South Bay's talented employees have diverse educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds. However, they share a common mission-driven approach, dedication to professional development and appreciation of how important their work is. Hear what our employees have to say about working at South Bay.

Arlene Dickinson, MA
Rhodes University, South Africa
Staff Therapist, Attleboro Clinic

Working at South Bay has been an opportunity for me to gain international exposure in the field of mental health services and to gain new clinical experiences and knowledge. Growing up in South Africa, a country saturated in issues pertaining to disadvantaged populations, has helped me contribute to South Bay's mission of working with at-risk children and families. In particular, trauma-related issues, which are very significant in a South African context, have been a relevant import to the work I do at South Bay.

Since I've worked at South Bay, I have accrued the necessary clinical and supervision hours towards my LMHC license and also had exposure to a broad variety of diagnoses. I've had the opportunity to attend several clinical trainings covering trauma therapy, substance abuse treatment and DBT. I also serve on the GATHER (Greater Attleboro/Taunton Health Education Resource) Substance Abuse Committee as Co-chair.

What I enjoy most about working at South Bay is the flexibility of hours. I have the opportunity to manage my role as a professional and also a mother due to the flexibility around scheduling. I love the clinical work and the broad exposure to a variety of different cases and diagnoses. There is never a dull moment and always a new challenge!

Laine Carter, BS Education
Lesley College
Early Childhood Educator, Fall River Early Intervention

I love working with South Bay Early Intervention because of the flexible hours. With two young children, it is essential for me to be able to work around their schedules. I also have an extensive background working in childcare and Early Intervention provided the opportunity to work closer with families.

My background in childcare and knowledge of early childhood stages has helped me work with the families involved in early intervention. I have taught parents things to help them be more self-sufficient like calling to make a doctor's appointment and finding other resources in the phone book. I am grateful to be using the knowledge I obtained in college and being recognized by families as a resource and as someone they can count on each week. I also provide trainings for day care staff about early intervention and have helped train coworkers in developmentally appropriate toys, games, and activities to use in treatment.

One of my most memorable experiences at South Bay was working with a child with language difficulties. I started working with him a few days after his second birthday. At this time, his language development was scored at 15 months. After working with him three times a week for about 6 months, he was speaking in 2 and 3 word sentences. It was such a rewarding feeling to see that progress! I love knowing that I make a difference with the children and families that I help service. I also enjoy working with people who are just as committed to helping children grow and develop.

Katherine Simmons, M.Ed. LMHC
Bridgewater State College
Staff Therapist, Brockton Family Team

I first found out about South Bay when I was a student at Bridgewater State College looking for an internship site. I did my internship with South Bay and enjoyed the employees and clients so I accepted a full-time position after graduation. My prior teaching experience and also working in Early Intervention prepared me to work with a diverse population on the Family Team. While working at South Bay, I have become licensed as a Mental Health Counselor. I have also taken part in trainings on substance abuse, play therapy, and trauma.

My most memorable experience thus far at South Bay occurred while working with one of my younger clients. For several weeks, we had worked on his anger management skills. One day prior to a session, the client was noticeably excited to see me. He ran up to me and shouted, "I did it!" He then told me about how he was able to use his anger management control button and other skills we worked on to avoid yelling at a parent. To see this progress and be thanked by a family you're working with is a very rewarding experience.

Munaf Shaikh, MS OTR/L, CEIS
Tufts University
Occupational Therapist, Lowell Early Intervention

I was attracted to work at South Bay because of the challenge of working with young children and families. This was an exciting population to work with after completing my Occupational Therapy degree. My cultural background has helped me work with the community of Lowell's diverse population. Being able to speak three Indian dialects has made me a more effective service provider to many families in the Lowell area.

Since working at South Bay, I have become a Certified Early Intervention Specialist and also been involved in mentoring new team members at the Lowell program. Attending the annual Massachusetts Early Intervention Conference (MEIC) has also provided various opportunities to learn about current methods in the field of Early Intervention. I look forward to attending the conference to network with other professionals in the field and learn new techniques as an OT.

After my second year of full-time employment, I received the agency's Award for Integrity at South Bay's Annual Meeting. Receiving this award reinforced how important our work is and let me know that my efforts are appreciated by the community, my peers and the agency.

I love working in an environment that is always changing and challenging. It's always exciting and I always find myself being challenged by taking new cases, working with new team members and taking advantage of new training and development opportunities.

Maureen Holliday, LCSW
Fordham University
Program Director, Fall River Adult Day Services

I have been with South Bay since 1998. As a Social Worker, South Bay was an attractive option because of the opportunities for professional development and the diverse clinical work. Since working with South Bay, I have been able to use my clinical training in substance abuse treatment and also learn and strengthen other skills to work with a diverse population of children, adolescents and adults.

In my tenure at South Bay, I have attained my LCSW and received the LICSW supervision necessary for my independent license. Most recently, I have been promoted to the director of South Bay's Fall River Adult Day Services program. Working at South Bay has been a great opportunity to develop professionally. Each day is a new learning experience and an opportunity to assist our clients with their unique needs.

Daniela DelMonaco, BA
Stonehill College
Human Resources Assistant

My career at South Bay started by interning in the Human Resources Department. After completing my degree at Stonehill, I accepted a full-time position in the department. As a new HR professional, my career development is very important to me. At South Bay I've worked on some key projects that made an impact on the agency and helped me to develop professionally. Most recently, I played an important role in the implementation of a new HRIS and Payroll system for the agency. Working on new projects and collaborating with the HR team has made me a more effective communicator and helped me to improve my technical and writing skills.

Working in Human Resources is always challenging and exciting. In an environment devoted to human services, we are able to help support our greatest asset, which is our dedicated staff. I enjoy building relationships with my coworkers and the employees I support throughout the agency. Everyday at work is an incredible learning opportunity!

Jodi Tarantino, LCSW
University of New Hampshire
Clinic Director, Worcester

After completing my master's degree in Social Work at UNH, I applied at South Bay Mental Health Center's clinic in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I was aware of South Bay's reputation for providing excellent training and developmental opportunities for Social Workers. I was also looking for an environment that rewarded hard work and had opportunities available to advance into leadership positions.

Prior to working at South Bay, I was a child protection worker and completed investigations and assessments for children at risk of abuse and neglect. Working at South Bay has allowed me to continue working with this population in a different role.

After two years of full-time employment, I was promoted to direct South Bay's clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts. This new opportunity has been an exciting professional challenge and I have received tremendous support from my supervisors and peers to continue growing as a clinician and a leader.

I enjoy working for an agency that is dedicated to innovation, action and learning. Working alongside other team members with unique educational and experiential backgrounds has been an invaluable professional and personal opportunity.

Ayumi Kamiyama, M.Ed.
Boston University
Early Intervention Specialist
Staff Therapist, Brockton

I initially started my employment at South Bay Early Intervention in Brockton. I was interested in a position that works with the entire family and Early Intervention was the perfect fit for me. Working in the city of Brockton has been a great opportunity to interact with individuals and families with very diverse cultural backgrounds. I believe that my experience as a first generation immigrant has been critical in understanding what other families experience and helping them become self-sufficient in their community.

Working at South Bay has been a great opportunity to grow as a clinician. I have gained experience working with a diverse population and taken advantage of many training opportunities. I recently completed a four-day substance abuse training that will be crucial in my daily work with clients. The flexibility of my work schedule has allowed me to attend trainings on a monthly basis.

I also love working with professionals who care so deeply about the families that we work with and are passionate about doing the best they can as clinicians. My team members and supervisors are very supportive and I know that I can count on them for help and advice. I feel blessed to have such supportive and caring colleagues on both of the treatment teams that I work with at South Bay.