By Anne Peters, LMFT
Welcome back! Here with me today (virtually) is Amy Davis, a Clinical Service Coordinator here at LSI. When we talk about people who wear multiple caps in their job, we are talking about people like Amy. She is a hard worker, extremely knowledgeable at what she does, and has a heart of gold. She’s fantastic. I wanted to take the time to interview Amy today to get some information to you about LSI and some of the programs offered, as well as to give you the chance to get to know Amy.
Q: Hi, Amy! Thanks so much for agreeing to do this interview for our LSI blog. You wear so many caps on a day-to-day basis. Can you tell us about your role here at LSI?
A: I started with LSI in 2002 as a direct care staff member, providing visits to children under a contract with DHS. In 2008, I moved into a Service Coordinator role, overseeing Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), Therapy Services, and Community Programs in western Iowa. In the past couple of years, we have expanded our services and added multiple new programs to serve Iowa’s children and families in many different capacities. In 2018, I took on the role of overseeing services in both central and western Iowa and have loved the versatility and interactions with many different people in my role as Clinical Service Coordinator.
What are some of the programs LSI has to offer that may be of support to our readers?
LSI offers in-home BHIS to all children and families eligible. Bachelor’s level staff provide skill-based learning activities to help the child and family improve their daily functioning. LSI offers outpatient therapy services, as well as teletherapy services, to all Iowans. Currently, we have more than 20 mental health therapists statewide ready to serve our clients. LSI believes that no person should feel helpless or alone when it comes to their mental health, especially now, during all of this uncertainty. LSI’s expert therapists empower Iowans along the way to a healthier and happier future.
LSI also offers many community-based programs including: Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP), Trauma Informed Services, School Based Mental Health Services, Adolescent Diversion, Services for Unaccompanied Minors, Strengthening Families, Personal Responsibility Educational Program (PREP), migrant programming, among many others. These community programs allow us to serve a more diverse population, providing services that meet their unique needs.
How can someone reach out for services at LSI?
An individual can contact our central intake number at 888.457.4692 and they will be able to assist in connecting families with an expert staff member for outpatient therapy and BHIS. If you are inquiring about community-based programs, you can contact me at Amy.Davis@LSIowa.org.
On a little bit of a separate note, we are in some really hard times right now with COVID-19 across the world. What has been the biggest challenge for you, personally or professionally?
The biggest challenge for me during this time has been slowing down. Although I have taken refuge in my additional time with my family, I do miss running my kids to their activities and watching them run out of practice or after a game with a great big smile on their face. I miss seeing them with their friends and dropping and picking them up from school. I never thought I would say this! But I miss giving and receiving hugs.
What have you been doing to care for yourself?
For self care, my kids and I go on walks with our dogs. We have enjoyed looking at the birds and really watching and enjoying nature. We play games a lot at home and this has been a lot of fun. Prior to COVID-19, we were always on the go and now, we have been able to really enjoy our time at home. Although I do miss things about being “on the go,” I have also enjoyed being able to do things like play board games, plant a garden, and organize closets.
What will be the first thing you do when quarantine guidance is lifted and life returns to a new “normal”?
The first thing I will do is go give my mom and dad a great big hug! I want them to stay safe and if that means dropping things off at their doorsteps or talking to them from a distance in the driveway, that is what I will do for now. But I can’t wait to be able to hug them and have all of my siblings, their spouses, and my nieces and nephews in one house again.
Any last words for our readers?
Please be kind to yourself. It is OK to feel sad, angry, or upset during this time. Don’t forget to smile and enjoy what’s around you. Take on a new hobby, try something new. Go outside and really watch what’s around you; gaze up at the stars, watch the birds flying above you, smile at the squirrels chasing each other in the trees. Hang in there. #WeAreAllInThisTogether
