Today we’d like to introduce you to Evaluz Negron – Pickering.
Hi Evaluz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Leading up to college, I always had a passion for learning, mental health, and teaching. The school was my healthy escape from difficult times and transitions at home as a child. I began my undergraduate journey on the track of becoming an English teacher as I loved working with children and sharing my love for learning. I attended the State University at Albany in New York for my undergraduate degree and graduated in 2005 with my Bachelor of Arts degree. During my time in school, I worked as a direct care worker at a group home for children and adolescents and truly enjoyed this work and the kids. Fast forward, I was offered a job at an inner city charter school as an in-school sub, which quickly transformed into the Intervention Specialist. I was the person teachers called when students were struggling in the classroom, and I realized then that I wanted to shift my focus to Social Work. Our students had so much going on at home it was too difficult for them to perform in the classroom. I worked for 1 year and decided to pursue my Master of Social Work at Hunter College in New York City. Upon graduation, I was contacted by the principal of the inner city elementary school where I had previously worked and was offered a position as the School Social Worker, which I, without hesitation, accepted. I worked at the school for 4 years and was promoted to Director of School Culture. The school expanded and added a middle school, where I became part of the leadership team and advocated for a class of my own where I could focus on the socio-emotional component of development for our students. I loved tying in mental health to the school setting! Soon after, my fiancé and I moved to North Carolina, where I worked for a community mental health agency, providing a family treatment model through enhanced services. I was at this agency for 9 years and, throughout my tenure, was promoted to leadership positions, the ultimate one being Director of Operations. I found my love of teaching again through this work as I was able to supervise and mentor new clinicians entering the field and guide them on their journey. Today, I find extreme joy and satisfaction in serving as a Clinical Supervisor and Leadership Coach in the mental health industry. I also provide therapy to clients and truly enjoy working with teens and young adults. Point of View, LLC is my newest baby, which ties in with my passion for helping and teaching, as a clinician and a Clinical Supervisor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was not a smooth one. My childhood consisted of many moves and transitions as my parents had me young and often struggled to make ends meet. We were homeless several times, doubling up with family members. When my parents separated at 13 years old, my mother moved my 2 brothers and me to a homeless shelter for families. We experienced many traumatic events, although I always found escape at school. It made things feel normal for me. During college, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 uterine cancer, and this was another struggle along the way as I was unsure if I would be able to finish school to support my mother. We were able to lean into the family; thankfully, I can say she is a cancer survivor! Today, she lives around the corner from my family and is a huge support to us with our kids, who are 6 and 2 years old. Becoming a mother allowed me to appreciate my mother’s sacrifices at 18 when she had me. I give her all the credit because I had my kids in my 30s, and it has been a whirlwind of emotions! With the support of close family and friends, I have continued the course in my career and continue doing what I felt was meant to do. Help others!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Point of View, LLC has been something I have been dreaming about for some time. I have supervised new therapists and clinicians with their Associate in Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSWA) and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCA) for almost 8 years. It has been a treat supporting new professionals in the field while indirectly supporting the families/clients they serve by educating them on new strategies/thought concepts/self-realization that will best inform the delivery and quality of their work. I can also meet with school-aged children in their teen and adolescent years leading up to early adulthood. I am a bilingual Latinx therapist and member of the BIPOC community, which I am very proud of. As a child, I often looked for faces like mine in influential positions, and I am comforted that I am now one.
Regarding specialization, I am a family-focused, trauma-informed clinician. I always go back to our roots as I firmly believe that what we struggle with today has been planted early on in life, and we need to spend time replanting at times. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and am a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP I& II). I am proud that my passion extends past those I work with, as I have spent little time marketing my services. People tend to reach me through word of mouth, which I am also very proud of. I currently provide services through a virtual platform and have met with my supervisees in group settings within the community as well.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family. My family matters most to me. I am a mother of 2 and cannot imagine life without my babies. I have always loved connecting with kids throughout my career and knew I wanted a family. At a time, I was told I would not be able to conceive naturally due to endometriosis, and thankfully, with a great team and modern science (IVF), we have our 6-year-old son. Our 2-year-old daughter walked to the beat of her drum and came without support! Ha! Due to my dedication and deep love for family and what it represents, I have been able to provide quality care to other families as I truly believe in letting the heart lead. My mother instilled this in us when I was young, and I am humbled to pass on important values to my children and close friends, who I also consider family.
Pricing:
- Insurance is accepted (Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, United Healthcare, Oscar)
- Sliding scale is offered for uninsured
- Private pay $100 for 55 min session
- Clinical supervision and leadership coaching rates provided upon request
Contact Info:
