Staff Spotlight: Courtney Andrews

Courtney Andrews started her career at United Counseling Service (UCS) after earning her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management at Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire. Her first role at UCS was in the agency’s division of Developmental Services as a direct support professional at Autumn House, a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Later, she moved to the Early Childhood Services division as an assistant teacher in North Bennington, VT. Courtney gained experience working in a classroom, supporting both students and teachers, and when a case management position opened in UCS’ division of Children, Youth and Family Services (CYFS), she went for it.

“I had some experience coming from Head Start, but I didn’t have the degree,” says Courtney.  “I was really excited to move over to CYFS because it was a step up for me.”

Courtney is now eight years into her career at UCS and supports kids every day as a therapeutic case manager. Monday through Wednesday, her job takes her into preschools and elementary schools to work with young children as they navigate the school day. “I sit with kids, support them, and help them get through their morning,” says Courtney. “That transition from home to school can be really tough for them.”

The kids Courtney works with are under six years old and over 16, and she enjoys the differences that each age group brings to her day. On Thursdays after school hours, she facilitates Teens4Change (T4C), a group led by and for Bennington County teens. T4C meets every week to plan events and activities, including community service opportunities, cooking classes, day trips, and the yearly UCS Bennington Youth Summit.

The children and adolescents on Courtney’s caseload trust her and she is proud to provide consistency and stability in their lives. “I get to be that safe person for them,” she says.

Courtney recently earned her certification to teach Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), another skill to benefit her work supporting young people. YMHFA is a set of tools that adults can use to recognize and help adolescents experiencing mental health crises. One day a week, Courtney assists with the client intake process to help people access mental health services as quickly as possible. Wherever she finds herself each day at UCS, Courtney is ready to support clients of all ages and needs.

Outside of work, her days are just as busy. She spends most of her time outside of UCS with her family, which includes her four-year-old daughter. “Outside of work, I’m a mom,” she says. Her daughter is involved in several sports, so Courtney’s day often includes traveling to baton practices, gymnastics, and bicycle motocross (BMX). In her free time, Courtney is skilled in all things crafting. Courtney owns a Cricut and uses it to create custom designs on items like t-shirts and totes. She also started crocheting in January and has made several blankets and clothing items since then. “My coworkers would call me really crafty.” Courtney loves making blankets and sells her wares at craft fairs throughout the year.

Taking on new challenges both in her work at UCS and at home keeps Courtney busy, and it doesn’t look like she’s slowing down any time soon.