“I came to save the world,” Pamela Howard said with a laugh, reflecting on her early days as a 25-year-old targeted case manager at Lakeview Center.

For three decades, Pamela has built a remarkable career at Lakeview Center, growing from a case manager into a respected leader who now serves as Team Leader of Service Access Utilization.

After graduating from Alabama State University, Pamela joined Lakeview Center as one of 40 targeted case managers. Over the years, she advanced through numerous roles, including intensive case manager, access manager, residential screener, assistant director of the Community Recovery Team, director of Adult Case Management and, ultimately, her current leadership position.

Each role expanded her skills and deepened her understanding of how behavioral health services impact lives.

Today, she supervises six case managers and works closely with community partners, courts, attorneys, judges and behavioral health professionals to help coordinate care for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

Despite the complexities of the work, Pamela remains committed to the mission that first drew her to behavioral health. “Lakeview Center is, believe it or not, a comfort zone, even for me,” she said. “It’s my peace helping. That’s what I do. That’s what I like.”

Throughout her tenure, Pamela has learned the importance of teamwork, inclusion and self-care. She credits supportive leaders and mentors for helping her navigate both professional challenges and personal growth.

“One thing we always talk about is that you’re not standing alone,” she said. That philosophy extends to how she supports her own team. Each morning, she makes a point to check in with staff, ensuring they feel seen and supported before the day begins.

“You can’t help others until you help yourself,” Pamela said. “If we’re not okay, we can’t help our clients.”

Looking ahead, Pamela hopes to continue strengthening and standardizing case management training across the organization, helping future professionals build the same strong foundation that has guided her own career.

Through three decades of service and leadership, Pamela continues to mentor the next generation of case managers, and her impact can be felt not only across Lakeview Center, but throughout the community she has faithfully served.

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