Deborah Ridgeway

I have a lifetime of experience as a helping professional. I was a classroom teacher for approximately 15 years, working with students in grades K through 8. I spent 14 years as a school social worker, working with students throughout their school careers, working with preschool through grade 12 .
I supervised group gnomes for people with disabilities, worked inn a treatment center for adults with substance abuse issues. I worked in community mental health, and for the past 18 months, I have done teletherapy with adults and children of all ages.

I have a Bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education, a Master's degree in education and a Master's degree in social work. I have worked with people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I have worked extensively with persons in the LGBTQ community. I am comfortable talking about difficult subjects, and strive always to become more aware of the lived experiences of people of varying cultural and racial groups, circumstances, backgrounds, levels of privilege, socioeconomic status etc.

My strengths include adaptability, good communication skills, a willingness to be teachable and a love for working with people. I also have a good sense of humor.