Our promotional spotlight employee for April 2024 is Guadalupe Carbajal, Intensive Services Wrap Around Therapist.
Guadalupe began her career at Penny Lane in November 2018 as a part time Peer Specialist for our TAY drop-in center, then moved to the Wrap Around Child Family Specialist, then to Case Manager for our Child Outreach Program in Antelope Valley. Then in March 2023, she transferred to the Wrap Around Facilitator role in Antelope Valley. She continued to show her capabilities and growth. She was recently promoted in February 2024 to the Intensive Services Wrap Around Therapist at our Antelope Valley Clinic, continuing to support our families in different ways.
Guadalupe has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Human Services from CSU Bakersfield and a master’s in social work from Walden University. Guadalupe also has her Associate Clinical Social Work license from the state of California.
Help me in congratulating Guadalupe on her achievements!
-Lori Reid, Penny Lane Centers
Before coming to Penny Lane, I was constantly exploring different job opportunities to find a place where I could grow long-term.
What brought me to Penny Lane was its reputation for upholding quality services to families in the community regardless of gender, race, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression.
My favorite aspect of working with Penny Lane is the family culture and community I have built since working with the agency. PLC has room for growth and promotion, and this is encouraged within the agency.
I was very encouraged by my supervisors and peers. Since starting at Penny Lane over five years ago, I have obtained my associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree. I began as a part-time peer specialist at the TAY drop-in center, joined the wrap team as a CFS, and became a COTT case manager. Unfortunately, that program (COTT) ended. Then I became a wrap facilitator, and then ultimately my current position as a wrap therapist.
Along the way, the PLC team has provided me with support and advice and has encouraged me to prioritize self-care and my family to ensure I can provide the necessary support to others.
Some of the amazing benefits PLC offered me to further my education were tuition reimbursement of up to $2000, Internship opportunities, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
People are surprised to know I, too, grew up in the foster care system. Penny Lane played a role in my stability along my foster care journey.
The event that shaped me the most significantly was losing my mother as a teenager.
The best advice I have ever received is to be kind to myself and give myself the same grace and patience I give others.
I appreciate that Penny Lane has given me the tools, resources, and encouragement to continue growing as an employee and in my personal life. Penny Lane has also allowed me to gain experience in multiple positions and continue my career while balancing a healthy work and home life.
I am grateful for my family and friends, the opportunities I've come across, and PLC for allowing me stability for the past five years. However, I am most grateful for my daughter and what I have learned since becoming a mother.
