During Mental Health Awareness Month, we have taken time to recognize and honor all our behavioral health clinicians. Today we hear from Licensed Master Social Worker Emily Dixon, a clinician in the outpatient clinic who shares her story with us in her own words.

 I am the second youngest of seven children, raised in beautiful St. Andrew, Jamaica. I am an amateur experience collector, dog mother, and favorite aunty to nine incredible kids.

For the last five years of my life, I’ve lived in New Jersey, Florida, and now Alaska!  After completing my Master of Social Work degree in 2022, I was fueled by zeal and enthusiasm to jump right into clinical practice. The clinician position at YKHC was attractive because it perfectly aligned with my desire to explore new experiences and work in a challenging role that supported clients’ growth while allowing me to cultivate and refine my skills. I have picked up many practical, valuable skills that support my professional development as a clinician as I serve our clients in their journey to healing and thriving.

One of the rewarding aspects of working at YKHC is that I have the privilege of engaging daily with some of the most resilient and inspiring individuals I have ever met. I am fascinated as I learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Alaska Native groups in the region. With support, I was able to conquer my fear of tiny planes and have been able to travel with the Calricaraq and Zero Suicide teams to some of the villages for community outreach efforts.

Working in behavioral health puts us front and center with people when they’re in their most vulnerable states, providing a perfect setup for a comeback. Seeing them get to the point of thriving, and not just surviving, and watching them dedicate time and effort to personal development with positive outcomes is one of the most gratifying aspects of working in this field.

I am also very thankful for the opportunity to work alongside professionals with genuine heart for the work that they do and the people they serve. Working here has highlighted how vital a platform community provides as a professional cornerstone and a personal anchor.

Prior to clinical work, my background in child advocacy and policy led me to dynamic roles such as teacher, dependency/adoption case manager, and home health aide. Looking to the future, I am excited about the prospect of obtaining my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. This will further enhance my ability to advocate for clients and work hands-on to address immediate mental health needs and promote sustained wellness and resilience in individuals and communities.

When I’m not at work, I find joy in writing, singing, learning guitar, baking and spending quality time with my beloved pup, Kodiak. These personal passions remind me of the importance of balance and self-care, which I eagerly promote among those I serve.