Voices from the Field: Mental Health Social Work

This program spotlights social workers from different concentration areas. It will be a one-hour virtual workshop for students not limited to those majoring in social work, alumni, and community partners. Speakers will discuss how they selected social work as their profession, their career journey, where they currently work, the roles and responsibilities they hold/have held, and advice they have for future and current social workers.

Panelists: 

Derrick Perry, BA - Team Leader Youth Mobile Response 

Derrick has a wife and four children and is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps who has been working in the Mental Health field for 15 years. Derrick has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University. Derrick recently graduated from the 2023-24 South Bend Mishawaka Leadership Program in which he represented Oaklawn. Derrick is known for assisting those that do not trust systems navigate the varies systems to meet the needs of their family. He is known throughout the community for advocating for marginalized individuals and volunteering his time to his community.

Greg Miller, LMHCa - Team Leader Crisis Center 

Greg is a therapist and team leader for the Mobile Crisis Response Team at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center in South Bend, Indiana. Graduating with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021, Greg has since been engaging in crisis work in the community. As a team leader, they lead a diverse team of mental health professionals, offering crisis intervention and support across the region—from operating a crisis line to mobilizing and engaging with individuals in crisis within Saint Joseph County. They also deliver presentations on crisis services to community partners and agencies. Greg is dedicated to offering empathetic person-centered care in addition to ensuring mental health services are accessible to all, especially those from marginalized communities.

Hannah Trader, MSW - Team Leader Adult Case Management 

Hannah graduated from The University of Georgia with her Masters in Social Work (MSW) in May 2021. Immediately following graduation, she began working as a clinical therapist in-training at a private practice in Athens, GA where she gained experience working with adolescents and adults dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, stress, and chronic health conditions. She is trained in several therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness. Hannah relocated to South Bend, IN and began working as a Team Lead in Adult Case Management at Oaklawn in Fall 2023 providing support to staff ensuring best clinical practices to a diverse range of clients. As a Team Lead, Hannah is also involved in the hiring process of new staff, assisting in the management of departmental budgets, and monitoring staff productivity, making sure clients are getting the services they need. Hannah continues to work towards clinical licensure, with hopes to become an LCSW in both Indiana and Georgia.

Kayona Pates, LCSW – Director of Adult Therapy

Kayona Pates, MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional from Jamaica with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Andrews University, Michigan. She is the director of Adult Clinical Services at Oaklawn with over 8 years of experience working with adult mental health and addiction population as an agent of support and guidance. Additionally, she works as a Couples Counseling Therapist in private practice. Her professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of our community and is especially sensitive to the needs of adults with SMI, trauma, and addiction.