Today we're talking to Jill FitzGerald, MSW, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Services – Adult Programs for Easterseals serving New Hampshire and Maine.
Jill has over 17 years of experience in the Clinical Social Work field. She has extensive clinical experience and expertise in working with survivors of trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Forensic Interviewing, Risk Assessment, Problematic Sexual Behavior, Family Issues/Conflicts, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, and Mood Disorders.
She has a strong history developing and implementing intensive treatment and behavioral health programs here in the Northeast. In addition to her full-time role, she also serves as a Field Supervisor for The University of New Hampshire’s Graduate School of Social Service and supervises a number of Masters of Social Work graduates towards independent licensure in the State of New Hampshire.
We talked to Jill about her experience in the field of neurodiversity and want to give you the opportunity to get to know her better before our upcoming Rise & Diversify event.
Tell us something about you not in your bio...
I am mom to an 8 year old daughter - still trying to embrace being a cheer mom. 😊
I have run 4 marathons (NYC, Chicago twice, and Nashua, NH). I am running the 2020 Boston Marathon for Boston Children’s Hospital, which will be my 5th marathon. Fingers crossed that will happen in September, I trained all winter prior to Covid and just started training for the second time due to the postponement!
What attracted you to your current industry and role?
I knew I wanted to be a social worker for as long as I can remember. I have always gravitated towards working in emotionally laden environments and thrive in being a part of change at the individual and systemic level.
What tools or resources have you used that have been crucial to your success?
I have worked in Vermont, New York City, South Carolina, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire/Maine. I have worked in state systems as well as private non-profits. This exposure to a variety of cultures and systems has allowed for a diverse professional experience that has encouraged me to be able to meet an individual or system where they are at and build on strengths as a means for change. I have also had some wonderful supervisors and mentors that have allowed for me to both develop as a clinician and as an administrator. A sense of humor is also a must.
What is your proudest achievement?
I didn’t anticipate transitioning into the administrative world when I began my career as a social worker. I am thankful that I allowed myself the opportunity over the years to not just grow my clinical expertise but to also focus on the business and systems side of this work. This has provided me with the skill and ability to focus on program development and fiscal sustainability, which has facilitated the development and implementation of a number of new programs and contracts throughout my career. These have successfully met systemic gaps in service delivery, ultimately improving the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable populations.
What do you think needs to happen or have you seen done successfully in the past to create an inclusive workplace/corporate culture?
As a supervisor, I always focus on the strengths inherent to the people I manage. Every employee brings their own perspective, ability, and talent. Identifying those unique qualities and building upon them has allowed for an inclusive and diverse culture that benefits both the employee and the individuals/systems we serve.
Ready to learn about neurodiversity and how you can be more Neuro-inclusive?
Register for the upcoming virtual Rise & Diversify event on Wednesday May 20!