Our promotional spotlight employee for December 2024 is Cynthia N Gonzalez, Clinical Supervisor - Clinic.
For many, the path to a fulfilling career takes unexpected turns, but for one dedicated professional at Penny Lane, her journey was a blend of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others. Fresh out of graduate school with her MSW degree from USC, Cynthia Gonzalez embarked on this journey as a wife and mother of three young children, one of whom was just a month old. Despite the challenges, Cynthia pushed forward, earning her BS in Criminal Justice and completing six years of school without a break. Today, as a leader at Penny Lane, Cynthia looks back on her path as one that was long but undoubtedly worth it.
Cynthia’s decision to join Penny Lane was equally deliberate. Over eight years ago, Penny Lane became the only agency she interviewed with, and since then, the rest has been history. With a strong alignment to the agency's values, she found an environment that not only supported her personal beliefs but also invested in her professional growth. Through various roles and opportunities for advancement, she has embraced every step of the journey, from Outpatient Therapist to TBS Clinical Supervisor. The support and encouragement from her colleagues and supervisors at Penny Lane has been instrumental, and today, she’s grateful for the life and career she has built while nurturing a team of dedicated TBS Specialists and Coordinators.
Prior to coming to Penny Lane, I was fresh out of grad school, having recently earned my MSW degree from USC. I decided to start school as a wife and mother of 3 children under the age of 4 years old, my youngest was only one month old. I earned a BS in Criminal Justice, attended school 6 years straight without a break. My journey was long, but so worth it!
PLC is the only agency where I interviewed, this was over 8 years ago, and the rest is history.
Those who know me know that I have a long list of favorites. First and foremost, PLC aligns with my values. PLC provides its staff with countless opportunities for professional development and career advancement whether it’s through trainings in specialized Evidenced Based Practices or educational assistance, PLC always ensures to keep its staff and clients in mind.
The path to promotion was slow and steady, I was not in a rush, and I embraced every opportunity that came my way. I’m the type of person who loves to learn so I took advantage of every training available. I had the opportunity to work on different programs (i.e., I started out working as an outpatient therapist in schools, clinic, and intensive services, and Mentor Field Instructor for our MIP program. I was then promoted to MAT Assessor, and lastly TBS Clinical Supervisor.
I received so much support and encouragement from my supervisors and colleagues; they believed in me when I had a hard time believing in myself.
“Take the time and make the effort to figure out your boundaries.”
I am grateful for my health, my life, and my family. I am also grateful for being entrusted with running a program and coaching a wonderful team of TBS Specialists and Coordinator.
Congratulations Cynthia!
