Our Spotlight is Shining on………

JaNya Baker!

JaNya serves as a SWITCH Youth Clinical Specialist within our Memphis Allies program.

She will be transitioning into a SWITCH Youth Clinical Supervisor role next week. Congratulations on your promotion!

---

A conversation with JaNya:

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?

My favorite thing to do in Memphis is visit the Memphis Escape Rooms.

How long have you been with Youth Villages? What positions did you have before moving to your current role?

I have been with Youth Villages for about 2 years and 4 months. I’ve held the roles of a TC and Senior TC at Bill’s Place prior to moving into my current role!

Describe a typical work day.

A typical work day is showing relentless engagement and meeting my kids where they are. I have sessions with my kids & we focus on those tough things they’ve shoved to the back of their minds. We work through struggles and have hard conversations. In the end, I’ll sprinkle a little humor on top & that leads to a successful work day! 

What is the toughest part of your job?

The toughest part of my job is turning work off at the end of the day. 

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the flexibility!

What is the best self-care activity you would recommend to a new employee?

The best self care activity I would recommend to a new employee is to wind down and get a massage! Things get hectic, and we have to take care of ourselves! 

Is there someone who has helped you through your time at YV? Who and how did they help you?

Each supervisor that I have had, has supported me, pushed me, and helped me through my time at YV. Leadership being encouraging personally and professionally has meant more to me than they’d ever know.

What’s one thing you wish you would have known before you started working with Youth Villages?

One thing I wish I would have known before I started with Youth Villages is that I would fall deeper in love with serving the youth who people fail to understand. After 6 months of working at YV, I knew I’d never want to go anywhere else and that I was stuck!

Do you have any advice for someone interested in this type of work?

My advice for anyone interested in this type of work is you must have a passion for the work and be built Ford tough. You have to truly care for who you’re servicing and be genuine. 

4th annual Juneteenth jubilee bbq fest. Memphis Allies team.

---

A message from JaNya’s leadership team:

“JaNya began working with SWITCH Youth in May of 2023. JaNya has been assigned with multiple youth with significant gun violence and elopement risk. JaNya hit the ground running and was able to build solid rapport with the majority of the youth she has been assigned. One youth in particular was just involved in a high risk incident. JaNya was able to do amazing follow-up and collaboration with her Life Coach to ensure a good peer assessment was complete and the youth was safe at home. JaNya and her positive spirit and her willingness to go above and beyond to meet the need of the youth and families we serve. Pillars: Face First, Find a yes that matters, Listen strategically” – Lesley Dumas, SWITCH Youth Regional Supervisor

Click here to learn more about our Memphis Allies program. If you are interested in joining our clinical team as a SWITCH Youth Clinical Specialist, click here to begin your journey with YV! #YouthVillagesStartsWithYou

Youth Villages Employee Spotlight

Meet Frances Howell!

Frances Howell serves as a Crisis Response Counselor within our Specialized Crisis Services program.

Tell us about yourself!

I graduated from the Advanced Standing Program at Fordham University with my master’s in social work in January 2020. Prior to that I attended Union University for my bachelor’s degree where I graduated Cum Laude. My passion is service to others, in part, because I have been given so much opportunity for growth myself. I feel we all need the opportunity to heal, to grow, and even more so, to thrive. One saying in my life that I have used since 2010, when my own personal journey really began, is from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I’m summarizing here, but it goes like this: “If you have to crawl you crawl, if you have to walk you walk and if you can run then you run, but no matter what you have got to keep moving forward.”

What initially brought you to Youth Villages?

Coming to YV was in my heart since I was in my BSW program. I feel like the mission of YV played an important role in my desire to come here, but when I arrived and began learning the pillars of the YV Way, I knew I was home.

How have your grown in your role at YV since you started?

