Our promotional spotlight employee for April 2025 is Mario Cruz-Martinez, Therapist – Outpatient.
Mario Cruz-Martinez’s journey to becoming a therapist at Penny Lane Centers (PLC) is one of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth. Before joining PLC, Mario spent over a decade at Children’s Institute Inc., working in various roles that supported children and families in need. His move to the Antelope Valley in 2022 led him to PLC, an agency he was already familiar with through professional collaborations and conferences. Though he hadn't initially planned on becoming a therapist, the encouragement of a former supervisor inspired him to pursue the path, ultimately leading him to where he is today.
Now, Mario has embraced the supportive and diverse environment at PLC. He credits his success to the guidance of his supervisors and the resources provided by PLC, including tuition reimbursement, training opportunities, and flexible scheduling, which helped him prepare for licensure. Through hard work and determination, he navigated the challenges of licensure and is now thriving in his new role. With a deep appreciation for his colleagues, the clients he serves, and the opportunities that have shaped his career, Mario is a testament to the power of perseverance and support in professional growth.
I worked for Children's Institute Inc. out of Los Angeles from 2011 to 2022 in various roles (Child and Family Specialist for Wraparound, Intensive Homes Based Services Worker and Intensive Care Coordinator for IFCCS, Intensive Care Coordinator for OTT/COTT program) before moving to the AV in summer of 2022. Due to the move, I decided to join Penny Lane as an Outpatient Therapist.
I moved from the San Gabriel Valley to Palmdale in 2022, so it only made sense to find a job out here. I had been very familiar with Penny Lane as I had attended an EDGY conference while with Children's Institute and had even referred clients to Penny Lane AV when I worked with IFCCS.
I love the atmosphere among the therapists and supervisors here. Everyone is very helpful and supportive. I also love the diversity in the staff. I feel like you could learn from everyone here.
It was difficult but rewarding. Getting your hours, getting all your documents prepared, studying for both MFT exams, and then passing these tests was not easy but it's definitely been worth it.
My supervisors Tammy and Jessica have always been helpful in making sure I was getting my BBS logs signed, making sure I took advantage of PL supports like tuition reimbursement, taking a week off to study for licensure exam, and the trainings that were available to me to help with my journey in getting licensed.
I have utilized the tuition reimbursements, loan forgiveness, internship, sign-on bonus, bilingual differential and taking a paid week off to study for the licensure exam.
I've just started so I don't think I've faced adversity yet. It's probably been making sure I've made all the licensure paperwork is completed to be honest.
I never thought I would want to be a therapist until my late 30's. I always worked as a CFS, IHBS Worker, and ICC. It was one my IFCCS supervisors that pushed me towards pursuing a therapist career as she believed I would make a great therapist. I have her to thank!
Meeting my wife. She really pushed me to do better and be better as a person and professional. She's been my biggest cheerleader.
"Don't take things personally when working in this field" and "It's easier to keep up than catch up."
I appreciate the support that my supervisors have given me. Some of my therapist colleagues have also been a big support to me in this journey as a therapist. I also appreciate the flexibility Penny Lane allows us to have.
I'm thankful for the health of my wife, my dogs and myself. I'm thankful for living in this country and the opportunities I've had available to me with some hard work.
Congratulations Mario!
