Advice to My Younger Self: “To take life a bit less seriously, have more compassion for myself, and learn that it is okay to be an introvert and not want to be as social as everyone else. But to remember to push myself if there is something important to try.” 

Years of Experience:  Dr. Quasem has over 15 years of mental health experience.  

• Medical Degree – University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Residency – Duke University Medical Center
• Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship – Duke University Medical Center

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

I have always enjoyed working adolescents along with their family systems. I enjoy the colorfulness and complexity of adolescents. They keep me on my toes, and I always learn new things. I feel so much hope working with adolescents–if you can help them feel better, they have so much life ahead in which to flourish and contribute.  

What is something you have learned from working with adolescents?  

There are many things, but the two main factors important for adolescents are safety and connection. They need to feel safe and have a secure home base from which to explore the world and their own identities. They also need to feel strong connections and community. These connections can be with peers, family, teachers, clubs, coaches, pastors, online friends, etc.—even one or two people can be enough to feel connected.  

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger? 

I was really into school and loved learning! I was a perfectionist and ambitious from an early age, so I felt stressed. I was on my school’s gymnastics team, in many clubs, and on the student council. I could have used a group to support me in finding a better balance, learning how to set boundaries, and learning how to better communicate my needs to others, including asking for help.  

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

Receiving treatment is okay, healthy, and a courageous thing to do. It is a great investment of time and energy and a lovely gift to themselves that will pay big dividends.  

Advice to My Younger Self: “Try new things and do not worry about failing. You will discover important things about yourself from the experience.”

Years of Experience: LeTizia has over 15 years of mental health experience. 

• Doctor of Nursing – Emory School of Nursing
• Master of Science, Psychiatry/Nursing – Vanderbilt School of Nursing
• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology – Vanderbilt University

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

Adolescents are in a unique stage of life. They are growing from children to young adulthood. I love being one of the resources to help adolescents reach their full potential. And as a bonus, adolescents are honest and hilarious!

What is something you have learned from working with adolescents? 

Adolescents remind me of a time when I was not weighed down with responsibilities. Instead, I had the freedom to dream and the audacity to believe I could do anything. Our responsibility is to help young people recognize their strengths and foster their growth and development.

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?  

I was highly active from 10-18 years old. I was a cheerleader, color guard captain for the band, and student council representative. It was a lot of pressure to be in so many activities, and I think having a group of peers to share with would have been helpful. We could have benefitted from learning how to navigate conflict, communicate, and make better decisions.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

I wish they knew that their opinions and thoughts matter. They should be an active participant in their health and treatment.

Advice to My Younger Self: “Just like our name conveys, EMBRACE YOU! Embrace your uniqueness, your strengths, and your struggles. Embrace your recovery.”  

Years of Experience: Jessica has over 15 years of mental health experience. 

• Master of Science, Professional Counseling – Lipscomb University
• Bachelor of Science, Journalism, Spanish – Middle Tennessee State University

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

In my first role out of graduate school, I would say that adolescents chose me. No one else in the organization was passionate about adolescents, and as the new person, that is where I was needed. I quickly learned that I enjoyed finding creative ways to engage adolescents in learning skills. Opportunities continue to present themselves for me to continue growing my expertise in working with kids and families, and this is truly what I am meant to do. Now, as a parent, I connect with parents and enjoy guiding them when they are desperate to see their kids feel better.  

What is something you have learned from working with adolescents?  

Kids are resilient. The earlier we can help them learn to live more skillfully, the more likely they are to recover and live a healthy and happy life. 

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?  

I was a competitive equestrian rider and participated in theater at school. Yes, I felt tons of pressure, mostly self-imposed, as a true perfectionist. I have often wished I could have learned skills in group therapy as an adolescent to better cope with stressors and challenges.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

We want treatment to be enjoyable. We do our best to create an environment that you look forward to being in each day. Most of the time, adolescents are sad when they leave the program because of the connections and positive energy.  

Advice to My Younger Self: “Cultivate the relationship you have with yourself and remember that YOU are the author of your story. Your tough experiences do not define you!” 

Years of Experience: Whitney has over four years of mental health experience. 

• Master of Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling – Lipscomb University
• Bachelor of Science in Family Relations – Lipscomb University

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

So many monumental experiences happen when you are a teen. I was fortunate to have a great support system around me during such important years, so I know what an incredible difference it makes. I am so excited to be a part of a program that helps adolescents learn skills to successfully navigate what they are encountering while providing them with a safe place to process their emotions and thoughts to understand themselves on a deeper level.  

What is something you have learned from working with adolescents?  

Adolescents are highly resilient and creative with ways to take care of themselves through hard experiences!  

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?  

In middle and high school, I was highly active! I was a cheerleader, was on the tennis team, and participated in my school chorus. With so much going on, it kept my schedule incredibly full, and with all of that on top of school responsibilities, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be a high achiever. I know during that time, I would have benefitted from learning that while all those different activities were important, my worth was not defined by my achievements. 

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

It is an act of self-love to equip yourself with resources and tools to navigate difficult things that life throws your way! There is true strength in recognizing that even when you can do it alone, you do not have to. 

Advice to My Younger Self: “When we feel hopeless or helpless, it is most valuable to speak up and talk to someone supportive- whether it be a friend, family member, therapist, or school counselor.”  

Years of Experience: Hailey has over four years of mental health experience.

• Master of Social Work – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

Adolescents are extremely complex, especially in today’s times. I want to help them understand that their feelings are valid, meant to be heard, and not experienced alone. I want them to know that they matter and deserve to thrive. I have always enjoyed learning from my adolescents as much as I hope to help teach them.    

What is something you have learned from working with adolescents?  

Adolescents sometimes believe their feelings are not important enough to discuss and should be ignored, but that is not true. All feelings are meant to be experienced, and you must push through them instead of pushing them aside. I have learned that speaking up for yourself is one of the most valuable things you can do.  

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?  

I attended the Health Sciences Academy in high school, and it kick-started my passion to work in healthcare/mental health. I took both a sociology and psychology class, and it was a game changer. I experienced anxiety, school difficulties, and self-esteem issues during my adolescence. I had family and friends to rely on for support; however, I always felt pressure to perform and push through my feelings. Now, I see where mental health support would have helped me process my difficult emotions.  

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

Mental health and treatment can set a person up for long-term success. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If we break a bone, we go to the doctor; if we are struggling, we ask for help from the right resources. Getting help takes great courage, vulnerability, and dedication.  

Advice to My Younger Self: “Life is full of experiences. It is important to learn the most you can from your experiences and the experiences of others.” 

Years of Experience: Hope has over 20 years of pediatric nursing experience.   

• Registered Nurse License – University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – University of Mississippi Medical Center

Why do you like working with adolescents?  

The adolescent population has specific issues and needs. Adolescence is a pivotal time in a person’s life, and as a nurse, it is an honor to work with them and impart good health practices for life-long wellness.  

Did you play any sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?  

When I was younger, I played softball and basketball. I strived to be the best on the team and to fit in with the crowd. I put a lot of pressure on myself until I learned that I did not need to prove myself to anyone. I learned that who I was as a person was enough. I wish there had been an opportunity to share with my peers in a group setting where we felt safe to talk about our insecurities and emotions when I was this age.  

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?  

I wish they understood that there are professionals who care about their well-being and have excellent resources for them.