In this month’s promotional employee spotlight, I’m pleased to introduce you to Yojanne Blanco, Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) Clinical Supervisor, working at our Lancaster location.
Yojanne started at Penny Lane in May of 2011 as an FFA Social worker, she worked in ITFC as an In-Home Support Counselor, moved to the clinic as an Outpatient Therapist, which eventually lead to a promotion to MAT Assessor/OP Therapist in June 2021. Her strong determination to continue learning and devotion to the community she serves has allowed her to reach higher goals. So, when a new opportunity came along, she took a chance. And on August1, 2023, she was promoted to TBS Clinical Supervisor. She now supervises a team of seven.
Yojanne has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California.
Congratulations on your accomplishments Yojanne!
I came to this country from Cuba when I was two years old with my parents and my older sister. Luckily because I was so young, I was able to adapt quickly. I have had so many wonderful opportunities in my life thanks to my parents making the decision to leave everything they knew. I have always wanted to have a career that had to do with helping others and when I went to college I fell in love with psychology and decided that I could be helpful to others as a therapist. My father was diagnosed with a severe mental illness when I was very young, and I became interested in learning more about it. Psychology gave me the tools I need to better understand him and to be able to help others who may have experienced something similar.
In graduate school, I just so happened to have two classmates who worked at Penny Lane, and they suggested I should apply. PLC offered me the opportunity be able to work full time, go to school and get my intern hours.
PLC has given me the opportunity to grow in my career. I have had multiple positions here: social worker in the FFA, in home support counselor for ITFC, MAT assessor, outpatient therapist, and now TBS supervisor. I have learned so much in the 12 years I have been here, and I really do appreciate that.
I have had some very supportive and understanding supervisors and colleagues who have been able to guide me along the way. My previous supervisor: Vickie Reti, has been so amazing, and I feel like I have learned a lot from her. Thank you, Vickie!
There were several benefits that I have received such as the sign on bonus when I started in the FFA, the ability to do my internship while working full time, the bilingual differential, education reimbursement, license renewal, and I qualified for the PSLF program!!
The most difficult part of my new role so far is just learning how TBS works in regard to the paperwork. This is also my first time being a supervisor so I’m still trying to figure that out.
I am a plant lover! I own about 50 indoor plants. The largest indoor plant I have is about 7feet tall.
Having a parent who had a mental illness, brought me to the place that I am right now. My interest in understanding him led me to becoming a therapist.
Always be yourself and lead with your heart.
I appreciate all the opportunities that I have been given to learn and grow as a person and in my career.
I am grateful for my family. Especially my mother, who taught me how to be a strong, independent, and determined woman.