There has been such tremendous growth in myself both personally and professionally. I think that the greatest thing I’ve learned as a professional, is that we all need room to be human and room to breathe. We are going to fail. We are going to fall. We are going to make mistakes, but it’s not about the falling or even the failing. It’s about getting back up, moving forward and pressing on.

What are some ways that you feel supported in this role?

The support from leadership is simply unbelievable and undeniable. Rachael Oiler is my direct supervisor. She is the most inspiring, motivated, understanding, and compassionate supervisor I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She will call us on our mistakes and will definitely push us to grow beyond our comfort zone, but she also takes time to develop us, to see the potential that lies within us, and most importantly, she listens. She explains the Y behind everything she does. Yvette Bean, is my Regional. Yvette is my definition of bravery. She is the greatest support one can have when dealing with something that can feel overwhelming and even intimidating at times. Like Rachael, she develops, she prompts us to grow and stretch beyond that level of comfort in the hard places, but she doe so with compassion and understanding. When the days are hard and long, she doesn’t say, “Keep grinding” She says, “I’m here, I’m with you all the way” and then if it’s a late shift, she says, “Text me when you get home so I know you made it home safe”. We are blessed to have her.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting at YV?

This job isn’t for the faint of heart, and really, it is so much more than a job. It is the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. One day, I was paying a bill, and I met someone who had previous YV services. I asked her, and how are you doing now? She said the services were very helpful to her family. While I’m not going to share her personal story or details here, she said something to me that day that I will never forget. She said, “We needed YV services, even though going through the process of healing was hard, we did it…and we are doing better now, but looking back, our healing began in that moment…that moment of impact with YV…and it all began with a crisis counselor, so thank you for what you do”. So with that being said, I think that it’s important to understand that as a crisis counselor, you’re not just coming to work….You’re coming to save lives. You’re coming to make a difference. You’re going to make an impact and so let’s do our best as individuals, and as a team, to make it a good one. Find the yes that matters. Explain the Y behind. More than anything else, put that child first. We are the force for our families and don’t ever lose sight of that.

If you have a passion for helping children and adolescents under the age of 18 who are experiencing a crisis like Frances, please apply through our website: YV Careers.

Youth Villages Employee Spotlight

Meet Diamond Fairley!

Diamond serves as a SWITCH Clinical Specialist within our Memphis Allies program.

---

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?

My favorite thing to do in Memphis right now is riding the Trolley.

How long have you been with Youth Villages? What positions did you have before moving to your current role?

1 year and 7 months. I began my YV journey in the Specialized Crisis Services as a Triage Counselor.

Describe a typical work day.

Mondays are normally used for completing treatment plans, telehealth sessions, and sending text messages to remind the participants of their upcoming clinical session and group times for the week.

Tuesdays & Thursdays are the busiest days of the week.  Groups are held twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays (11am & 2:30pm), and we have consultation on Thursday’s as well.  Wednesdays are steady. Fridays are my make up days and preparing for the upcoming week.  We also have team huddles on Fridays where each team comes together to provide their schedule of who’s coming into the office to ensure that staff and the participants are safe. 

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is seeing the participants overcome their toughest challenges and being able to change their mindset.

Is there someone who has helped you through your time at YV? Who and how did they help you?

Yes, I have had a few people from SCS Crisis to Memphis Allies that have helped with encouraging words, support, and just being a listening ear and I am very grateful for them.  But one person was my best friend.  She worked for Youth Villages previously and her advice to me was “Complete your work on time, do your best, be honest, and everything will fall into place.”

What’s one thing you wish you would have known before you started working with Youth Villages?

One thing that I wish I knew was that I was going to be pushed far and beyond my comfort zone.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in this type of work?

My advice would be to give yourself grace to learn the SWITCH model and how to deal with each participant individually, as well as your treatment team members.  This job is very rewarding but some days you will feel as if you are not doing enough for the participants or yourself.   Be teachable, trainable, and open to feedback negative and positive; however, when leadership gives feedback, take the feedback, and apply pressure to yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself to complete the job duties.  And finally stay organized, make a daily check list and complete it before leaving work if possible.    

