Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Lehrich.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew from an early age that I wanted to have a career in the helping profession. I volunteered in a hospital, which started my passion.
After high school graduation, I began to take all my prerequisites for nursing and two years later was accepted into nursing school. After about one year, I decided that nursing was not the field that I wanted to pursue and decided to complete my Bachelor Degree in Human Services. I became interested in the field of social work and completed my Master’ in Social Work two years later and later earned my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). At the time of graduation, I believed that I wanted to work with children and adolescents and sought employment in that field. I sent out my resume to many job postings and unexpectedly received a call from a Program Director at a local hospital. We scheduled an interview and we met and I was offered the position. The position was for a social worker in a Geriatric Psychiatry Unit where I would be responsible for individual, group and family therapy. I also assessed potential patients for admissions and provided education for the community about the unit.
At first, this was a challenge because my training did not focus on geriatrics nor public speaking. I had in trepidation about accepting this position at first because of my lack of experience. The first week went by so fast and all I could think of was returning to work on Monday. I found my new passion…older adults. I did not have much experience with older adults, as I only had a grandfather who was healthy. I was unaware of what dementia is and treatment modalities. I worked for the next 15 years in hospital settings, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In 2009, the hospital closed the geriatric psychiatry unit where I worked for 15 years. I decided that I wanted/needed more of a flexible schedule and worked for home health and hospice companies. It was also at this time that I started my own private practice where I treated patients with depression and anxiety mostly.
I also worked with family members and helped them with their aging family member. I did not know what wisdom was going to start being imparted onto me by my patients. I stumbled across Cognitive Care 2 years ago and was given the opportunity to purchase the company which I did. Through some stressful times of being a first-time business owner, it has been the best decision I have made.
Running the company has been both a challenge and stress causing, but in the end, we are serving patients and families through a very difficult time which brings on much reward. When I see the enthusiasm that I do when patients are seen by their therapists and they are motivated to work hard and reap the benefits, I know that I am doing my best. To this day, not a day goes by where I do not learn something from them. Whether it’s a joke or a story, I have become a better social worker because of this.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think the most difficult part of my professional career is balancing a career with family. During the time that my career was beginning, I was also starting a family. I was fortunate that my mother cared for my son during the first year and we had a wonderful nanny during the next 3 years. My daughter was born 22 months after my son, and then more balancing had to take place. I was fortunate to have some flexibility in my position, nevertheless, it is difficult to balance the time needed to launch a career, raise 2 children and have a relationship with my husband.
Currently, the biggest struggle with my business is finding enough therapists to provide our specialized program to support our growth.
There are not a lot of therapists who specialize in working with older adults, however I have high expectations in hiring the “right” person.
It is an ongoing process since our growth continues.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cognitive Care Solutions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Cognitive Care Solutions Group, Inc provides comprehensive cognitive wellness therapy to clients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and healthy adults who want to Keep their Keep Your Brain Stronger For Longer®. Our cognitive therapy services are provided by doctorate level professionals and licensed clinical social workers who offer more than solely cognitive performance improvement.
Cognitive Care Solutions Group, Inc, provides the client with a therapeutic experience to aid them and their family in adjusting and coping with their new diagnosis. In addition, we provide support services for the client and their family’s grief and emotional processing.
The company offers a comprehensive treatment plan which addresses all the modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with improving brain health and to Keep Your Brain Stronger For Longer®. The outcomes of the services are truly amazing. The 1:1 individual therapy provides the client with support for being proactive in the disease process. What sets us apart is the positive outcomes that are resulting with our clients. We provide stellar services and hand hold the client and the family through the probable decline from the disease. I am most proud of the services that we provide and the outcomes that we reach.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am a native to Orange County and have always enjoyed going to Los Angeles. I like the diversity of Los Angeles and the ability to meet the needs of the community. I like the cultural diversity of Los Angeles which allows me to enjoy different ethnic foods and to learn more about different cultures. The only dislike that I have is the time it takes to get from one place to another.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1526 Brookhollow Dr.
Suite #73
Santa Ana, CA 92705 - Website: www.cognitivecaresolutions.com
- Phone: 714 545-3390
- Email: [email protected]
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