Christina is a Buffalo native and started with Horizon in 2016 as a mental health counselor. Over the past 5 years, Christina has worked at a few different outpatient clinics and has expanded her career. Although Christina started working solely in mental health, she now uses an integrated approach to treat any issues her patients may be facing, whether in mental health or substance use. Christina also has a 4-year-old dog, Sammy, and is a big advocate of self-care. Whether going to a yoga class, snowboarding, skydiving, four wheeling, or really anything outdoors, she loves to disconnect and be outside!
FAQ with Christina
Why did you choose Horizon?
I chose Horizon because I’d heard so many great things about this company from a family friend, and thought it was the perfect place to start my career!
What do you “do” at Horizon?
I am a behavioral health counselor. I assess individuals’ needs, diagnose mental health and/or substance use disorder(s), and teach new and healthier ways of coping with symptoms. I also work with individual’s supports and family members to help educate them and find ways they can support their loved one.
What is your favorite perk?
Horizon offers amazing, in-depth training when first coming into the company, in addition to continued education throughout your career here. I feel supported by my program director, supervisor, and colleagues when looking to enhance my career here at Horizon.
Any experience or memory that stands out to you while working here?
One of my favorite memories while working at Horizon is when my dog, Sammy, became a therapy dog at Horizon Village. It was such a fun experience having my dog come to work with me, and seeing him interact with patients. I hold this memory close to my heart!
Becoming a counselor requires a lot of hard work. What did that look like for you?
I graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology and from St. Bonaventure University with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It was a lot of hard work but I love my career and met some amazing people and truly learned a lot.
Any piece of advice that has stuck with you?
Reach out for help, support your peers, and lean on each other. I cannot emphasize this enough. Much like others in this helping field, I have moments when I struggle with, “leaving work at work.” Learning and actually applying self-care goes a long way.
What is something you’ve learned that you still use today?
I had many opportunities to role play therapy sessions with my classmates throughout my time in school. Video recording these mock sessions and watching them afterward helped me to see and hear areas I did well in and areas I needed improvement in. Here is where I learned how important body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice were, especially in this field!
If you are interested in joining the Horizon team, apply today!