Gretchen started as a Youth Villagesfamily counselor in October 2007 and has since been promoted to senior family counselor.

With two master's degrees and well on her way to attaining licensure, Gretchen has the background and experience to be familiar with many treatment approaches. She says the Youth Villages intensive in-home treatment philosophy works because counselors work with families in their natural environments.

"You get to see the family in their own environment, which allows you to address the issues as they are occurring," she says. "Families are more comfortable and tend to be more open and honest, which allows you to get to work on the issues right away."

But meeting families wherever and whenever is most convenient for them can make time management a challenge. Youth Villages provides every employee with a Franklin Covey planner and a one-day time-planning seminar. Although the planner helps keep Gretchen organized, she still has to sit down every week to plan her schedule strategically-- making sure she sees families who live closer together back to back.

Gretchen values the support she has received from her team of counselors.

"I have great co-workers who are always helpful and positive," she says. "If you ever have a question at Youth Villages, just ask. There's always someone who is willing to help."