Meet our new Clinical Services Manager, Francesca Barbaro! 
How long have you been with the WCA?
I started as the Clinical Services Manager on February 3rd, so a little over 2 months now!
What does your position cover?
I manage a team of four clinicians, provide clinical supervision on a weekly basis, carry a caseload of clients, collaborate with the other departments within the WCA, provide training/outreach to increase awareness of prevention and how to better work with this population from a trauma-informed lens. All four of the clinicians on my team are working towards their clinical license (LCSW and LCPC) which is amazing!
What is your background in?
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with specialty training in substance abuse, EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am also a Registered Supervisor for the State of Idaho so I can provide clinical supervision to individuals working towards their LMSW, LCSW, LPC or LCPC credentials. I spent 6.5 years working for Ada County Juvenile Court Services as a clinician.
What brought you to the WCA?
The WCA had been on my radar for years. During graduate school, the WCA was the first agency I contacted to inquire about internship. Unfortunately, at the time the WCA was not accepting new interns so I ended up interning in a private practice working with teens and adults with a spectrum of presenting symptoms and diagnoses. I have always respected the WCA and greatly appreciated the services provided to the community. I wasn’t certain that I was ready to leave my job at the juvenile court until my first interview. After that, I knew I was making the right choice and I am grateful everything worked out as it did. The timing was definitely right!
What is most rewarding about this position?
Being given the honor to be part of someone’s journey of healing and recovery. It is so special to be able walk alongside and support a client as they evolve into the person they want to be. It can certainly be a roller coaster at times, but finding ways to enjoy the ride shows one’s true sense of commitment and resilience.
What do you look forward to as you continue in this position?
In my short time being here, I have already heard some amazing stories from clients about the massive impact the WCA has had on them and their healing. I look forward to being a part of this process and watching our clients evolve throughout difficult life circumstances and become empowered to live the lives of their choosing. I not only look forward to continued work with this population, but also working with my team to help them grow professionally. I greatly enjoy clinical supervision:)
We are thankful to have Francesca’s experience at the WCA!
