With nearly two decades of experience in the field of child development and clinical services, Ruzanna Avetisyan has built a career rooted in resilience, compassion, and leadership. From her early days as a trainee at the Child Development Institute to becoming a licensed clinician and later a clinical supervisor, her journey reflects both personal perseverance and professional dedication. Along the way, she has supported vulnerable populations, including children with special needs and expectant mothers battling substance use, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive.
Since joining Penny Lane, Ruzanna has embraced her role as an Intensive Services Clinical Manager, guiding not only her clients but also the clinicians she leads. She is deeply inspired by Penny Lane’s forward-thinking culture and the supportive leaders who believed in her potential from the very beginning. Balancing the challenges of ensuring client safety with the responsibility of uplifting her staff, she continues to approach her work with empathy, strength, and a drive to make a lasting impact.
I began my career at the Child Development Institute in 2005 as an undergraduate from Pepperdine University. Starting as a trainee, I worked my way up to become the Assessment Program Specialist, focusing primarily on the special needs population. Over my first six years, I gained 3,000 clinical hours, leading to my licensing in 2009. I then transitioned to Partnerships for Families at St. John’s Child Development Center, where I supported pregnant women struggling with substance abuse, helping them stabilize their sobriety while embracing motherhood.
In 2014, I became a clinical supervisor with Wraparound in Ventura County at Casa Pacifica. Three years later, I joined Penny Lane in a similar capacity, but with the added responsibility of overseeing therapists on my team. This role has provided me with invaluable experience as I continue to grow as a clinical supervisor.
What I love most about my position at Penny Lane is the fast-paced, challenging environment I encounter as an Intensive Services Clinical Supervisor. I admire the company’s resilience and forward-thinking mentality, which inspires me daily.
I view my path to promotion as a natural progression in my career, and I appreciate the opportunity to manage not just clinicians but the entire team.
I am deeply grateful to all my supervisors who have encouraged and guided me throughout my journey, especially Naomi Novak and Rosana LaFianza, who believed in me during my initial interview at Penny Lane.
While I value the financial benefits offered by Penny Lane, the moral support from the leadership team, especially our CEO, Wendy Carpenter, has been truly invaluable to me. Being included in the mentorship program allowed me to connect more closely with the organization. Additionally, my student loans were forgiven due to my years of service in a non-profit, with Penny Lane playing a significant role in that.
The most challenging aspect of my job is ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients every day. As a clinical manager, I also bear the responsibility of validating and comforting my staff, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. Despite the challenges, this responsibility motivates me to rise each morning ready to face the day.
I consider myself an open book to those who take the time to know me. However, I am extremely forgiving and will do anything to protect those I care about. My loved ones might say I care deeply, sometimes to my detriment, whether it’s about the people around me or my commitment to my rigorous workouts. I do have a phobia of cats; if you showed me a photo, I might not say anything, but inside, I’d be panicking.
A pivotal moment in my life was losing my mother at the age of 23, just two weeks before I graduated with my bachelor’s degree. I had to quickly figure out how to support my younger sister, who was just 14 at the time, as well as myself.
The best advice I’ve received came from my significant other, who has been by my side for 23 years. He emphasized the importance of loving myself first before I could truly love anyone else, including him. Initially, it seemed strange, but over time, this wisdom has resonated deeply with me, and I often share it with others.
I appreciate the people at Penny Lane immensely; without them, my job would be much more difficult. I value everyone who has given me the chance to support them on their journey to becoming the professionals they aspire to be.
Lastly, I am incredibly grateful to my almost three-year-old daughter, who teaches me humility, patience, and gratitude every day.
Congratulations Ruzanna!
