As an outpatient counselor in Lakeview Center’s Children’s Services, Dana Edwards provides individual, family and group therapy for children ages 6 to 18, including those involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice and FamiliesFirst Network, as well as military families.

Dana joined Lakeview Center nearly five years ago as a registered mental health counseling intern. “The company hired me as an intern, provided supervision and I became a licensed Mental Health Counselor,” she says proudly.

Her path to this role was anything but linear. After majoring in sociology early on, she spent 16 years in the corporate world, ran her own business and even worked at a church.

Yet her personal experiences—raising an adult son diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome plus supporting her daughter, now a Special Education teacher—kept her connected to the world of advocacy.

“I was in meetings with teachers, counselors and doctors for years. I was just on the other side of the table, helping advocate for him. Now I get to help advocate for all the kids I work with.”

Dana’s return to education was a turning point. “Once my youngest hit ninth grade, I decided I was going to go back to school and finish what I started,” she recalls.

She not only earned her psychology degree but continued to complete her master’s in counseling with a concentration in child and adolescent therapy. “My daughter and I graduated together—she with her bachelor’s in Special Education and me with my master’s. It was so special.”

Her role has evolved to meet community needs. “Once I became licensed, I realized there was a need to serve a large population of children from military families. I attended specific training, and now my name is listed on a military resource website for referrals.”

Her supervisor, James Rhodes, sums up Dana’s impact, “Dana is a mentor to many of our newer team members and interns. Her positive mindset and compassion for those we serve often sets the tone for what it means to be part of our unit and our agency.”

Looking ahead, Dana remains committed to serving children and families, especially those facing challenges like autism, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

“I love Lakeview’s mission of helping people and often bring it up in my sessions. Being in this field helps us through our own journey, but through a deeper lens. It’s such a gift!

To work with compassionate team members like Dana, visit our Careers site.