Representation in Therapy Matters
At Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), our mission is driven by our core values: Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Efficiency, Excellence, and Quality. These values guide our approach to mental health and educational services, ensuring that every child, family, and community we serve receives the highest level of care and support.
We recognize that fostering a sense of belonging is essential for individuals facing mental health challenges. When clients see themselves reflected in their therapists, educators, and support systems, it fosters trust, comfort, and openness—essential elements for healing and growth.
For clients of color, having a therapist who shares their racial or cultural background can be particularly impactful. Lived experiences, such as racial trauma, discrimination, or cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, can create barriers to seeking and continuing care. When mental health professionals understand these challenges firsthand, it validates clients' experiences and reinforces that they are not alone. By prioritizing diversity and cultural competence, we can break down these barriers and ensure that every individual receives the support and validation they deserve.
At CGRC, we embody our values every day:
Respect ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, feel seen, heard, and valued.
Compassion drives us to provide care with empathy and understanding.
Integrity leads us to serve with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is right.
Efficiency allows us to maximize our resources to best serve the needs of children and families.
Excellence challenges us to continuously improve and innovate in the services we provide.
Quality ensures that every program and intervention is delivered at the highest standard.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the employees who embody these values and build strong, meaningful relationships with clients. Representation matters—not just in the therapy room but in leadership as well.
As the Senior Director of Education Services at CGRC, I have found my work to be deeply fulfilling. I embrace the responsibility of servanthood through leadership, knowing that my efforts make a lasting impact on the children, families, stakeholders, and coworkers I serve. Through my role, I support private EES schools, collaborate with community schools, and oversee IBHS services, creating educational mental health clinical programs that foster children’s growth, mental health, and overall well-being. My passion lies in ensuring that every child has access to quality education and resources, breaking down barriers to learning, and empowering individuals with the tools they need to thrive.
Being a biracial minority man in this field adds another layer of significance to my work. Representation is deeply personal to me—it reflects my culture, my family, and my commitment to giving back. My presence as a leader serves as a source of inspiration for others who may not always see themselves reflected in positions of influence. By bringing cultural awareness, empathy, and inclusivity to the programs I lead, I strive to create an environment where all individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered.
At CGRC, we are committed to fostering equitable, inclusive, and culturally competent mental health services and education. By upholding our values and prioritizing representation, we are shaping a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive—academically, emotionally, and personally.