Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Champion.
Hi Destiny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born to a 15-year-old single mother in West Germany. This set the stage for personal trauma and challenges as we left Germany when I was 10 years old, to immigrate to California. I did not want to come, did not speak any English and was in conflict with the stepfather who brought us here from the beginning. Family turmoil was the norm, and at age 15, I dropped out of school, using substances, spending time homeless, and traveling with a carnival for a time. By 22, I was married with my first child, and after 8 years of emotional abuse by my then-husband, I found myself single, with no job and no education, and 2 small children, ages 3 and 6.
Why do I begin with all this? It is because my story amplifies the ability for human beings to change and reinvent themselves. America has given me this opportunity as well as the wonderful people that have come in and out of my life.
When my first husband left me to teach me a lesson, I was scared… terrified really. With no other recourse I applied for welfare and Medi-Cal, and assistance with childcare. I was 1 semester in at our local community college. My husband’s ultimatum had been to either quit school or he’d be moving out. As scared as I was, I knew that school would be my future and staying with him would be my death.
School has opened a life to me I never dreamt possible. My teachers’ constant support allowed me to begin with an AA from Ventura College and end with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara.
After I completed my education, I began my 5-year journey to earn 3,000 hours in counseling and then earned my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. It took exactly 11 1/2 years from my first college class to my license. By that point, I had re-married after completing my master’s and had a third child. He was 3 weeks old when I took my state exam. Folks told be that I would not be able to earn my license with a pregnancy and birth. Showing people what is possible has been my pleasure on this journey.
After being a social worker for Ventura County’s Public Health Department for 7 years, I left the county and began working in non-profit agencies and private practice. I love the field of psychology and all the opportunities we have in this field.
In 2014 I was in private practice and volunteered as a supervisor for a local non-profit. This volunteer position led to me beginning my company Maple Counseling Center and a year later adding our non-profit sister company, Transformational Counseling Center. Together the two companies serve an average of 280 clients with Medi-Cal (Gold Coast) as their insurance. We also offer a cash sliding scale to meet the needs of those without insurance. I employ both licensed as well as associate therapists. We pride ourselves for our positive work environment and dedication to assisting our community.
I often say….”I’m a high school dropout with a college degree.” At age 61, life has never been better! I live in a lovely home in Ojai, I’ve been in recovery for the past 15 years, have 3 grown children and a lovely 17-month-old grandson. Hard work, perseverance, and the love of others have made this life possible. Running my companies and serving the community is my life’s work, and I am grateful each and every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To summarize: Being born to a 15-year-old mother
Not having a father
Being brought to the US against my will, not knowing the language
Turmoil in the home
Dropping out of school
Substance abuse and alcoholism
Abusive marriage
Single mother of 2 young daughters with no means to support them
On going custody battle over the children
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
We serve an average of 280 clients per week using Medi-Cal (Gold Coast) insurance. We have about 22 therapists and always adding to better serve our community
I am very proud of the healthy work environment we have created. We have 2 suites with a total of 14 offices. Clients are seen through Telehealth and in person. We have a variety of modalities and specialties.
We take cases other agencies accepting Medi-Cal turn away, including family reunifications.
Our therapists receive supervision and trainings to help them best assist their clients
We are known for our beautiful offices and excellent service.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Vision, hard work, and perseverance. Learning from others and accepting guidance
Pricing:
- Gold Coast insurance (Medi-Cal)
- $120 to $50 sliding scale
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maplecounseling.org
