It is at our core that we not only remove barriers to employment, but that we are providing services that matter to our communities. As a social enterprise we are dedicated to making a difference.
Ivan Taylor, a licensed professional counselor, joined Team Pearl in January 2023 as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC). Ivan is based at a military installation in the southern United States with 25,000 civilians and 830 military activity duty service members. In just 7 months, Ivan has successfully increased outreach to military members and their families, increasing her case load by 30%. Her success has had its challenges because of the small population of active military working on the installation as well as being the only MFLC assigned to the installation. The challenges have not stopped Ivan from making a positive and impactful presence on the installation daily. Pearl Talent Acquisition Manager, Brittine Hunt, reported that “The client continues to appreciate how Ivan’s steadfast and resilient outreach efforts achieves the goal of the MFLC program, which is to be a positive, nurturing, supportive presence to our active-duty military and their families.”
What is the most rewarding part of being an MFLC Counselor?
“The best part of being Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselor is that I have the ability to not only provide counseling to individual, and married couples, conduct presentations in and around Redstone, but I am afforded the opportunity to do outreach at Child and Youth Services and Schools” (i.e., 2 Child Development Centers, School Age Center, Youth Center and Childwise Programs). “There I greet and introduce myself, as well as share my role as MFLC to Active-Duty and their families to include, how MFLC can support their children participating in the programs.”
What is a typical day like for you?
“No two days are the same. One day I may be presenting or briefing Commanders or transitioning soldiers in the morning, meeting with a couple for Marriage Counseling midday, and reading books to preschoolers in the afternoon, whereas the next day, can be mostly Outreach. My daily goal is to assist others in migrating through their stressors, through coaching and insight so that they may be empowered to solve their issues going forth.”
What drew you to the counseling field, especially servicing the military and their family members?
“More than 16 years of experience has been as a military spouse. My husband and I spent over 10 years in Europe. My working with CYSS (Child and Youth School Services) in various capacities while my husband served was stressful. I wish I would have known about MFLC during this stressful time, I would have definitely utilized the services.”
What can we learn about you?
“I am a strong supporter of a healthy balance, when not working, I enjoy participating in boxing classes, creating Vegan meals (not a full vegan), and spending time with my husband of 31 years.”
Ivan, on behalf of Talent Acquisition, Leadership, and the entire Pearl family, we want to thank you for your dedicated service in connecting, engaging, and serving our Military Families.
Pearl is currently recruiting professionals like Ivan. If you, or someone you know is qualified and interested in exploring opportunities as a Counselor, please visit pinsourcing.com/jobs.
