Staff Spotlight: Mary
Let’s meet Mary!
A lifelong resident of Delaware, Mary is happy to be doing work that she loves. Mary earned her Master of Social Work from Widener University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington College.
Why did you decide to work for JFS?
“Before I came to JFS, I had always heard great things about the organization, so I was interested in knowing more about them. Then, after I graduated with my MSW, I was really looking for an organization that could provide me with the most diverse clinical experience and quality supervision to prepare me for licensure. JFS’ Fellowship Program was the perfect option! So, ultimately, I chose to work for JFS because I knew I would get the opportunity to be a part of the great work they do for our community & also be prepared to be the best clinician I can be for my clients.”
What inspires you to come to work every day?
“I feel inspired to come to work every day knowing that I am a safe space for my clients to turn to when they need help or need someone to work through things with. I also feel inspired to come to work every day knowing that I have the chance, as a clinician, to change the way people think about therapy. Even if I’m working with an individual client, I can potentially have the ability to influence their friends/family’s idea about therapy and challenge some of that potential negative stigma surrounding it.”
What is the best part of your job?
“The best part of my job is building therapeutic relationships with the individuals and families that I work with. I feel really honored that my clients allow me to get to know them and their stories, the parts of them that are most vulnerable, or parts of themselves that they never felt comfortable sharing with anyone before. It’s a privilege and an honor that I take very seriously.”
What is a fun fact about you?
“My family’s nickname for me is Birdie.”
If you could go anywhere in the world for your next vacation, where would you go? Why?
“Italy – for the food, drinks, sights, culture. I had a trip there planned in the spring of 2020 but then the pandemic happened.”
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“When I was young, I was obsessed with horses and cash registers. So I wanted to be an equestrian and a cashier. Dream big, ya know?”
What is one food you could eat every day?
“Cannoli’s.”
What is the last show you binged?
“New Girl for the 10th time.”
What is the best book you ever read?
“She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb.”
What are you most thankful for you in your life right now?
“I’m most thankful for my always supportive and loving family, partner, and friends. I’m also thankful for my fur baby – Tito. And I’m thankful that I love my job!”
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306