Behind the Flame: Claire

Since becoming interested in mental health and children, I have always wanted to work in preventative care, and the closest population to that is young children. Although working with young children is technically early intervention, it serves a preventative purpose by reducing the risk of existing symptoms worsening and minimizing the impact of new symptoms. While our work does not eliminate emotional or mental health challenges, reducing risk gives me immense hope that we are strengthening protective factors. We ensure children have tools to manage their feelings as they grow into adulthood.

My interest in young children led me to search for organizations in Maryland that work with this population, which is how I discovered The Lourie Center. The center is unique in that it is one of the few organizations dedicated to training therapists to effectively work with very young children. Since graduating, I have wanted to develop my therapeutic skills at The Lourie Center, so I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to work here and continue pursuing the job I have long desired.

Interestingly, when I first applied, I wanted the position so badly that I visited the clinic in interview attire, hoping they would grant me an on-the-spot interview. I visited The Lourie Center two or three times and frequently called my now director, Jill Brown, for updates on my application. In hindsight, I may have been a bit persistent—so I sincerely appreciate Jill for graciously handling all my calls and emails during my job-seeking journey. Nearly two years after my initial visits, I was introduced to [Executive Director] Jimmy Venza through a family friend, which led to an interview for my current position. In the end, everything worked out, and I am deeply thankful for the people who supported me on my journey to work here.