Araceli Warners

Education

BSW, Calvin University, Social Work, 2018

MSW, Loyola University, Clinical Social Work, 2019

Professional experience

I received my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University with a specialization in Mental Health and my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Calvin University. I believe in the strength and immense value of diversity and inclusion in mental health services.

My training and background have been in community mental health organizations, school counseling centers, foster care services, residential treatment centers, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and have treated a variety of mental health issues and challenges like ADHD, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. I have extensive experience in working with children, teens, and young adults who have undergone severe trauma in their lives. I strive to promote systemic change by working individually with people and learning firsthand about my community's needs. I am passionate about advocating for and promoting mental health awareness and mental health policies.

Biography

Throughout my life and educational career, I have seen a great need for mental health services, especially for young adults. My interest in mental health and mental illness emerged from growing up in inner-city Chicago and witnessing inequality in mental health services, especially amongst minorities and Spanish-speaking populations. As a result, I decided to pursue a career centered on social justice and human rights that helps and empowers people. When it came time to find a college, I instantly gravitated towards Calvin for its mission to live wholeheartedly as Christ's agents of renewal in the world. I knew then Calvin was the right place to find my vocation, Social Work.

I began my Social Work career working with youth in the inner city of Chicago who experienced trauma due to substance abuse, gang involvement, and gun violence. During grad school, I found my passion: providing counseling to children, teens, and young adults. My counseling career began in Chicago at a foster care organization for children with developmental disabilities. I loved my work and knew I had found my passion as a Clinical Social Worker. A couple of years later, I moved to Grand Rapids and pursued private practice to provide more specialized therapy services for my clients. I felt called to return to Calvin in a counseling capacity to help and guide students through the challenges that life may present while they find their vocation.

As a counselor, I strive to create a compassionate and safe environment where students can share their concerns and feel heard. I value the experience, background, and complexity of each individual who steps into the counseling room. My primary goal is to walk alongside my students as they heal, grow, and thrive.

Apart from being a full-time counselor, I am a freelance lifestyle photographer. I enjoy documenting moments and photographing people. I am also a travel enthusiast and love visiting new places and being outdoors!

Academic interests

Anxiety
Depression
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Bilingual and Multicultural Therapy
Integration of Christian Faith and Social Work
Ministry Leadership and Community Development
Neurodevelopmental Trauma & Trauma impact on a person's life
Restorative Justice approaches in Communities & the Criminal Justice system