Hello PLC! I am deeply grateful and excited to share my story of growth within Penny Lane Centers. It all began when I embarked on my career as a Social Worker upon graduating from CSULA with my BSW in 2015. I pursued further education at USC to attain my MSW. It was during this period that I was introduced to the Transition-Aged Youth (TAY) population while working in an emergency short-term homeless shelter. This experience profoundly impacted me, revealing the challenges faced by youth transitioning from the foster care system into adulthood, solidifying my passion for social work.
My professional journey led me to gain experience as an ABA therapist, supporting children and families dealing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Upon receiving my BBS number, I transitioned into the role of Residential Therapist for the STRTP program at Five Acres. Here, I honed my clinical skills, particularly in working with clients facing suicidal ideation and implementing trauma-informed care practices. Throughout this period, I had the privilege of connecting with colleagues who shared inspiring stories about Penny Lane Centers, prompting me to pursue an opportunity within the organization. Fortunately, I was offered a position as an Intensive Services (IS) therapist, where I accrued the required hours for licensure and successfully obtained my LCSW on the first attempt.
Now that I had obtained my license, I felt empowered to take on new challenges. I made the tough choice of leaving Penny Lane to explore the for-profit mental health sector. However, it didn't take long for me to realize the stark differences in work culture, employee support, and work-life balance between the two agencies. It became clear that Penny Lane was where I belonged.
Fortunately, I was welcomed back to Penny Lane with open arms, returning to my role as an IS therapist. I was grateful to receive a sign-on bonus and retain my bilingual differential. It felt like coming home.
As they say, patience is a virtue, I waited patiently for an opportunity to further develop my clinical skills, and it came in the form of a position as an IS Quality Improvement (QI) supervisor. The journey to promotion was swift, seamless, and immensely rewarding.
What resonates most with me about Penny Lane Centers is their unwavering commitment to supporting their employees. Their values and mission align with my own, and I appreciate the positive impact we make on the families we serve. It is truly fulfilling to be part of an organization that prioritizes both its employees and its community.
I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the North Hills Intensive Services team, Clinical Supervisor Mark Cruz, and Regional Director Parviz Nafari for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my professional journey.
