Our promotional spotlight employee for January 2026 is Kendra Wilson, Clinical Manager – Intensive Services. This month, we are proud to highlight Kendra, a dedicated leader whose roots in the Antelope Valley run deep. Born and raised in the community she now serves, Kendra began her journey in mental health in 2012 while working in the school district and supporting families through community mental health services. While balancing full-time work and graduate school, she earned her master’s degree in psychology and became a therapist in 2018. Her long-standing commitment to community-based care eventually led her to Penny Lane Centers in 2023, where she joined as a MAT Assessor and immediately connected with the organization’s heart and mission.
Since joining Penny Lane, Kendra has continued to grow as both a clinician and a leader. Now serving as a Clinical Manager, she is known for her compassion, affirming leadership style, and dedication to empowering others. Kendra values Penny Lane’s heart-centered culture and its genuine commitment to inclusivity, authenticity, and staff development. Grateful for the trust placed in her, she is proud to give back to the same community that shaped her, supporting both clients and colleagues with purpose, empathy, and care.
I was born and raised in the Antelope Valley, and this community has always been at the center of who I am. I attended Palmdale High School and later completed my higher education locally at Brandman University (now UMass Global). My journey into mental health began in 2012, when I started working in the school district while also supporting families through a community mental health agency. During that time, I balanced full-time work with graduate school and earned my master’s degree in psychology.
In 2018, I became a therapist and continued serving individuals and families throughout the Antelope Valley. That commitment to community-based work eventually led me to Penny Lane Centers in 2023, where I joined as a MAT Assessor. What stood out to me immediately was the heart behind the organization—the mission, the people, and the genuine care shown to both clients and staff.
Penny Lane’s mission to empower hope and possibility deeply aligned with my values. I’ve always believed in meeting people where they are and helping them find light during challenging moments. Penny Lane’s commitment to inclusiveness and dignity across gender, race, age, religion, ability, and identity is not just written—it’s lived every day. That authenticity made me feel truly connected to the work.
My favorite aspect of Penny Lane is its heart-centered culture. Compassion isn’t just encouraged here—it’s practiced daily. You see it in how staff support families, how leadership supports employees, and how everyone works together with intention and care. That genuine sense of connection makes the work meaningful and sustainable.
My path to promotion was incredibly affirming. Leadership took the time to truly see my strengths, listen to my goals, and support my professional growth. Rather than being pushed into a role, I felt guided toward a position that aligned with both my skill set and leadership style. Transitioning into the Clinical Manager role felt like a natural progression rather than a leap.
Stepping into leadership has been both challenging and rewarding. Supporting, coaching, and encouraging others in their professional growth has given me a deeper appreciation for the impact of thoughtful leadership.
I’m especially grateful for the support Penny Lane provided during my licensure journey. Having dedicated time to prepare for my exam allowed me to focus, feel confident, and walk into that experience knowing my workplace supported me. Passing that exam was a huge milestone, and I genuinely credit the work environment for creating the space I needed to succeed.
The most challenging part has been navigating the learning curve that comes with leadership and viewing mental health work from a broader systems perspective. That said, it has also been one of the most rewarding transitions. Supporting and empowering staff has reinforced our shared goal: to embrace, empower, and protect those in need.
Outside of work, I enjoy expressing myself creatively. I’m a huge football fan and a proud San Francisco 49ers supporter. I also enjoy doing acrylic nails and hair and exploring beauty products. Creativity helps keep me grounded.
Being raised by my grandparents had the greatest impact on my life. Growing up with limited contact with my biological parents came with challenges, but those experiences shaped my resilience, empathy, and ability to connect deeply with others—qualities I carry into both my clinical work and leadership style.
“Knowledge is power.” Knowledge cannot be taken away, and when shared, it becomes a tool for growth, influence, and change. Every achievement I’ve worked toward has been rooted in that belief.
I appreciate Penny Lane’s commitment to creating a connected, inclusive environment where both clients and staff can thrive. There is space for authenticity, diverse perspectives, and open dialogue without judgment. That sense of belonging exists at every level of the organization.
I’m grateful for every experience life has brought me—both the challenges and the victories. Each one has shaped me into the leader, clinician, and person I am today. As I step into my role as Clinical Manager, I’m especially grateful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me.
Congratulations Kendra!
