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Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First: Advize Career Interview
A chance encounter after college sparked a passion for supporting autistic individuals, leading to a dynamic career path culminating in the Executive Director of Clinical Services role at Rethink First.
This multifaceted position blends clinical expertise with business operations, encompassing content creation, clinician supervision, and strategic collaboration.
A typical day involves diverse meetings, project development (including a new scheduler and podcast), and consultations.
Success requires strong executive functioning skills, active listening, and perspective-taking, complemented by a commitment to cultural humility and innovative thinking.
The most rewarding aspects include the company's mission, creative problem-solving opportunities, and expanding equitable access to services.
While compassion fatigue presents a significant challenge, self-care is crucial for mitigating emotional toll. Entry-level positions exist for undergraduates, paving a path toward higher-level roles.
Valuable college experiences include research and networking to explore career options. The most impactful lesson learned: pausing before responding to improve communication and avoid impulsive reactions.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Angela Nelson
Executive Director of Clinical Services
Rethink First
UCLA
Master's in Counseling from Cal State Northridge and Doctorate in Education from USC
Psychology
Education
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
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Career Path Of An Executive Director Of Clinical Services At Rethink First
Angela's career path began with an unexpected opportunity; after a college class focusing on neurodiversity sparked interest in autism, a chance encounter led to a job at an autism clinic immediately after graduation. Years later, this initial passion for working with autistic children and their families continued at Rethink First in New York City, where Angela now holds the position of Executive Director of Clinical Services.
Main Responsibilities Of An Executive Director Of Clinical Services At Rethink First
As Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink Care, a company supporting parents of children with challenges and neurodivergent adults in the workplace, Angela's responsibilities are "pretty eclectic," encompassing content creation, clinician supervision, and collaboration with a "transdisciplinary team" across sales, marketing, and product development to optimize program offerings. This highlights the multifaceted nature of their role, bridging clinical expertise with business operations.
A Day in the Life of an Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First
Angela's role as Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First is dynamic and varied; a typical day involves "a variety of different meetings," collaborating on projects like a new scheduler and podcast ("Behaviorally Speaking"), and conducting consultations with parents and employees, all while strategizing with other team leaders. This illustrates a multifaceted career encompassing clinical work, product development, and strategic leadership.
Skills for an Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services, emphasizes strong "executive functioning skills—focus, attention, time management, and prioritization"—as crucial for success in their role. Their counseling background also informs the importance of "active listening and perspective-taking skills," enabling compassionate support through consultations.
Favorite Parts of Being an Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First, most enjoys the company's "heartfelt mission" supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their support networks, a mission that resonates deeply with her values. This, combined with the autonomy to creatively problem-solve and implement projects—such as establishing a global parent discussion group—makes the role incredibly rewarding.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Executive Director Of Clinical Services At Rethink First
Angela's biggest challenge as Executive Director of Clinical Services is balancing "the need for…being responsible for resources" with advocating for her team's needs, a constant negotiation between fiscal responsibility and ensuring adequate staffing levels to avoid burnout from compassion fatigue, a reality of the job that impacts both work and home life.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Business Industry as an Executive Director of Clinical Services
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First, finds the most rewarding aspect of her career is the increased attention on educational technology and behavioral health, particularly the equitable access provided through employer-sponsored benefits. The ability to offer services "for free, and you don't have a copay and you don't have a long wait list," while also educating HR and benefits leaders on neurodiversity, makes the work impactful and fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Clinical Services Industry, According To An Executive Director Of Clinical Services At Rethink First
To thrive in the clinical services industry, strong executive functioning skills are essential for organization, but equally important is "being able to think outside the box" and exhibiting bravery when consulting with families and neurodivergent individuals. Furthermore, a commitment to "cultural humility," dispelling power imbalances and working collaboratively with clients, proves invaluable.
What a Clinical Director at Rethink First wishes they had known before entering the Clinical Services industry
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services, wishes someone had emphasized prioritizing self-care to mitigate the emotional toll of the human services industry; the role's demanding nature, leading to "compassion fatigue," necessitates self-awareness to recognize and address "burnout and just being emotionally taxed" before they become overwhelming.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Clinical Directors
Entry-level roles in Angela's field, for undergraduates, include "behavioral technician" work with young learners and tutoring, positions that don't necessitate advanced degrees but can create a path toward consultative roles; pursuing teaching credentials or advanced degrees in counseling or social work offers alternative avenues into similar, higher-level positions.
Career Lesson From an Executive Director at Rethink First
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services at Rethink First, emphasizes the significant value of "taking a pause" before responding, especially to challenging communication. This deliberate pause allows for self-reflection, enabling a more thoughtful and professional response, avoiding potentially regrettable impulsive reactions like "a very long, lengthy email that's not really effective."
College Experiences That Helped An Executive Director Of Clinical Services At Rethink First Succeed
Angela's psychology major and research assistant experience in Dr. Bradbury's lab at UCLA provided invaluable insights into the field, allowing her to "see what grad students do" and learn about career paths firsthand. The interviewee also stresses the importance of networking and making connections, advising students to "join clubs" and "ask more questions" to avoid going it alone.
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