IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 23

Selena Perez

Supporting Parents
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(continued from page 20)

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience contributed
to your growth as a leader?

As a social worker, I have realized that professionals in my field often seek to obtain enough hours of clinical interaction to qualify for
the change in title of becoming a licensed clinical social worker; an advancement for our careers. There are strict guidelines for this
advancement as stipulated by the Office of Professions and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). These stipulations include
experience in diagnosing mental illness and providing psychotherapy. In the hospital setting, we deal with assessment-based treatment plans
and deal with helping families in crisis and coping with grief. All of these are clinical components and I would like to consult with someone
within the NASW to verify whether professionals in my field and organization can use our experiences to obtain a clinical license. If not, I
would like to advocate that we be considered. For me, the Leadership Academy has given me the confidence to be leader and an advocate
for my profession and my peers.

“I am so proud of the commitment and dedication exhibited
by each graduate of the IGNITE Leadership Academy. It is a life
changing experience that helps them bring new skills, ideas and
enthusiasm back to their daily work. Congratulations to the
Class of 2014-2015 Fellows!”

— Emma DeVito
Chairwoman
LeadingAge New York Board of Directors

IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2014-15

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