Grateful for our Thrive Team!

All the reasons why I love working with each and every one of the therapists at Thrive! 
​By: Dr. Erica Wollerman 

​I had the distinct honor of being given an award last Friday by a dear colleague of mine, Dr. Julia Rosengren. Julia was given the responsibility of choosing someone she wanted to publicly honor in our San Diego mental health community and I was flattered that she chose me!  In our line of work, it can be rare to be publicly recognized for what we do and the differences we can make in our communities. The whole event nearly brought me to tears it was just so kind, thoughtful, and uplifting. At the event, they asked those of us being honored to “pay it forward.” This led me to think about not just the many colleagues I respect, admire, and cherish in our community but the colleagues that I am lucky to work with at Thrive. My team, my favorites really J
 
So, I thought I would follow up my gratitude post from last week with a gratitude post all about them to share with all of our readers just what makes Thrive such a special place to be and work. 
 
Angela Bianco, ASW  
I have so many things I could say about Angela but most of all I am grateful for her ability for introspection and experiential learning. Angela has been such a gift as an employee as she is just so creative and talented at helping all of us access deeper parts of ourselves. Though she only works with us a small amount, she brings huge value to our team. 
 
Dr. Maria Fowlks  
When I think of Maria, I can’t help but think of all the times we have laughed together. She has been a guiding light for me especially in my own transition to being a working mama. Maria is someone who is just all heart and gives everything to her friends, her family, and her clients. She is fierce in the most loving and compassionate way and I am honored to have her in my life!
 
Jennifer Gonzalez, LMFT
Jennifer was my first therapist that I hired who I was not supervising and who I did not know before interviewing her. I am SO grateful for her and that I took that step! She has been such a rock for me since we started working together. She is someone that I can count on to be a grounding presence of support, compassion, and leadership. The more we work together, the more I value Jennifer and the ways we balance each other out! 
 
Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT
A colleague once told me that Panicha is “such a light in the world.” I have to say, I agree. She cares with her whole heart and truly wants to help everyone she meets. She is also business minded and ambitious in what she hopes to do at our office – which is so nice for me! I can always count on her for more ideas and ways to help more clients in our community! 
 
Lauren Spinelli, LCSW
Lauren is one of the warmest and kindest people I have ever known. She brings a sense of joy to everyone she works with and can just light up a room with her energy and joy. She has a way of making everyone at the office feel seen and cared for while also laughing off the challenges of our job. 
 
Anoushey Nazir Khan, AMFT
All I can say about Anoushey is one of the most kind and grounding people I have known. She is truly gifted in her ability to bring a sense of calm and warmth to every situation she is in. She was our most recent addition to our clinical team and after meeting her, we felt sure that we were complete as a clinical team! 
 
Special Shout Out to our newest addition – Jessica Felix-Acuna
Jessica is our most recent addition at Thrive and is our new administrative assistant. I already have been appreciating her willingness to dive in and take things on to help us all out.
 
As you can see, I am truly lucky to be part of such an amazing team. We spend so much of our time together supporting each other as well as laughing together and just enjoying our time. I can’t help but think that this is how every workplace should be! I know it would not be possible without teach and every one of them. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for making Thrive what it is and making my dreams of owning a group practice with a great work environment a reality!