so·cial work·erˈsōSHəl ˈwərkər (noun)
- a person dedicated to enhancing the well-being of others and meeting the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in our society
March is National Social Worker Month so we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the 57 social workers at The Guidance Center.
We love that social workers are trained to look at situations holistically. Daily they act as counselors, advocates and champions for our children and families, empowering them through mental health treatment and by connecting them to their communities and other vital resources.
Get to know a few of the social workers across our different programs at The Guidance Center!
“I’m passionate about being a social worker because I like empowering my clients to work through their problems and I feel like it empowers them because they see that they are the answer to some of their problems.”
-Kristin McNeese, ASW, Clinical Therapist in San Pedro
“I like to help people. And as a social worker, I feel like I’m holistically helping the entire family heal.”
-Jovantae Holloway, MSW, Clinical Therapist in Compton
“I’m passionate about being a social worker because connecting with families in the context of social justice is something I care about.”
-Chequet Ching, LCSW, Clinical Therapist in Long Beach Outpatient
“When completing my Bachelor’s Degree, I had the opportunity to complete a practicum with a School Social Worker. I admired the fact that she did not see students as ‘troubled youth’ but instead took the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. I decided then that I wanted to follow her path. ”
-Veronica Gonzalez, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor in Intensive Services
“I chose social work because I wanted to try and plant a seed in the lives of disadvantaged children and families that would help them to live positive lives. Through our daily interactions, I can plant that seed one small step at a time and nourish that seed every time I meet with them.”
-Brianda Alcaraz, ASW, PPSC, Clinical Therapist in Long Beach School Based