Kristi Gargiulo’s career journey at Lakeview Center is a testament to her passion for helping others and her dedication to personal and professional growth. As a behavior health technician II at Lakeview Center’s Short-Term Residential Treatment Facility, Kristi plays a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Her job involves assisting with daily activities, encouraging clients to attend therapeutic groups, and leading goal-setting sessions to help them develop coping skills and discharge plans.
Kristi’s connection to Lakeview Center began in college, where a speaker from the organization sparked her interest. She is currently working toward her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of West Florida (UWF), with plans to pursue a master’s in social work. Kristi’s ultimate goal is to become a therapist, and her role at Lakeview Center is helping her build the skills and experience needed for this next step in her career.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kristi’s job is the strong sense of teamwork at Lakeview. “The teamwork here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,” she says. “We truly support each other, and that makes a difference in how we serve our clients.” This collaborative environment has fostered Kristi’s growth and has helped her connect with clients on a deeper level.
Kristi’s commitment to empowerment goes beyond her daily role. Before the last election, she took the initiative to help clients register to vote, ensuring they understood their rights and had access to the necessary resources. “Kristi dedicated herself to this project,” said her supervisor, Meredith Olsen. “She researched requirements, familiarized herself with voter registration forms and met individually with clients to assist them. Her efforts reinforced the individual rights, influence and agency of those we serve.” Through this work, Kristi helped clients feel more engaged in their community and empowered to have a voice.
Kristi’s desire to help others also led her to pursue certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). While she has completed the training, she is still working toward certification. Her personal experiences with adversity have given her a unique ability to connect with clients, and she believes peer support is essential in helping others overcome their challenges.
Throughout her time at Lakeview Center, Kristi has learned that well-being looks different for everyone. She emphasizes the importance of listening and spending time with others to understand their unique needs. These lessons have been invaluable in her development as a behavior health technician and have prepared her for her future career goals.
Kristi’s journey at Lakeview Center is just beginning, but her passion for helping others and her commitment to professional growth continue to drive her forward. As she works toward becoming a therapist, Kristi remains focused on learning and growing at every step of the way.
To work with compassionate team members like Kristi, visit our Careers site.