We recently connected with Tabatha Ferrer and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tabatha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

When I was 17 years old, I began volunteering as a youth counselor for an after-school program. As I continued to increase my experience with that organization, I was able to work my way up to become a group leader, activity specialist, program coordinator and program director. When I was a program coordinator, I went to Fordham University for my Master’s in Social Work and attended classes on the weekends. Once I graduated, the organization had programs where social workers were needed and I was able to transfer into that position. While in that position, I provided therapy to youth in 4 different locations: 1 in a school, 2 community centers and 1 residential facility.

Tabatha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a licensed social worker; I have been passionate about supporting and guiding young people since I worked as a youth counselor in an after-school program in my teenage years. As a role model, I helped the youth with their struggles while acting as a possibility model of hope and success.

Noticing the lack of interactive wellness spaces for youth to learn about their emotions and ways to cope with stressors in their life, I decided to address this need. In 2020, I created The 4AIR Project where the mission is to curate mental health and wellness spaces for youth to feel seen, heard and valued on their wellness journeys. With my business, I have created the Building the 3 Is program (Individuality, Interconnection and Initiative). Youth will engage in workshops that target and identify feelings for self and others, learn how to understand relationships and develop ways to advocate. I also create spaces where we collaborate with other organizations and youth get to be creative while discussing wellness topics.

I am proud of not giving up. Being an entrepreneur just like any job can be overwhelming. What keeps me going is the impact and connections I make in my community. Sometimes, it feels as though I am not doing enough or what I do isn’t important. However, after talking to parents and kiddies, those thoughts go away and they remind me that my efforts were just enough for them. I want families to know, I understand being a parent/guardian or even a kiddie is not the easiest job at times. However, it takes a village to make change and I am a part of the village when needed. I am a resource for them and I may not have all of the answers but together we can find the answers.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was 18 after completing my first year of college, I was informed that my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and had one year to live. Things did not start to get difficult until mid-year when my dad began to regress. He had done chemotherapy, had several surgeries and was sick several times. While supporting my parents throughout the year, I continued into my 2nd year of college in New Haven, CT, played softball, worked on campus in the Students’ Affairs Office, was a Residential Assistant and volunteered with student government while I also maintained my grades. When in New York while I was off from school due to breaks, I continued to work and I was a part of a competing step team.

Yes, I was losing my dad everyday and it was a struggle mentally and emotional but I knew I couldn’t stop participating in the activities I started. It brought joy when there were rough moments and my college, teams and supervisors were all very supportive throughout the process. When he did pass away a few days after the year mark, the next day I had a step show and I showed up. Yes, I was grieving a loss and preparing for a funeral but I also wanted to show up for my team. The first question I got was, “Why are you here?” My response was, “Because we have a show.” I did not feel bad for giving an hour up for my team while preparing for a funeral and my family was supportive of me performing.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I often say I should have done theatre. I will be a Social Worker and Broadway performer; put me in Lion King, tehehe. If I could go back I would’ve also looked into drama therapy. I work with youth in all age ranges and having the drama aspect would add entertainment and value to conversations. For many youth, even adults, practicing the skills versus just discussing it helps with remembering and increases the likelihood that the skill will be used outside of a therapy session or any wellness workshop.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ the4airproject
• Facebook: The 4AIR Project
• Linkedin: Tabatha Ferrer, LMSW

Image Credits
Wesley Allen