Kelly C. Gandy has over 17 years of experience working with youth who have complex needs and families in both public and private schools, with an emphasis in the provision of education encompassing academics and Social/Emotional Learning. As a former classroom educator and currently a Mental Health Professional, Ms. Gandy remains compassionate toward victims who have been impacted by various forms of trauma and those experiencing psychological and physiological symptoms related to traumatic events. Further, she completed the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse AODA) program at Chicago University, in 2020, to provide substance abuse education and treatment services to individuals, groups, and families, while exerting intentional efforts to ensure that individuals have access to quality comprehensive services needed to address their complex needs.

Ms. Gandy is currently employed by Healing Empowering Learning Professionals, LLC, as a Qualified Mental Health Professional,  in Chicago Public Schools, integrating SEL support, as a means of assisting students and adults in the process of managing their emotions, developing, and maintaining positive relationships, and resolving conflict. Further, Ms. Gandy continually seeks to remain abreast of culturally sensitive guidelines for working with the diverse client, as well as intentional in developing culturally appropriate treatment strategies which carefully consider cultural implications that have influenced one’s beliefs and behaviors.

She has learned to appreciate the journey and purpose she has been called to fulfill. Her mission is to serve those who have been entrusted to her, which requires compassion, empathy, advocacy, altruism, and the ability to engage in active listening. Luke 12:48 reads: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Therefore, her consistent endeavor is to impose self-discipline and adhere to professional and ethical standards, as she continually seeks to educate, encourage, and empower others, while challenging individuals to evaluate their inner strength and exert the quality input that is needed to persevere, under the most unfavorable conditions.

In addition, Ms. Gandy desires to gain more knowledge, insight, and conceptual perspective of clinical mental health counseling, including evidence-based practice, which is essential to working with the diverse client. Further, she enjoys listening to profound messages/sermons that promote purpose, mindfulness/mediation, self-reflection, inner strength, and encouragement in the face of adversity. She recently completed a self-care plan which is needed by all helping professionals seeking to gain balance between personal and professional demands. How can one effectively be of service to others, without caring for oneself? Kelly also looks forward to spending time with family and a select few of friends, attending musicals and plays, watching history-related documentaries and films, in addition to singing songs of praise and worship.