Allison has been with First Step Services since August of 2007. Prior to joining our team, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design from North Carolina State University’s College of Design. She then worked as a high school art teacher in Benson, NC. Allison then obtained her Masters in Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill, with a concentration in mental health and addictions.

As a Masters-level intern, Allison worked with the Boomerang Program, an alternative to suspension program for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System. Through that experience, she gained knowledge on Resiliency Theory and strengths-based work with youth. Allison is currently a Provisionally Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and Clinical Supervisor Intern.

Allison is our adolescent program coordinator and facilitator of the Wake County Schools’ ACE Program. She also provides individual and family counseling for both adolescents and adults. She is also the co-facilitator of the Intensive Outpatient Program. Allison’s approach is based upon Systems Theory, and incorporates a blend of therapeutic approaches, including the use of expressive arts techniques. Allison has lived in the Raleigh area for most of her life and is very passionate about working with the schools and our local community.