---

A message from Diamond’s leadership team:

“Diamond always goes above and beyond for her participants and the staff that she works with daily. She strives to meet her participants where they are by providing a yes that matters, even if it means changing her schedule around to accommodate the participants’ schedules. She is always up front in her communication in the changes to ensure that the participants’ Life Coaches and Case Managers are aware of any changes that were made. She also communicates all case updates, whether it’s a need, a success, or a serious incident, to the team to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to assisting the participant with meeting their goals.”

Click here to learn more about our Memphis Allies program. If you are interested in joining our clinical team as a SWITCH Clinical Specialist, click here to begin your journey with YV! #YouthVillagesStartsWithYou

Youth Villages Employee Spotlight

A Conversation with Chakitra Hill: An Inspiring Foster Care Specialist at Youth Villages

In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of diving into the world of foster care through the eyes of Chakitra Hill, one of our dedicated Foster Care Specialists at Youth Villages. With over 8 years of experience, her passion for making a difference in the lives of children is truly inspiring. Join us as we explore her journey, the challenges she faces, and the rewarding moments she encounters on a daily basis.

Q: How long have you been working with Youth Villages?

A: I began working with Youth Villages over 8 years ago. I absolutely love foster care because children often achieve permanency here. It’s nothing like seeing a child find a forever home.

Q: What roles did you previously hold at Youth Villages before taking up your current position?

A: Other than a foster care counselor, I also worked as a counselor for the group home. I missed the family feel in foster care, and two years later, they welcomed me right back with no problem.

Q: Can you describe a typical workday or workweek?

A: I like to frontload my sessions weekly, so I do most of my family sessions on either Mondays or Tuesdays, and individual sessions follow. It’s never a dull moment with my youth or our families. We are always learning from one another. Like me, many of our youth have been through a challenging/traumatic past, but between Guidetree, my consultant, and my leadership, we always gear treatment toward helping them to overcome whatever obstacles they are facing. When preparing for a session, there’s always an internal excitement and zeal when looking for that unique intervention for our families/clients. I’m especially excited when the session goes well, and we can actually get to do what we planned, which happens a lot since my families and I have passed the engagement process. It never fails that I leave sessions feeling like I’ve made a difference and provided hope to a youth or a family. There’s never a week in foster care where I feel like I don’t belong. This is home.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?

A: My favorite thing to do in Memphis is eat. I declare there is nothing that you can’t get that will satisfy your tastebuds in Memphis. I’m allergic to seafood, but I can eat fish and salmon. Memphis never fails me when I order these entrees from any restaurant, especially downtown. And when you add Joshua Buck (Regional in Arkansas) and his crew to the entertainment, it’s definitely a great time.

Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of your job, and what sets it apart? What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

A: The toughest part of my job is when a youth does not reach permanency. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are foster parents that will allow youth to stay until 18, and I’m grateful for that. But foster care was never meant to be a place to get a youth until 18 and discharge them. Foster care was meant to help families and youth overcome their issues and to reunite them with their families if at all possible. When it’s not possible to reunite them with their families, finding that forever family is the goal. Discharging youth at 18 to a world where they are unsure of what tomorrow holds and don’t have a family to return to is disheartening to me, and I try to make sure that is never the case for youth on my caseload. For example, if a youth is in a home and decides to go to college, he/she can come back to their forever home on the weekends, spend holidays with the family, etc. Unless the foster parent(s) have agreed to adopt, my goal is to always get the youth to their forever home. That’s what’s both unique and rewarding about my job. I love that my leadership in foster care supports me in helping youth/families find the needed resources and get the necessary treatment, and then allows me to help my youth reach permanency. I believe that if we can treat the youth/family and get them home, there’s room to help another youth/family who needs it.

This means we are changing the world one youth/family at a time. That’s super rewarding to me because I know what it feels like to just want my mother to get better and bring me home with her as well as to have an extended family to love me until my mother got it together. It’s not often in my 8 years of work that a youth on my case does not reach permanency, which includes being adopted, going back to the parents, or going to the next of kin. I never want a youth not to have a forever family.

Adoption days and discharging youth to their families are the best days for me. It’s always a joy to hear the judge announce the youth leaving with their forever families and to take that one last picture before a family takes their children to their forever home. When this family has received resources and skills to be successful in the community, seeing them leave together is the greatest reward in the world.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone interested in this type of work?

A: If you want a job that’s rewarding where you can grow as a therapist, Youth Villages is the place for you to work. If you want a family, not just coworkers who believe in your ability to treat and help youth and families, Youth Villages is for you. I’ve always been told that the number 8 means new beginning. I’ve been here 8 years, and every day is a new experience and opportunity to change a life. You will not regret applying here and hopefully coming on board. We help families thrive, and moreover, we are family!

Chakitra Hill’s incredible dedication to foster care and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children inspire us all. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a supportive team, join us at Youth Villages. Take the first step towards an impactful career by applying [here]. Together, let’s empower families and create lasting change in the lives of children.

One of the best ways to get a feel for a company is to hear stories from employees. We’ve created the perfect opportunity – our new podcast, Stronger Than You Think.

Maryville College Alumni discusses her progression from Undergrad to Regional Supervisor

Mary Linkous representing Maryville at Youth Villages

I attended Maryville College (many years ago) and obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I talked so fondly on my years at Maryville that my oldest daughter decided she wanted to attend as well! She graduated in 2016.  I love thinking back about football games on that beautiful campus in the autumn at the foothills of the Smokies, putting together all our spare change and piling into cramped dorm rooms to eat pizza (the dining hall food is so much better now), and going swimming in the indoor pool in the middle of winter then running out into the snow in our bathing suits. There may be a picture floating around on Facebook now to prove it. I made great friends and even married one.

When I was at Maryville, I knew I wanted to study Psychology. The classes and experiences I had with my major were the best, but I was not looking forward to more school right away. When I decided that it was time to get back into the field, I took a position as a Family Intervention Specialist at Youth Villages. Over the next 15 years I was promoted to Clinical Supervisor and then to Regional Supervisor over our Intercept program as well as LifeSet and EFC programs in Cookeville, TN. I also took advantage of the tuition reimbursement benefit because, after 20 years, I was finally ready to go back to get my graduate degree. Youth Villages also assisted me in getting my professional licensure. I am now a licensed counselor.

As a member of management in our office, I enjoy giving others the same experience to work with such diverse and deserving populations that I was given. I am happy to work for an organization that is constantly re-evaluating salaries, benefits and education for their employees and provides so many opportunities for growth.

Placing the Spotlight on a Behind-the-Scenes Hero, one of our Clinical Supervisors, Cheyenne Poe!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in Terre Haute, Indiana my entire life.  I graduated from a very small private liberal arts college called St. Mary-of-the-Woods College that allowed me to participate in a lot of activities and hold leadership positions that I may not have been able to experience if I attended a larger institution.

Why did you choose to work at Youth Villages?

Quite simply, I want to make a difference and provide hope for children and families in need.  I believe in the mission and values of Youth Villages (YV) and I know that all the time, effort, and sometimes heartache goes into making a positive impact on the lives of the families we work with. 

What motivates you to want to help at-risk youth and their families?

I have learned over the years that at risk youth and families don’t want a handout, but a hand up.  They want to know that they are important and valued and not just another statistic. They are in their darkest hour and if we can be a little bit of a light for them, it is worth it. I believe the important thing is knowing that we are walking alongside them and not behind or ahead of them, so that when they fall someone is there to lift them up.  

How has Youth Villages played a positive role in your professional development and goals?

YV has played a positive role in my professional development.  I have a servant style leadership and that has been a good match with YV. 

