Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra King.
Debra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and I recall that I enjoyed reading and learning as far back as I can remember. My parents were very conservative and we attended church regularly and participated in community events. I have many fond memories of a safe and positive upbringing. My parents modeled hard work, community involvement, and caring for others. I have four older sisters, and one younger sister and I was able to participate in many of the things in which they participated. I refer to my mother Margaret as my first mentor. My father shared that we should always seek after things that no one can take from us. We grew up making items and spending time on arts and crafts. My sisters sewed, cooked, and we learned crocheting and knitting. Somehow the cooking skills passed me by. When I began undergraduate school, my advisor, Dr. Dora Kennedy Johnson encouraged me to get my Doctorate by the time I turned 30 years old. I did not ask questions; I set my goal to do as she suggested. I graduated with honors with a double major in Elementary and Special Education. I went on to earn a masters degree in Special Education and did more course work studying about learning disabilities. The encouragement from Dr. Dora was my mission and I finished my PhD at age 28. For the most part, I was very naive and did not know what this terminal degree meant; my goal was to do what my mentor had told me to do. I was very focused, determined and able to delay gratification. My pursuits have been to enhance my personal and professional growth in order to serve others. My job titles have included behavior therapist, psychology professor, adjunct instructor, licensed professional counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor, chief executive officer, chief clinical officer, clinical director, Certified Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certified Employee Assistance Professional. Each opportunity has helped me to learn and use my knowledge, abilities, skills, experience and talents.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were some points in the road that were smooth. I adopted a thinking pattern of Pray, Plan, Prepare and Pursue. One of the smoothest aspects of the professional and personal journey was the clarity I had about staying true to the goal of pursuing the doctorate. When I was in second grade, I had set becoming a teacher as my goal. One of the struggles included personal issues related to divorce and death of my parents. Another struggle has been learning to manage differences when I was serving in various jobs. There are so many lessons I have learned about staying the course — pursuing goals and pushing forward. One of the exciting things about staying in the present is that obstacles and challenges are stepping stones to the next achievement .
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Family C.A.R.E. Services, Inc?
After 6 years as a psychology professor, I started my business in 1995 and received my license as a counseling associate in 1996. CARE is an acronym for counseling, coaching, consulting, analysis, assessment, research, referrals, education and evaluation.
My specialty at this time is Employee Assistance short term solution focused counseling and training.
I am known for using s direct approach and being a well trained subject matter expert in educational psychology, special education, mental health and behavioral clinical services. I am an engaging provider of counseling services.
I am set apart from others due to the thoroughness with which I train. I believe that we should organize, systemize and standardize. I am most proud of my brand as an entrepreneur with grant writing experience and success. I can assist with program, personal and professional development.
I would like your readers to know that I am valuable for consulting with professionals interested in laying a solid foundation for their for profit or nonprofit business venture.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who deserve credit for helping to make me into the professional I am today.
I will mention a few
My family members have been very influential — I am connected to persons that have known me my entire life, my success is their success
Dr Dora Kennedy Johnson
Mentor — Dr. George Jones, was my supervisor while pursuing my clinical licenses
Protege — Ms. Bernell King Ingram, we met in 2000 and I have been very proud to offer her support in her endeavors
Successor — Mr. Channing Moss, Licensed Professional Cousnelr in South Carolina and Virginia, has accepted the tasks associated with taking over my private practice and is learning duties
Pricing:
- Individual and family counseling
- Development Consulting services
- Employee Assistance Services
Contact Info:
