What was your role at the company, and can you briefly describe your responsibilities? How long did you work at the company, and when did you leave?
I have had the privilege of serving in so many roles, my primary one being an Outpatient Psychotherapist, and my others over my time here being a Site Supervisor, a referrals coordinator, and a Groups Program Manager.

How long did you work at the company, and when did you leave?
I signed my offer letter in March 2020, so I have had the privilege of being with Three Oaks for almost a full four years.

What motivated you to join the company in the first place?
My work mom, Leah Sampson, who has guided me since the beginning of my social work career, was the first to say "send me your resume, because I have a job for you." It took me losing my pride and being willing to ask for help finding a job, and I trust that woman with my life. For her to say it's a good place, that means it's a great place.

How did your experience at the company contribute to your personal and/or professional growth?
Working at a large group practice enabled me to connect with clinicians from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse skill sets. I was able to learn so much from them through consult groups, as well as more informal consultations. I always felt encouraged to explore my interests, try new things, and pursue more formal training to continue to develop my skills, all of which will continue to help me throughout my career.

Can you share some of your most memorable experiences/projects/passions while working here?
I loved being able to help create a group program protocol, especially during COVID. I remember Casie taking a chance on letting me facilitate a training on how to lead a group, and so many amazing co-workers attended. After that training, Casie reached out and told me that I had something special and offered me the chance to make mentoring other providers a regular part of my role, and that was such a privilege. I am so glad I have gotten to do that.

How did your experience at the company contribute to your personal and/or professional growth?
Working here has taught me more than I could ever hoped to have learn and has offered me more opportunities than I think any job could offer the way it has here. I am more confident and more humble. I feel like I can lead and feel so excited to learn. I have boundaries and community. This place has been incredible for shaping me to be the person I am.

Were there any mentors or colleagues who had a significant impact on your career while at the company?
For sure Leah Sampson and Molly (they were the people who trained me when I started and held my hand when I needed it) and honestly my entire staff at Downtown Raleigh (Ryan, Elizabeth, Mary Catherine, Michele, Katie List). I have some sweet people from the other offices, too, who have changed my life for the better such as Sarah Bailes, Pressley, Allie, and so so many others. These wonderful people have added to my life and taught me so so much. OH! Fred also can never be forgotten as someone who inspires me chronically.

What skills or knowledge did you gain during your time at the company that you still find valuable in your current career?
I feel like working here has taught me how to be assertive and kind at the same time. I also appreciate how this place has challenged me to take risks with myself and how to trust myself while also acknowledging that feeling like a chronic learner is part of the process, and it should be.

How would you describe the company culture during your tenure?
Three Oaks aims for it to feel like more than just a job. I mainly reflect on how in DTR we have felt like truly a funny group of friends with all different personalities and approaches but it works. We can lean on each other, learn from one another, cry together, laugh together, hold each other accountable, cheer each other on. It's awesome.

Can you share any specific achievements or milestones you reached while working here?
I started my career period here and got fully licensed as a social worker. I learned more and to me that is a massive milestone. I love being an ACT therapist, and being trained in that and seeing the value of the modalities I use I would also argue are huge achievements in this field.

Were there any challenges you faced during your time at the company, and how did you overcome them?
Every therapist ever has to learn that no matter how good you want to and no matter how willing you are to bend yourself in half to be a good fit for every client ever, you will not be every person's preferred therapist. Learning that that doesn't mean I am an awful therapist but rather that I have a client who feels safe enough to say they need something more was hard but so helpful. Also becoming a leader and leading people that I genuinely would call my friends was bittersweet, but so so worth it. You overcome it with your support system, learning from those who know more, and with self compassion.

What advice would you give to current employees or recent hires at the company?
You don't have to do it like everyone else to do it well. Also, not being perfect outside of work or even at work doesn't mean you aren't doing something impactful. It takes time to build confidence, and it's okay if that falters, but don't let it falter alone. Grab a friend. Also, have things you do that don't serve a purpose. Many of us are in this field because if feels purposeful. That is beautiful, and also not everything needs a purpose. Find a past time that serves no other purpose than joy.

How has your experience at the company influenced your career trajectory or your life in general?
I have learned that I don't always know what I want to do next, but I know I want to learn more and try more. Three Oaks has taught me that that vague response is good enough to guide me to try something new. I have no clue what all I will do, but I feel like it is all possible now, and I am excited and nervous to try new things and learn as much as I can. Maybe I'll write a book one day. Who knows...

Are there any fond memories or anecdotes you'd like to share about your time at the company?
The in between session moments are so special. Getting in the car to go grab a mid day ice cream or going to a company kickball tournament. Calling a coworker up just because they get it. Those moments are my favorite moments, and gosh will I miss them.

How do you stay connected with former colleagues and the company's alumni network?
I am not good at letting people leave my life, and also I am terrible at texting. However, when I remember to text inevitably at 3AM, I usually think of the sweet people I miss from all parts of my life including work and will send a "hi I miss you and lets get coffee sometime" adjacent message and eventually we plan something (even though it takes me 3-5 business weeks to respond). I love maintaining these connections. It says a lot that you want to stay in touch with these folks even after you no longer work together.

Where are you NOW? Any future plans or goals?
I am work wise transitioning to Alamance Regional Psychiatric Associates to continue to be a therapist while moving closer to home to help support my partner in his career shifts also. I love being a therapist, but what I love even more is being a partner, so that's where I am now. Enjoying getting to continue to professionally love people well while being sure to love my family first. I am so excited for whatever the future holds. I honestly don't know what's next beyond that, but I appreciate my new found open mindedness to not having to have the answers right now. I would like to volunteer more, try new things, explore new places here in NC and be a tourist in my own life a bit more, so that's what's next.