Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Garcia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew that I wanted to work in the mental health field as an early teen when I realized I had a passion for psychology. My parents are first-generation Mexican immigrants and did not have a U.S. college education. However, they instilled the importance of pursuing my passion from a young age as well as the value of higher education. As I prepared for high school graduation, I was excited to enroll in a bachelors level psych program at GA Southern University. Shortly after, I transferred to GA State University where I was connected to more opportunities. I took several volunteer positions ranging from a research assistant at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to an interviewer for the Nia Project at Grady Hospital. I did not mind working unpaid due to how much I enjoyed my time in the mental health field.
As I neared college graduation, I knew that I would have to earn at least a master’s level degree in order to work as a licensed mental health clinician. Again, I did not have anyone in my family to look to, but I believe that God had a plan for me all along to work in the MH field. To my surprise, I was granted admission into the master’s counseling program at Mercer University. During my time at Mercer, I also took an entry-level job working at a front office for a behavioral health agency. As time passed, I gained the knowledge and skills that I needed to move up in the company that I was working for. By the time I graduated with a master’s, I had a position secured working as a licensed clinician for the same behavioral health agency I started out with. Fast forward to 2019, I am toward the end of a Ph.D. program and also serving as a manager for a fast-paced outpatient behavioral health clinic.
Has it been a smooth road?
Reflecting back on my journey up until today, I think that I encountered a fair share of challenges. As I mentioned before, my parents are first-generation Mexican immigrants and although their support is second to none, I find I had to rely on myself quite a bit when it came to navigating the education system and also accessing relevant career opportunities. I grew up in a household where Spanish was the primary language that was spoken and Mexican traditions persevered. I believe that adjusting to the classroom setting and assimilating into the U.S. culture was a constant push and pull between my roots and my host environment. Additionally, I was quite young when I gave birth to my daughter, so my time has constantly been critically managed. However, I strongly believe that I am in the position that God wanted me in all along and I see his Grace come alive every time that I encounter and overcome any obstacle that may impact my ability to serve through my profession.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pathways Center – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I work for a community-based behavioral health agency in the West-GA area. This is a diverse organization that serves the most in-need citizens of GA who are without insurance coverage or have some type of state-funded insurance. I supervise an outpatient clinic and we serve children as young as five years old. I work in direct care by providing mental health assessments and counseling. Additionally, I am also the site supervisor and oversee daily operations of the clinic and our day programs. I specialize in working with Spanish-only speaking families who otherwise may not be able to access mental health services.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of our city. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I see the beauty in honoring different cultures as well as the people from these. Atlanta is where I was born and raised and although I am extremely proud of my Mexican roots, I consider Atlanta to be my home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: mentalhealth_saludmental
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