Today we’d like to introduce you to Seneca Pender.
Hi Seneca, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How I got here today? I don’t know to be completely honest with you. I think the easy answer would be the right place and right time. I had no idea or clue that I would be working in a school as a Dean at this point in my life. Or that my job as a therapist would lead me to work at Calvary Day School. For a better part of my life, the Army told me where to be and what to do which was fine by me. I liked the challenges of what the Army provided for me as well as meeting my lifelong friends and growing up and finding myself.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life was challenging as I felt that I didn’t prepare myself for what I wanted to do once I was out. I always knew I wanted to help people, serving the Army as a medic gave me a more practical and hands-on approach to that but I was more interested in the psychology of people and the experiences that have shaped them. So I set my path on obtaining my MSW(Masters of Social Work) and LCSW(Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and it has been one of most important and rewarding decisions I have made in my life. Having the opportunity to help someone or at it’s basic level, just being someone that listens is something that I am blessed to do.
As for ending up working at Calvary. well, that one is something I didn’t see happening in my life, but I’m really thankful it did. My work as a therapist provided me the opportunity to work with some of the students at the school which eventually led to me being asked to apply for the position of Dean of Students.
The kids that I see during the school year are so genuine and authentic. Even in my role as a Dean, which sometimes means I have to have difficult conversations, I make sure to let them know how much I care about them and how much I support them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, my path has not been smooth at all. I initially didn’t want to move to Savannah and once I got here, I didn’t like it at all. From the unbearable heat, being in a new environment and missing the life that I built in Rhode Island, where we moved from, the transition to life in the South was not fun. I didn’t realize at the time how resistant I was to starting over.
My first two jobs in Savannah as a therapist were tough, but I needed that experience. I needed that adversity to grow as a therapist and as a person. The experiences taught me to value the things in my life that I took for granted as well as become a better advocate for myself.
For me, one of the more memorable challenges was making the decision to become an independent contractor as a therapist. I made this decision to go independent literally 2 weeks before Covid shut down most of the country. I worried about how I would make a living going from a stable working environment to one where I was relying on potential clients to seek out my services. The first 3 months of my new job had me second-guessing my decision but eventually, we all realized how much Covid was affecting our mental health and people were starting to seek out my services.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think I have 2 and a half jobs. I serve as the Dean of Students at Calvary Day School, (Go Cavs,) I work as a therapist at C. Williams and Associates (best agency ever) and I coach Girls Flag Football, Basketball, and Middle School Track. As the Dean of Students at the Lower School, my role is to support both the teacher and students and build a supportive and collaborative relationship with the parents. I am most comfortable using a restorative approach to discipline at school if the situation allows as well as biblical integration in my approach.
As a therapist. I serve a diverse array of clients, which I feel promotes constant learning and growth opportunities. I specialize in anxiety/depression management, trauma, couples counseling, and substance abuse. I feel fortunate that I work with an agency that prioritizes consistent growth in our profession. I also work with a lot of school age children as well.
At school, I think I’m known for being easy to get along with, supportive, and encouraging. I think the students feel that I’m relatable, silly, and worthy of their respect. As a therapist, I’m probably known for conducting sessions in different environments outside of the traditional office setting. I’ve been fishing with my clients, played hoops or football with them, and went on walks with them. I’m very comfortable with non-traditional settings with my clients.
I think I’m most proud the people that have been placed in my life that have helped me. I am thankful for them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are a lot, I mean a lot of people who deserve credit. First would be God, as I would not be where I am today without his grace and mercy. Second would be my family, who have supported me and encouraged me, as well as tell me things I may not have wanted to hear at that time, the same can be said for my friends. Truth and transparency from my friends is such a valuable quality that I need.
The staff at Calvary Day School have been so supportive and encouraging in my transition to a school environment, I also have a great leadership team that have created an environment to allow growth, challenges, and relative learning opportunities.
Chris and Cori Williams at C. Williams and Associates have been instrumental in my growth as a therapist. Being able to learn from them and the opportunities they have provided for me have been invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cwilliamsandassociates.com
