Our promotional spotlight employee for September 2024 is Hannah Talavera, Intensive Services Therapist out of our North Hills Family Center.
Hannah’s journey with Penny Lane began in August 2023, when she embarked on her role as an Outpatient Therapist Intern/Trainee at the North Hills location. From the outset, her dedication and enthusiasm were evident as she immersed herself in her responsibilities, gaining invaluable experience and contributing positively to the team.
Her commitment to her professional development was clear when, in May 2024, she proudly earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career and was a testament to her hard work, academic excellence, and unwavering passion for making a difference in the field of social work.
Following the attainment of her Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) number, Hannah’s impressive performance and growing expertise did not go unnoticed. She seized the opportunity to advance within Penny Lane and was subsequently promoted to a full-time position as an Intensive Services Therapist at our North Hills site. This new role allowed her to further leverage her skills and knowledge, embracing a broader scope of responsibilities and continuing her impactful work with an even greater commitment.
Hannah’s journey reflects not only her personal growth and dedication but also her profound contribution to our team at Penny Lane, where her enthusiasm, professionalism, and compassionate approach continue to inspire and drive positive change.
Before joining the PLC team, I worked in residential facilities serving the population of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness from ages 18-59. While working at a residential facility, I attended California State University, Channel Islands obtaining my BA in Psychology. My passion and love for helping others led me to apply for my master's in social work at California State University, Northridge, and I recently graduated in May 2024.
The continuous professional development and support offered by the Outpatient team, especially Danielle Padilla my outpatient supervisor, I decided to apply within PLC once I received my BBS number.
The transition from Intern to Intensive Service Therapist has been seamless due to the various trainings and the consistency of PLC values across all departments. On starting a new role, I am learning to adjust to a different schedule and system.
The Intensive Service Team welcomed me with open arms and provided support to ensure I felt welcome and made that transition easier.
The benefits I received while being at PLC have been the MIP internship program and the sign-on bonus once I transferred over to the IS world.
A significant moment that shaped me was graduating with my master's in social work because it fulfilled my dream of becoming a therapist and ultimately being able to connect with and help others.
What I appreciate most about PLC is the unwavering support from everyone on my team and the room for professional and personal growth.
I am grateful for all the experiences I have been through that have led me to be able to provide therapy, especially here at PLC.
Congratulations Hannah!
