Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ronellis Tunstill . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ronellis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I worked a full-time job in a call center during my entire college experience. I can remember graduating with my masters and writing my two-week notice the next day. I can remember being extremely excited to place “Master of Science” on my resume. It felt really good to be able to now apply for all the positions that required a graduate degree. Although I had the degree, I lacked experience hoping that I would be given a chance. I applied to two different jobs and was granted an opportunity to interview for both. If granted, I would be a Clinical Therapist at a residential treatment facility for adolescents. I was interviewed by the CEO and I felt I provided great responses to the various questions he asked. This was an individual that looked me so I was sure he would extend grace and an opportunity to someone entering the field with rose colored classes.

This CEO gave me some tips for my future (especially working with children). After the interview I received an email stated I was “too green”. I was slightly discouraged but determined to prove his statement wrong. I was then contacted by HR from the sister facility of the previous place. At the time, I was interviewed by the Clinical Director (who ran the interview because he was sort staffed that day). He asked me similar questions and I explained how my previous interview went. He explained that although I was looking to fill a therapist position, there were none currently available. I immediately felt discouraged, but he soon after gave me another option. He asked if I would be willing to take a position as a Mental Health Associate in order to gain direct service experience with the children. He promised that once a Clinical Therapist position opened, I would be first choice.

I was extremely grateful for a chance! I used that opportunity to gain as much experience as possible. I showed up early every shift and did everything asked of me. I really was a model employee. Took six months, but I was promoted to Clinical Therapist. It was the gateway into the work I’ve now been doing for closer to 10 years. I learned a lot working under Mr. Jeff (Clinical Director that later became the CEO). I interviewed on the right day and at the right time to be granted that chance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a native of Nashville, TN and have always expressed a passion for helping others. My compassion led him to pursue an academic opportunity at Middle Tennessee State University to study Psychology, Sociology, and Social Welfare. During this time, I (like most people) was discovering my place in the world and how to show up. My journey of self-discovery did not have much guidance and I did not know where to turn for mental health services to process various life experiences. I decided to nurture my gifts and became a therapist to treat myself (great logic…right?). I decided to continue my academic career at Tennessee State University, where I would work towards a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. The program required a practicum/internship that gave me a chance to also continue some self-exploration. I stumbled upon Dwayne Jenkins and Nashville CARES for an experience that would later impact my professional and personal life. I fell in love with the LGBT community which developed into self-love. Later received my master’s degree from TSU and has been an employee of Nashville CARES for 6 years. I have served in multiple roles in the agency’s prevention and behavioral health departments in the fight against HIV. Ronellis has also been able to present at multiple national conferences and speak on different aspects of HIV prevention. I am now licensed by the state of Tennessee as a Professional Counselor who works to empower individuals with a focus on self-efficacy, self-concept, and encouraging people to reach self-actualization. As a member and servant of the LGBT community, I address the need for mental health services for marginalized people. I understand how health disparities associated with certain groups are heavily impacted by intersectionalities and uses an integrative approach to address the entire person. I express hopes to be a positive impact in the community by providing tools for people to reach the quality of life they desire. I’m very proud of my ability to work with various types of people and be able to impact them in some beneficial way. My career goals are being accomplished. I have been recognized by many in the Nashville community as a resource. My goal in life is to be the help I once needed., I’ve also expanded my reach by joining a group private practice, Smith Behavioral Health and Wellness. I want people to know that mental health treatment is not limited to what stereotypes we see in the media.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been trusting my skills and being my authentic self. Growing clientele is important, but I focus on retaining each individual I treat. My goal is to empower people and letting them know they are more than just a number.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

If you manage a team, please make sure they know you also can do the work you’re asking them to do. Be humble and show your team you can also follow. It empowers each person to know what they bring to the table is valuable. Affirm each member in his/her abilities. Encourage your team and provide opportunities for professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smithbhw.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rtunstill
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ronellis-tunstill-lpc-a5b1a880