How 3 Children’s employees are making a big difference in Birmingham

Sponsored

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke to three employees at Children’s of Alabama and learned why they love helping young people improve their mental health.

Read on to learn about how they’re leading the country and giving parents great resources.

Antionette Thrasher

Antionette Thrasher has worked at Children’s of Alabama for six years.

Since stepping into her role as a Therapeutic Associate six months ago, Antionette has provided supervision and oversight to patients with mental, emotional and/or developmental conditions.

Antionette says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the positive outcome of the patient’s mental health and knowing she played a part in that growth.

“I came to the realization years ago that I couldn’t help everyone, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

Antionette Thrasher, Therapeutic Associate, Children’s of Alabama

Carmen Lambert

Since 2012, Carmen Lambert has worn many hats around Children’s of Alabama.

Since beginning her journey with Children’s as a volunteer in 2012, Carmen has worked as a Child Life Activity Coordinator, a Social Worker with Adolescent Medicine and is now serving as a Mental Health Therapist with the Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) in the Emergency Department

For Carmen, the most rewarding part of the job is relieving stress or fear that a child may be experiencing.

“Witnessing relief in a child’s eyes when their feelings are validated, and becoming a part of their mental health journey is truly a gift.”

Carmen Lambert, Mental Health Therapist, Children’s of Alabama

Courtney Reeves

Courtney Reeves works as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working in the Emergency Department, but also performs psychiatric consults on the medical floors.

Like Antionette and Carmen, Courtney has served throughout many programs and departments at Children’s—previously working at the Children’s Behavioral Health outpatient clinic and RN on the medical-surgical floor.

Courtney let us know that she loves empowering kids—especially when she tends to work with those facing many challenges at an early age.

“Childhood is such a fascinating time in life, and it’s rewarding connecting with them in all the different developmental stages.”

Courtney Reeves, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Children’s of Alabama

Check out career opportunities and work among great employees at Children’s of Alabama.

Q&A with Antionette, Carmen + Courtney

What resources does your department have for mental health awareness?

Antionette: “We allow children to voice the hurt and abuse [they’ve experienced] and be heard without judgment.”

Carmen: “Children’s of Alabama has one of three Psychiatric Intake Response Centers in the country. PIRC has mental health professionals available by phone to answer questions and help individuals navigate mental healthcare for children and adolescents.”

Courtney: “Many staff members participate in National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) events throughout the year, which is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S. The events are a wonderful place for families to connect with other families who are having struggles with mental illness.”

What makes Children’s mental health support unique?

Antionette: “We consider ourselves a ‘judgment-free zone,’ which allows an open dialogue to process dialectical behaviors. We are a liaison between inpatient and outpatient therapy—that’s where we differ from other programs—we provide services for the family.”

Carmen: “The PIRC therapists at Children’s have access to a database that can filter mental health resources in Alabama based on insurance, geographical location and need. Our therapists work with a multidisciplinary team to find the best resources available to our families.”

Courtney: “As we are the department of psychiatry, our role constantly involves connecting patients and their families to local psychiatric resources as they prepare to leave the hospital. It is our job to consider the struggles patients and their families have and how psychiatry can help.”

What advice do you have for someone hesitating to reach out for help?

Antionette: “Never be afraid to seek help. You’re not alone—take that leap of faith and seek resources. We’re here and we’re a step to a ‘healthier you!'”

Carmen: “You don’t have to go through this alone. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from seeking support. Children’s is comprised of caring, knowledgeable and encouraging staff, many of whom have been in situations like yours.”

Courtney: “We offer a very easy way to connect families to psychiatric resources. 205-638-PIRC (7472) is a wonderful resource where parents can call to obtain contact information for psychiatric resources in their specific area of Alabama. If it’s an emergency, they are encouraged to call #988, the suicide hotline number.”

When recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to know what resources are out there. Every department at Children’s offers the same intentional care for each patient they see.

Join the team making a difference in lives across the state—see employment opportunities at Children’s of Alabama.

Sponsored by: