the women of genesis

Since the beginning of the year, I've worked at a place called Genesis Women's Shelter. It is a place that provides counseling and aid to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence in the greater Dallas area and is dang good at it. I took the job not knowing much about domestic violence, knowing more about counseling, but not knowing anything at all about the incredible women that I was about to work with. That has since changed.

The picture above is the clinical team of Genesis Women's Shelter and Outreach and they are strong, intelligent, and funny, funny women. They listen well, care deeply, and laugh loudly. It is a joy and honor to work alongside each of them.

I could tell you things about them...things they wouldn't mind me sharing. I can tell you that Callie, the lone redhead in the picture, has the best one-liners and dry humor I know. Hilarious. I eat several meals with her during the week and she never ceases to make me laugh.

I can tell you that Kim, second from the right in the back, absolutely loves 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' and can talk all the details with absolute incredible memory. This talent makes for really, really fun lunch conversations. This memory is also something that makes Kim incredibly thoughtful. She's a sweet one.

I can tell you that Kelly, top left, has the ability to put anyone at ease instantly with her compassionate presence. Instantly. I'm not kidding. It's incredible. Gifted, gifted clinical director. And she's brilliant. Go ahead...be jealous. And if that wasn't enough, she loves 'Glee.' Get outta here.

I can tell you that Michal Anne, to the left of me, has a sweet soul that is evident immediately. She also hides something from you for a while, but I pulled it out of her. The girl's a singer. A good one. And she's hating that I published that for anyone to see.

I can tell you that Mary Kay, with the white jacket, is a free spirit with an exuberance and zest for life that is contagious. Lots and lots of fun and a GIFTED therapist.

I can tell you that Jessica Callahan, to the right of me, is my office next-door-neighbor and we sit in each other's offices and confide and process sometimes. Thankful for her. And we share the same name. You knew I'd like her.

I can tell you that Gina, Brandy, and Susan K, ends of the bottom row and top right, bust their booties at the shelter and do an amazing job. I just get to see them on Friday's, but they are all very wonderful.

I can tell you that Patty and Penny, second from the right on the bottom row and middle in the blue, are fabulous interns that are fearless in their learning of the counseling world. Get it, girls.

I can tell you that Jessica Callicutt, purply-pink, just left last week and I am so very sad. See, all the Jessica's populated the west wing office for a while and it was fun. Jess was the adolescent therapist and dominated at that. Homegirl loves her fresh fruit and riding her bike in the mornings.

I can tell you that Joanne and Eunise aren't in this picture...they weren't at Mother's Day Luncheon...but both are fabulous. Joanne is a seasoned veteran of a therapist that is so incredibly kind and steady. Eunise is a new mom that is spunky and fun and speaks her mind.

And last, but most certainly not least, I can tell you that Susan, green dress, has the world's best laugh and she uses it often. It's the best...seriously. She is my supervisor and I have definitely cried in her office a few times, so you know I trust her. She too...gifted therapist. AND, she can talk almost all things pop culture and has no fear about re-creating songs from the previous evening's episode of 'Glee.' Rockstar.

There they are. The clinical team at Genesis. Obviously, there are so many more wonderful things about each of them, but for now, there's a little snapshot of who I spend my days with.They are my colleagues, they have become my friends, and I am honored to serve the women and children of Dallas alongside them.