Meet Eugenie Lewis of Redondo Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugenie Lewis.

Hi Eugenie , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in community health, studying health care administration at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration in 1980. I later studied social work at California State University Long Beach where I graduated with a Master of Social Work degree in 2004, Because of my long lasting interested in career development, I completed two certifications, one as a Global Career Development Facilitator and a second one in College Counseling from UCLA.

For over 20 years I worked as an administrator of community health clinics, first as the Executive Director of multiple Clinics in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and later serving as the Director of Behavioral Health for three community health clinics in Southern California. For 10 years I served as a school counselor for the Redondo Beach Unified School District. In 2019, I started my own practice called Creative Life Mapping. My current practiced is focused on wholistic counseling, integrating mental health, physical health, career development and educational services. In addition to my practice, I provide education and employment services at allcove Beach Cities. This is a model program started by Stanford University that is designed to provide a range of services for youth between the ages of 12 and 25 in a welcoming environment.

In 2021, in response to concerns I heard from young people, I trained as a Climate Reality Leader through the Climate Reality Project and became involved with a number of advocacy projects focused on the environment and community engagement. Last year I started a Blue and Green Career Pathway Fellowship program in partnership with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board. Since starting, over 50 high school and college students have participated and prepared career profiles that address climate solutions in 9 sectors. See the following link for more information: https://www.creativelifemapping.com/blue-and-green-careers

I consider myself to be an advocate for youth, both from a mental health standpoint as well as a drive to secure a positive future for our world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I have loved my career. The major obstacles I encountered involved starting new programs (which I love) and encountering organizational barriers that occur when people are resistant to change. Also, when I worked briefly in the for profit sector, I found this wasn’t for me. I am a very idealistic person and want to see change for the better.

Addressing climate change and engaging people in the fight is also challenging. I find that people don’t talk about the problem and engage in solutions in the pace needed to reduce green house gases and global warming.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My mother was an artist. She died when I was 16. I have wonderful memories of my early childhood doing art projects together as an extended family. Perhaps to keep her spirit alive, I incorporated art and creativity in my company “Creative Life Mapping”. My concept to to map your future in different ways. I also like to continue to do art with friends and family.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am very passionate about human rights. My grandmother, who was born in the late 1800s was a charter member of the NAACP in Minneapolis. She and other members of my family influenced me greatly. I always work to make the world a better place!

In 1970, I was part of a group of high school students in St. Paul who organized an environmental teach in as part of the first Earth Day.

I love to sew, primarily by selecting colorful fabrics. I make clothing, bags, banners, quilts and more.

Pricing:

• In Creative Life Mapping, my base hourly rate is $200, however I put packages together for multiple visits
• I accept health insurance and am part of many health plans.
• As a provider of allcove Beach Cities, the services are currently free of charge for youth in the South Bay between the ages of 12 and 25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativelifemapping.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativelifemapping/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eugenie.lewis.3
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenie-lewis-lcsw-79595830/