Our promotional spotlight employee for January 2025 is Gabriela L., Interim Clinical Supervisor.
In this month’s employee spotlight, we’re thrilled to introduce Gabriela L., a dedicated and passionate team member at Penny Lane Centers. Since joining in December 2022, Gabriela has continuously demonstrated a deep commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. Her time at Penny Lane has been marked with enthusiasm for learning, dedication to her colleagues, and an ability to foster a sense of community. Gabriela’s career path at Penny Lane is a testament to the organization's support and opportunities, from training and leadership development to mentorship and supervision. In 2024, Gabriela took on a new role, stepping into a position that allows her to inspire and guide others while continuing to grow within the organization.
Gabriela’s journey has been shaped by the mentors and supervisors who have supported her along the way, including the encouragement of leadership team and her dedication to giving back to those she now supervises. She shares that one of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is empowering others to recognize their strengths and celebrating their successes. A firm believer in the power of community, Gabriela brings her gratitude for the guidance and opportunities she’s received to her new responsibilities. As she looks to the future, Gabriela is excited for the challenges and growth ahead, with an unwavering commitment to both her own development and the growth of those she works with.
There are many favorites when it comes to positive aspects of Penny Lane. I would include these as examples of those aspects; the educational reimbursement for fun and interesting training as well as availability of it being used for licensing materials, not to mention the one week PTO to study for licensing exams, which is rare to find, the leadership team willing to provide opportunities to learn and grow through projects or new ideas to lead on, and the ongoing motivation to build support and community. One of my favorite highlights from 2024 was getting the chance to receive EMDR training and then being surprised by a gift of an EMDRIA 1 year membership!
I am looking forward to learning alongside the team that I get to supervise. I am a true believer in supervisors playing a major role in the development of each clinician. I have had a mixture of supervisors along the way that I now get to glean from to share with others. One of my favorite parts of providing guidance is being able to highlight others’ strengths and support their professional and personal growth. I get to cheer and celebrate their wins because we know the job already comes with challenges, celebrating the good is needed! I’m excited to support each coachee and discover more capabilities within myself along this journey. I look forward to learning even more about Penny Lane through a supervisor lens and all the hard work that supervisors do that we may not fully be aware of. I’m also thrilled to join the supervisors’ team and collaborate. The leadership team have all been welcoming and supportive through the adjustment. Lastly, I look forward to the connections I build with everyone and being part of a beautiful community there.
I joined the Penny Lane team in December 2022, being trained in evidence-based modalities MAP and TF-CBT, which allowed me to connect with two amazing supervisors, Janet and Danielle (which will come full circle later in my journey). I later had the opportunity to run a couple of English and Spanish parenting groups thanks to the trust and confidence of my supervisor, Rita, and director, Michael. In May 2024, I was fortunate to find my way into the MIP program, mentoring a lovely intern, Letty, who sparked my interest in signing up for clinical supervision training should any future opportunities come my way. Little did I know, things would align when the same clinical supervisor, Danielle, whom I built a connection with, would need an interim supervisor as she gracefully takes time away for maternity leave. It was an honor to be chosen to provide support for Danielle’s team and be able to give back that same energy she poured into me. I cannot finish the story without acknowledging the loving support that surrounded me through this transition from a growing community; shoutout to Alexandra, Rita, Biri, Danielle, Janet, Michael, and the wonderful colleagues who encouraged me along the way (you all know who you are). This promotion would not have been possible without the support, wisdom, and uplifting energy coming alongside me.
One of my favorite things to ask others is about the best advice they received or would like to share. I have been blessed by various wise counsels both at work and outside of work, so it is hard to pick just one piece of advice. Some that come to mind would be:
“Growing pains are part of the process, trust the process”
“Don’t ever say ‘no’ to yourself, put yourself out there and let the rest decide ‘yes or no’ to you”
“Swing for the fences”
“Dream big, if that new thing challenges/scares you, you’re on the right track”
“Everyone has a story, come with curiosity”
“What impact do you want to leave in each place you step into?”
“Don’t assume, ask questions and truly listen”
Lastly, two of my favorite resources of guidance that have been encouraging this year were:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19)
“Remember to step out of the boat like Peter” (step out of the comfort zone-reference to Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples)
Gratitude is such a big value for me; there are always reasons to be grateful, and sometimes, some are just hiding and waiting to be discovered. There is even research showing the various benefits of having some kind of gratitude practice, so I fully recommend this to everyone! There is much to be grateful for; a few to mention would be my faith, my health, my support system, and the ongoing blessings. I’m very thankful for the level of learning and opportunities to challenge myself that came in 2024, and I'm looking forward to what 2025 will bring!
Congratulations Gabriela!
