“ I f I’m counseling someone, I try to think how would I want my counselor to be towards me?” says Kiwana Kiser, a
Social Worker in individual counseling at Family Insight, LLC. “So, I give the best I can do at all times.” Kiwana chose the mental health profession out of a passion for helping and serving. She’s giving it her all, hoping to make changes in her clients’ lives no matter if they’re struggling with self-esteem, self-love, or another issue. Mrs. Kiser ensures the needs of each client are met by assessing the individual, reviewing their treatment plan, and making sure they follow their safety plan: a list of behaviors and resources to use if they are in trouble. Mrs. Kiser also checks to see that the individual takes their medication as prescribed by their psychiatrist. Finally, she records all of this data in the case notes. Kiwana began her career doing home assessments at the Department of Family and Children Services. As she became aware of clients’ needs for counseling, she would refer them to the appropriate agencies. Eventually, she wanted to be involved with the counseling agency or even be the person providing the therapy. Kiwana transferred to the school district, where she worked in the social work department to offer therapeutic services to children. She branched out again to Family Insight, LLC. to become more instrumental than on just a school level. As a girl, Kiwana was the middle child of three sisters. Her father was present only occasionally, and her paternal grandmother raised her. Her grandmother tried to meet the children’s needs and did the best she could. Still, Kiwana grew up in a home that needed help, but those resources weren’t available for her family. She says that because she was less fortunate as a child, a passion for helping children grew in her. Kiwana kept to herself in school until tenth grade, when she met a special boy. She got pregnant her junior year and had her son at the beginning of her senior year. She still took AP (college credit) courses and graduated as one of the top ten students in her class. From there, she married in 2007 and studied at Valdosta State University. She later graduated from Capella University with her MSW. Kiwana now has two more daughters and says she has a great life now. She adores her field in counseling and social work. Mrs. Kiser says what she does benefits the community because mental health is a real issue, and counseling helps combat the struggle. “It touches one more person, so they don’t have as many issues or outbursts because there’s counseling in place. It’s important to bring it to the community, and since one person is taking care of themselves, it’s time to look at the next child,” Mrs. Kiser states. She also points out how essential it is to get counseling if you think you might need it. “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s important to reach out for help.”
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