We our thrilled to welcome our two new staff members, Sarah James and Kachina Thomas, to the team! Read on to learn a little bit more about them.
Sarah James graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2017. She found her love for working with individuals after graduation when she was hired at a non-profit organization in New York City, where she obtained experience working with youth and children who have experienced trauma and adversity. During this time, she developed a meaning of self-worth and pride in providing services to others and making positive contributions to her community as a sister of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Sarah moved to Virginia in 2022 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Social Work at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she hopes to build a career to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people.
During Sarah’s free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two children. She loves practicing self-care, traveling, and working out. Sarah is overjoyed and thankful to have joined The Center to empower survivors during their recovery journey.
Kachina graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of William and Mary. She received her Master of Art from Norfolk State University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During her practicum and internship, she administered psychometric assessments and served as a counselor at Genesis Counseling Center.
Kachina is a resident in counseling, and has several years of experience working with diverse populations in various settings. Kachina has spent her time providing counseling services in Care Ministry and volunteering in the Youth, Education, & Family Services department with Healthy Families Partnership. Kachina has presented on ethics at the Virginia Counselor Association Professional Convention and has published her research in an article titled "Ethical Violations of Counselors in Virginia: A 10-year review." She has a passion to help individuals overcome barriers and foster hope, healing, and resilience.
When not working, Kachina can be found spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She also enjoys exercising, traveling, watching movies, and being surrounded by nature. Kachina wants survivors to feel safe, seen, heard, and empowered as they move through the natural process of healing. Kachina is very excited to join the team at The Center and is looking forward to connecting with the community.