Tell us about your favorite hobby.

My favorite hobby is cooking and trying out new recipes with my family.

To learn more about Indiana Opportunities, you can visit our website and apply at youthvillages.org/careers!

Youth Villages Employee Spotlight

Meet one of the Recreation Therapists that’s fulfilling our mission, through play!

Danielle Koloseike

What is your position and location?

I am a recreational therapist at Bill’s Place 

How long have you been with Youth Villages?

I have been with YV for 1year.  

What other positions did you have with YV?

None, this is my first? 

Describe a typical workday.

We do not really have a typical workday because we are always doing something new and different. Though, usually, I lead 2-3 recreation therapy groups in the morning and early afternoon and act as support staff for other RecT groups throughout the day. After the school day is over for the youth, we-as RecT staff- help to facilitate events and extracurricular activities for both youth and staff.  

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?

Hiking in Meeman-Shelby Forest state park 

What has been the toughest part of your job?

The toughest part of my job has been navigating situations with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. 

What’s the most unique part of your job?

My career consists of me playing and having fun and helping kids in the process. We do some activities that most people rarely or never get to do, and I get to share those experiences with our youth. 

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is creating fun and enjoyment for kids who sometimes forget how to be kids. I get to be creative, and I get to have fun and build relationships with kids by providing opportunities for play, laughter, and community. 

What is the best self-care activity you would recommend to a new employee?

Take YOU time. Take time to ground yourself by doing whatever it is you enjoy doing in your free time. When you are not at YV, try your best to disconnect and truly take your time off.  

Do you have any advice for someone interested in this type of work?

“The energy you put in is the energy you get out”. Come in with a caring attitude and respect for the youth as humans and you will get the same in return. 

Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings for Recreation Therapy here:

https://bit.ly/3SM0gkF

Meet One of The Nurses That Makes Our Mission Possible, Jessica Young!

Meet Jessica, A Registered Nurse at our Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville, GA!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in a small town in Illinois of around 2000 people. I had 36 kids in my graduating HS class. I graduated Methodist School of Nursing in 2004, at the age of 20. I recently got married to the love of my life and best friend, Alonzo.

What attracted you to the nursing department at Youth Villages?

When we moved to Georgia last year, I applied for a few jobs. The job at Youth Villages caught my eye, because I knew I could make a difference. Once I met the RN manager, Theresa, I knew Youth Villages was where I belonged.

Tell us a little bit about your current role here as a nurse and your favorite aspect of it.

I love interacting with the youth and the staff and seeing the transformation in the youth before they discharge.

What motivates you to want to help at-risk youth and their families?

I have always been a supporter of the “underdog”. I know people can change, especially our youth, with guidance and a little bit of love.

How has Youth Villages helped in your growth and development as nurse?

In this crazy world we live in, Youth Villages has definitely reminded me that we have many compassionate and caring people left. We all come in each day, not for the money, but for the youth.

Jessica’s Wedding!

Tell us about your favorite hobby.

Shopping is definitely my favorite hobby. On my off days, you can catch me at Marshalls or TJ Maxx looking for the great deals!

What is one thing that you appreciate about Youth Villages as an nurse?

I appreciate the willingness of our manager and charge nurse to jump in and help when needed. We work in a team atmosphere that supports each other. I also appreciate that management listens to the nurses’ concerns and formulates a solution.

From LifeSet to LPE, Allison walks the YV way!

