DIFFERENCE MAKER
I ntroducing Laurie Peterson, MSW LSW, Clin- ical Therapist/School Liaison that has been with The Village Network for 7 years. She has worked in the behavioral health industry for 9 years. Laurie Peterson, MSW, LSW Clinical Therapist/School Liaison
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Where did you go to school? Cleveland State University
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is the genuine love I receive, and the trust I earn from our kiddos by creating a relationally-safe environment. Another part is when I witness it all come together. You see their self-worth and sense of belonging grow with every day, even if they’ve felt their whole life that they don’t matter, don’t belong, and do not deserve love. After consistently applying the 6R’s and treating them with unconditional positive regard, dignity, and respect, you see something happen, you feel it. You can feel them feel the revival of love, and you feel them give love. You can feel them knowing and realizing they are worth it. What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part of my job is not being able to reach enough kids that need/and deserve this kind of treatment/love, etc. Knowing that there are kids that have been in situations and witnessed things no kid should ever be exposed to.
Who inspires you? My kiddos inspire me. Every day they show up. No matter what the world has thrown at them, they show up. They put in the work every day. For what may come natural to some kids, can be tough for our kids. They must work at self- regulation, executive functioning, cognitive flexibility, and social skills. Seeing them fill those deficits with skills is inspiring because that is not easy work. If you could have one wish granted for the children you work with, what would it be? For them to always remember what it feels like to be loved, accepted, and wanted; for them to always remember what human connection feels like; for them to know that they deserve to be here and for them to share that feeling with others. l
What’s your hidden talent? People say I am able to innately weave a therapeutic web with my clients that
encompasses the fundamental principles of NMT and CPS. People say my hidden talent is the ability to connect with my kids regardless of their developmental level. I often use toys to help establish a common ground with them. One day it may be Transformers; another day monster trucks, and the next day, LEGOS, but I always find a way. Plus, I can justify all the cool toys I “need” for work. It is a win-win!
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SPRING / SUMMER 2023 . THE VILLAGE NETWORK
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