Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Pierucki

Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I launched ChangeWorks in September of 2014 – I was just leaving a job that was not a great fit for me and thinking I would start my private practice. While I was quickly hired on at Helping Hands Hawaii before my private practice fully launched, I did keep seeing a few clients during my four years at the non-profit. I began as the Team Lead for the Hawaii Pathways Project – Hawaii’s first Housing First program – and was promoted to Director of Behavioral Health nine months later. During those three-ish years, our teams were able to help directly impact some of the most wonderful humans – folks managing houselessness, severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, poverty, challenges related to our increasingly complex and chaotic medical model insurance system. After realizing there was a glass ceiling in non-profit work related to how I could directly impact the community, I left Helping Hands and launched ChangeWorks full time. Our team now focuses on creating impactful change in our community, both through therapy as well as consultation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Are roads ever truly smooth? Nah. Where is the fun in that? Some of my struggles include being taken advantage of, hiring the wrong fit, taking on more than we can chew, even in some ways, shying away from opportunities that “felt” too big. I wouldn’t change this for all the money in the world, though – being my own boss has been really fulfilling.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a licensed therapist. In my direct therapy role, I focus on helping high achievers realize their blocks and overcome them. In my consultation role, I focus on supporting the direct service workers, teams, leaders, and agencies that serve our community of folks managing severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and houselessness. I’m never at a loss for things to do, and I love being able to support a broad range of humans.

I’m super proud of building my own business and being able to make our own rules. The feeling of freedom that comes with being able to design our days, focus on interesting and unique projects, celebrate each other as a team is truly priceless.

I’m unique in running a practice that balances both individual therapy work with using my leadership skills to support a broad range of direct service teams through clinical supervision and consultation. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the work is incredibly rewarding.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

I’m an introvert!

Pricing:

• We offer a free consultation when considering us for therapy.
• Our proposals include one complimentary coaching session.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://changeworkshawaii.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/changeworkshawaii

Image Credits

Tommy Pierucki