When I first began my career as a therapist, I dreamed about someday stepping into a leadership role. Therapy has always been my passion, and the vision of guiding healing and growth—both in my clients and among fellow clinicians—was a lifelong goal. I vividly remember the ambitious “plans” I created as a teenager, imagining myself working within a collaborative team of specialized providers, developing and nurturing a diverse and skilled group of clinicians, and, most importantly, surrounding myself with professionals who shared my deep passion for therapeutic work.

Initially, stepping into the role of Clinical Director felt daunting. This opportunity presented itself earlier than I’d expected, and I knew I had big shoes to fill (shout out to Meghan Shapiro!). Change has never been my favorite thing, and I knew this transition would require me to stretch outside of my comfort zone. However, the same people whose roles I stepped into have also been my greatest mentors, offering immense support and guidance that shaped me into the clinician I am today. Their belief in me strengthened my own confidence, allowing me to embrace this new chapter fully.

My time thus far as Clinical Director has been filled with diverse emotions—surreal moments, excitement, fulfillment, and reward. Above all, though, one feeling stands out clearly: pride. Not pride solely in my personal achievements, but immense pride in the entire Chrysalis team. At the beginning of this year, Chrysalis underwent significant transformation, and each team member embraced this change with resilience and dedication. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable growth, demonstrated through providing exceptional clinical services, cultivating meaningful relationships in our community, and supporting one another through every challenge and success.

A particularly impactful experience in my first quarter was leading our second round of the Trauma-Focused Intensive Outpatient Program (TF IOP). Our pilot cohort launched successfully last October, and this round similarly surpassed expectations. Across both cohorts, clients experienced notable progress thanks to their dedication and commitment to treatment. Outcome measures indicated a significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms from intake to discharge for all clients completing the program. Witnessing such tangible growth and healing has been profoundly inspiring, fueling our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can truly thrive.

Reflecting now, I can confidently say my teenage self would be thrilled to see those once-distant dreams realized. I am deeply honored to lead and collaborate with an exceptional team of talented, compassionate clinicians at an organization genuinely committed to prioritizing client care. The future at Chrysalis feels bright and filled with promise, and though change can indeed feel intimidating, it can also lead to something incredibly beautiful. After all, as we often remind ourselves here: without change, there would be no butterflies!