering support with direct clinical care outreach, education, and training for individuals. I have been active duty for over 26 years and have served in various leadership roles throughout my tenure. I previously served as the Assistant Specialty Leader for all Navy Clinical Social Workers. In this role, I served as a specialty subject matter expert providing informed advice to executive leadership. I disseminated accurate policy and guidance to the community and encouraged active participation in planning exercises.

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

I have stepped foot on every continent with the exception of Africa and Antartica. I have been able to immerse myself into the cultures of many countries and interact with individuals within these populations. These experiences have helped me embrace a continued appreciation for multiculturalism and increasing my cultural competence working with many populations. My experiences have allowed me to approach student ideas with openness,  emulate our ethical standards and guidelines as well as promote the importance of a multicultural approach to the human services profession.

How did you find your way to your career path?

Mental illness was not understood when I was growing up. My mother suffered from mental illness and at that time, we had no understanding of what she was experiencing. After she passed away unexpectedly, I sought answers for myself, questioned spirituality and suffered many years in late adolescence to young adulthood with a low sense of self. Upon enlisting in the US Navy, I was able to start building connections with people, developing my confidence and leadership style...I was given the opportunity to lead others and had always been an individual others confided to discuss vulnerable situations. I knew I wanted to assist individuals on a greater level and wanted to assist those with mental health challenges, which fueled me to apply for the Navy's Medical In-Service Procurement Program which commissioned me as a Naval Officer and a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker.     

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

The opinions and judgements of others may be plentiful but find your passion and take the direction that makes you happy and keeps you going. When you give up, you have already told yourself "no". 

Tell us about your background and roles outside of PG. 

I’ve been a criminal defense investigator for over two decades with the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council. I’m currently the Chief Investigator for the Office of the Public Defender/Tifton Judicial Circuit. Since 2001, I have worked over 30,000 criminal cases, in addition, to interviewing over 100,000 people. My extensive background includes; but is not limited to, mental health, criminal justice, human services, public administration, biotechnology-plant and animal science, agriculture,  and forensic science. My investigations have exonerated over 3000 persons charged with various criminal offenses. I am a licensed private investigator for the state of Georgia, certified instructor in private investigative courses for the State of Georgia, an underwater forensic investigator, certified anger management specialist, certified relapse prevention specialist, positive mind management coach, certified grief specialist, wildlife forensic investigator,  and an American Academy of Forensic Science member.

Prior to becoming an investigator, I worked meticulously with the Pathways Center as a case manager and residential site supervisor for sex offenders. In addition, I have experience with persons diagnosed with mental, behavioral, developmental, and substance abuse issues.

How does your outside experience help with your role here?

My diverse experience   provides insight on how human services impacts everyone globally from mental health to criminal justice applications.  These experiences assist students in developing a niche in this growing field.  Adaptability to each course and  individualized student give me a perspective on what needed for academic success in facilitating graduate courses

How did you find your way to your career path?

My career path found me due to working in human services during the 1990s in Albany, GA and working at the Pathways Center in LaGrange, GA with an excellent staff.  The human services field found me as I found my stride while working with clients in rural human services and criminal justice settings.  

What is your advice to new and/or continuing students?

Never give up !!! Keep doing your best !!!  Develop a support group and system of peers to assist you in this journey called “ Life”. Have work -life balance and do “self-care daily”.