In honor of Social Workers Month, we’re spotlighting a few of the many incredible social workers in our TENCO area.
Many are unaware of the diverse career opportunities available to those with a social work degree, and we aim to shed light on this.
Social work is one of the fields we can provide assistance for. Give us a call today at one of our nearby locations to discover how we can support you!
The Director of Mental Health Services for Primary Plus Counseling
I am an L.C.S.W. with over 40 years of social work experience. I started my career in public health, have worked in the hospital settings, had my own practice, have been adjunct faculty, and now provide individual, couple, and family counseling services. My drive or calling started when I was born. I knew the word social worker before I knew the word, Mom. My caseworker, Miss Alexander, gave me the understanding that one person can make a difference in a person’s life. What an incredible career to be able to serve others!
—Deb Weber
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
I started out working as a medical social worker, in a hospital setting. After seventeen years in that field, I felt a change was needed and I came to the OVR. I feel my work in the medical field helped prepare me for my role at VR, by providing me with skills and knowledge needed to work as a counselor. I chose to enter the field of social work so I could help others and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives. Working for VR is very fulfilling, especially when you can assist a consumer in reaching their work and life goals and gain or maintain independence.
—Melissa Arthurs
Right after earning my social work degree, I provided case management to individuals receiving in-home services. I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, varying greatly in age and ability. I’m forever grateful for the clients I met and experiences I gained. Long term care has always had a special place in my heart and since 2017 I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Buffalo Trace District Long Term Care Ombudsman. I oversee a program which has 23 volunteers and advocates for nearly 435 nursing homes and assisted living residents in the five counties that we serve. For nearly twenty years I have had the privilege of working with men and women who have been in or were seeking alternative placement for continued care. I truly love what I do and those that I serve, and I can’t imagine a more rewarding profession.
—Amanda Grooms
I have always felt most fulfilled when helping others. I enjoy working with individuals and families to help improve their lives. Growing up, I always felt pulled into the direction of working with youth. I have been a Youth Service Center Coordinator for Fleming County Schools for over 25 years. Being in an educational setting allows me to assist others with basic needs and connect families to community resources to help alleviate barriers to academic success. I feel like the FRYSC position has allowed me to use my leadership skills to bridge our community and schools to better serve our students. The social work field is very diverse, and you can work in a variety of settings. I’ve worked in front line social work as a Family Preservation Therapist, and I’ve worked in the field of mental health and children’s services at Comprehend before my current role.
—Mendy High
I decided to pursue a career in social work for numerous reasons, but the number one driving force behind my choice was the hope that I could be for someone the person I needed in my life when I was younger. I grew up in Southeastern Kentucky, where mental health was, and still is in some places, considered taboo and not to be discussed. The idea of being taken to see a therapist to discuss my mental health concerns was ludicrous, but I was taken to the doctor regularly. Had there been a therapist/social worker in the medical clinic setting, as I am now at St. Claire healthcare, perhaps I could have begun my healing journey long ago. I pursued a career in the medical social work field to provide care to those who otherwise might not have access to it. I love the work I do inside the clinic and out; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
—Megan Neace