Allison Norton is one of Youth Villages amazing Licensed Program Experts. For a decade now, Allison has been committed to providing the best services and helping families to live successfully. She started her journey here at YV in 2012 as a specialist in our LifeSet program (YVLS), which was previously known as the Transitional Living Program. When asked what drew her to YVLS she said “I’m very passionate about helping transitional aged youth (TAY), as I feel they are underserved during such an impactful stage of life. No one works with TAY better than YV!”. As a Licensed Program Expert, Allison now consults with other LifeSet specialists by providing essential clinical feedback to ensure youth are safe, have their needs met, and are meeting their own treatment goals. She believes in the work she does and she loves helping others. She enjoys working with young adults because of “their honesty and ability to really keep you checked in to the issues at hand.  Young adults especially are not shy in sharing what is not working for them and the progress comes from their ability to really identify the problems (micro and macro).” We are honored to have such a talented and devoted University of New Hampshire (UNH) Alumni as one of our LPE’s! 

Allison obtained her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Psychology from Umass Amherst. A few years after starting at Youth Villages, Allison pursued her Master’s degree in Social Work at UNH and graduated in 2016. Although she was part of the online program and didn’t partake in a “typical campus life” she still had amazing things to say about her experience at UNH—“ I honestly really enjoyed all my classes and professors at UNH. I especially loved Lee Pozzi-Rush who I had for my first field seminar, Patrick Shannon who I know also shares an affinity for TAY, and Lindsey Mogren- who was not my professor, but my very first internship supervisor and now works in field education at UNH.”  

Allison Sporting Her UNH Swag!

If you are looking to walk the YV way like Allison, come visit us at the UNH Social Service Career and Internship Fair on September 28^th, where our recruiters will be there to educate you on our programs and how you can help make change happen. We hope to see you there! If you want to learn more about our benefits right now such as tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision, check out our careers website: www.youthvillages.org/careers

Gooo Wild Cats!

Youth Villages Employee Spotlight

How long have you been with Youth Villages?

I have been with Youth Villages almost 12 years. Youth Villages has given me the opportunity to build lifelong relationships and experiences with children and families. I have been blessed with some of the greatest experiences both personally and professionally.

What other positions did you have with Youth Villages before moving into your current role?

I started as a Teacher Counselor at Paidia’s Place group home in November 2010. I have also served in the following roles of Group Home Supervisor, Family Intervention Specialist and Clinical Liaison in Intercept, MYPAC and In-home Clinical Supervisor, Residential Counselor and Clinical Manager.

Can you describe a typical workday?

I start my day with coffee. I love coffee, coffee brings me joy. 😊My day consists of a combination of support, advocacy and problem solving. I provide a great deal of support within meetings with my team, check-ins with youth, families, and internal/external customers. There are sometimes where my day involves training new staff and providing development to my seasoned staff. Although, I serve in a leadership role, there are times I still conduct and attend therapy sessions. I typically end my day by ensuring my team feels supported with conversations and jokes after a long day of work.

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis? 

Eat hot wings and go to church, specifically New Direction Christian Church. 😊

What’s the most unique part of your job?

The most unique part of my job is having the opportunity to develop a new program. I have been able to be innovate by creating and developing processes that reconstruct an existing program that serves some of the most challenging youth in the nation. Another unique part of my job is being able to lead such a dynamic group of clinicians. I use my leadership and passion to help motivate, encourage, and challenge my clinical program. I help new clinicians build a strong foundation that allows them to cultivate their individual gifts. This allows them to blossom into their strengths in the field. I also take pride in working with my team on creating a work life balance to decrease compassion fatigue. This work you do must be purpose driven. This is the type of field you are called to do.

What is the best self-care activity you would recommend to a new employee?

People honestly don’t know what self-care is, until you realize you don’t have a good balance at doing things for yourself. I would suggest finding that thing, person, or place that excites you, you enjoy and brings about a level of peace and relaxation. There are several things I enjoy for self-care. Sleep is my FAVORITE (learning how to rest is my goal is these days), journaling, collecting stickers for my Happy Planner, using candles and essential oils. I also enjoy fresh flowers.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in this type of work?

You must have a true passion for this type of work. You must have a heart and empathy for impacting children and families. You must also be able to be a team player. Having a cohesive team matters!

Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings for Residential Master’s Level Counselors here: https://bit.ly/3qTAW0J

• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn