My career started in mental health more than 23 years ago, providing care for individuals living with severe and persistent mental health conditions in an outpatient clinic setting. I also took on a second job as a mental health counselor to young teens. I worked as a Medicaid Service Coordinator for the State, a counselor in a foster care program, and worked in a day program as a behavioral therapist for people living with disabilities.
In 2017, I was hired as the first HealthySteps Specialist in the Capital Region at Ellis Pediatrics. Although a pilot program for us in the region, Healthy Steps was up and running in no time.
In 2020, I was honored to accept the role of HealthySteps Ambassador. As an Ambassador, I promoted ZERO TO THREE and Healthy Steps in the media, both at a local and national level.
Here I am eight years later, still serving our families, providing early intervention, developmental resources, social and emotional support, and much-needed follow-up on all pediatric medical needs. A pediatric well-child visit often involves a milieu of services for our families. The wonderful thing about this position is that I am able to be at the forefront when families come in and present their issues and concerns.
My favorite thing about early childhood development is watching them literally grow, both physically and emotionally, and advancing and thriving. It’s so amazing.
Healthy Steps also provides support for families with specific needs, those impacted by domestic violence, houselessness, addiction disorder, etc). We work closely with a nonprofit organization of which I’m also a Board Member, Things of My Very Own, and recently completed a much-needed program for survivors of domestic violence, Don’t Text Your Ex. We are planning our next program for survivors of sexual assault.
Working in early childhood has shown me the absolute need for early intervention on all levels. It is invaluable to see the babies on their newborn visits, and subsequent well-child visits, and guide the families through developmental services and social programs. Seeing the “aha” moments with parents when they learn new skills and become self-empowered is rewarding beyond measure.
Learn more about the HealthySteps model and how another New York practice is using it to address health equity and advance postpartum depression screenings.
