This month, we are proud to highlight Mark Cruz, whose career journey reflects dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to growth in the field of mental health. Mark began his career in 1999 at a 30-bed Adult Residential Facility in Los Angeles, where he worked closely with therapists, psychiatrists, and residential staff who encouraged him to pursue graduate studies and become a clinician. Their belief in his natural ability to connect with people and his skill as a problem solver set him on a path that led to licensing in the field and, ultimately, a fulfilling career dedicated to supporting youth and families.
Since joining Penny Lane, Mark has continued to embrace growth opportunities, moving from clinician to supervisor and now serving as a Clinical Manager in Intensive Services. He is inspired by Penny Lane’s culture of innovation, forward thinking, and heart-centered leadership, which motivates him to bring his best every day. Known not only for his professional dedication but also for his warmth and authenticity, Mark values the people he works with and the opportunities to mentor future leaders in the organization.
My career in mental health started in 1999 at a 30 bed Adult Residential Facility in Los Angeles where we ran a Pilot Step Down program for DMH. I started as an Administrator for the facility and later moved on to become its Director. During my work there, I was surrounded by a great group of Therapists, Psychiatrists, and Residential Staff who encouraged me to go back to school and obtain my master's degree so I could become a Clinician. They felt I had the natural ability to work with people and had the skills to become a good Therapist.
After finishing Graduate school, I spent almost 8 years as a school-based and IFCCS Therapist at SFVCMHC. After being licensed for 2 years, I felt it was a natural progression to move on to becoming a Clinical Supervisor, even though I enjoyed working directly with the youth. I’ve always heard a lot of great things about PLC from people who work in the mental health community, especially on the residential side. I was aware of PLC’s history and their work with youth, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. There was an opening with Intensive Services, and I thought it was a perfect opportunity due to my background in working in residential settings, working with challenging cases and being on call 24/7.
Penny Lane has always been forward-thinking and has been a leader in innovation in how we provide mental health treatment. Whether it’s pushing technology, developing systems and protocols, or providing support for their staff, we are always moving forward in all these aspects. We are often chosen for Pilot Programs, which is a true reflection of how we are looking at ways to grow and reflective of the respect that Penny Lane has from the Mental Health community. I also feel the shift to a culture of being Heart Centered is reflective of how Penny Lane is always looking to improve as an agency.
My path to promotion was natural progression as a Clinical Supervisor. Over the years, I’ve become more experienced through all the opportunities of finding solutions and problem-solving for our Teams, youth, and families.
I’ve always had a lot of support along the way from all my supervisors and the supervisory Team. They’ve allowed me to grow into my position and provided me with guidance and encouragement on a regular basis. I’m especially grateful for my supervisor, Parviz Nafari, who continues to push me to be the best Clinical Manager I can be, be the best human being I can be, and truly work from the heart.
Penny Lane offers several benefits that can help you further your education and advance your career. I was a grant recipient of a loan repayment program, which helped pay part of my student loans.
The challenge in working in Intensive Services is maintaining the safety of our youth and providing support when our youth are in times of crisis. Ensuring I provide all our IS Staff with enough time and support while juggling day-to-day responsibilities can sometimes be a balancing act. However, I’m up for the challenge and have great Teams that I work with, including supportive Supervisors. I wouldn’t be able to do this job without them.
Most of our staff know this since I talk about it all the time, but I’m a full-time “Dance Dad”. My daughter has been in competitive dance for over 5 years, and I have attended a lot of competitions, conventions, trainings, shows, and workshops. I can do “Ballet Hair” when needed, steam/alter costumes, be up to speed with styles such as Ballroom, Tap, Hip Hop, and will review and critique with her. More importantly, I’m her biggest fan and loudest cheerleader, but she won’t let me do her makeup.
When I look back, I think about making the decision to go back to Graduate School and get my master's has shaped where my life is today. I genuinely enjoyed being a therapist and now Clinical Manager. The choice has brought me to where I am on my journey and aligned me with my life's purpose.
The best advice I’ve gotten was from my Mentor, who said, “Don’t live in fear, the universe will never give us a challenge that we can’t handle.”
I appreciate a lot of things here at Penny Lane, one of those things is the opportunities for growth. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity of being promoted to Clinical Manager and the trust that my supervisors have entrusted in me. Over the years, I have also seen opportunities for my staff as they have moved on to Internships and Supervisory positions. Currently, I have supervised 7 former therapists who are now either Clinical Supervisors or Clinical Managers, which reflects the opportunities available here at Penny Lane.
I’m super grateful for my wife, son, and daughter who keep me grounded, bring me joy and laughter, and most importantly share their love with me.
Congratulations Mark!