As a Case Manager at Penny Lane, MSW student at the University of Massachusetts Global, Employment Specialist intern for the CalWORKs program at Penny Lane, and being a single parent, I found myself navigating a complex web of responsibilities that tested my resilience daily. The challenge wasn't just about managing time – it was about maintaining my well-being while showing up fully for everyone who needed me, from my clients to my own family.
My days began by reviewing client files and preparing for the day's case management responsibilities at Penny Lane. Facilitating the day’s CFTs required intense emotional presence and careful coordination among multiple teams and individuals. Between case management duties, I would transition to my role as an employment specialist intern. This meant conducting vocational assessments, helping clients identify career goals, and teaching job readiness skills. The supported employment program required careful attention to both our clients' employment aspirations and their mental health needs. I found myself shifting between roles – from helping client practice interview skills to completing progress notes and then heading to my evening classes for my master’s program.
Most evenings were devoted to my master’s program coursework, often with my laptop perched on the kitchen counter while I prepared dinner for my daughter.
Documentation became a crucial balancing act. Each interaction needed thorough recording – from updating case notes, consulting with therapists and the treatment team, as well as updating treatment plans to track job placements and employment outcomes.
The challenge wasn't just in managing these different responsibilities – it was in maintaining the mental clarity to be fully present for each role. Every client needed and deserved my complete attention, whether I was discussing treatment goals or helping them prepare for a job interview. Meanwhile, my MSW program demanded intellectual engagement with theoretical frameworks that often directly informed my practical work with clients.
Through this intense period, I learned that maintaining my own well-being wasn't selfish; it was essential. The breakthrough came when I realized that stress management wasn't about eliminating stress entirely but about creating sustainable practices that allowed me to remain resilient. Here's what worked for me:
I learned to set firm but compassionate boundaries, both with others and myself. This meant sometimes saying "no" to non-essential commitments and being realistic about what I could accomplish in a day. I developed a practice of "time blocking" where I dedicated specific hours to each role, helping reduce the mental burden of constant task-switching.
My approach to self-care evolved to encompass multiple dimensions of well-being:
Physical Well-being
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Professional Well-being
Finding Micro-Moments of Self-Care
Traditional self-care advice often felt impossible with my schedule. Instead, I discovered the power of micro-moments: five minutes of deep breathing between Case Management or Internship meetings, a mindful walk from my car to the office, or simply taking a longer than usual lunch break to reset. These small moments, when practiced consistently, created a foundation of well-being that helped me manage larger stressors.
Building a Support System
I couldn't do it all alone, and learning to accept help was a crucial part of my journey. I learned to lean on my professional network and built meaningful connections with colleagues who understood the demands of the field. My supervisors at both Penny Lane and my internship site became valuable mentors who helped me navigate professional boundaries while maintaining work-life balance.
Stress Management Techniques
I also developed several effective strategies for managing stress in real-time:
The Unexpected Gifts of Challenge
While this period was undoubtedly demanding, it taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and personal growth. The skills I developed in managing multiple roles made me a better case manager and a future therapist– I could truly empathize with clients facing overwhelming circumstances. My experience as a single parent enhanced my ability to understand family dynamics in CFTs, while my internship experiences brought fresh perspectives to my client work at Penny Lane.
Moving Forward with Grace
Today, I approach challenges differently. Instead of seeing stress as something to eliminate, I view it as information that helps me adjust and adapt. I've learned that balance isn't a destination but a continuous practice of responding to life's demands while honoring our own needs. This journey has shown me that it's possible to pursue professional growth, education, and parenthood while maintaining well-being – not through perfection, but through persistence, self-compassion, and strategic support systems.
I hope by sharing my journey and lessons learned that this helps another fellow intern or colleague feel seen and gives them the motivation to achieve their own sense of well-being.
Happy New Year!!
-Stephanie Cruz, Penny Lane Centers
