In working to fulfill the commitment for additional
mental health services, Grinnell Regional Mental Health added two new counselors
to the team. Jan L. Walker, LISW, clinical social worker, and Beth M. Gallegos,
LISW, clinical social worker, recently began providing care at the mental
health clinic.
Walker brings 23 years of experience in the mental
health field to the Grinnell clinic. She most recently counseled patients at
River Hills Community Health Center, in Ottumwa. Her work experiences include positions
with the State of Iowa, Johnson County Mental Health Services, Crisis Intervention
Services, and Ottumwa Regional Health Care.
Her education background includes a BA in social work
from Clarke College in Dubuque, and a master’s in social work from the
University of Northern Iowa.
Walker grew up in southwest
Minnesota, in the town of Wabasso. She shares her interest in social work.
“I believe people can
heal from all kinds of hurts (the resiliency of people),” Walker says. “Sometimes
people just need another caring nonjudgmental individual to walk alongside them
for a while and perhaps give a different perspective on their life. Or, they may need someone to assist in building new
skills and strategies.”
In the clinic, Walker
uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative
therapy, and play and art therapy techniques when appropriate.
“Within play
therapy, there is a subsection of sand tray therapy that is useful with those
who are interested, not only children. I work with a variety of individuals
from ages 3 to 103.” Walker adds, “I love that
GRMC is dedicated to providing mental health care along with medical care,
treating the whole person is so important.”
Walker and her husband, Lee, live in Barnes City. They
enjoy being in the timber and caring for their cats. She also enjoys
decorating, cooking, and music.
Gallegos brings 24 years of social work experience to
the Grinnell Regional Mental Health Clinic. She moved to Grinnell from
LaCrescenta, Calif., where she has provided management of a school based
counseling program with Foothill Family Services in Pasadena. The majority of
her two decades of experience has been working with children, adolescents, and
young adults, but also has worked with adults and families. She also has
experience and training in working with adoptions and foster care.
Gallegos earned her
master’s in social work from the University of Southern California – Los
Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree from California State University – San
Bernardino. Her life experiences help shape her practice. She was born in Seoul,
South Korea, as her father was a missionary, and moved to the Chicago area when
she was 7 years old. Her family moved to Southern California where she has
resided until recently.
“I wanted to explore social work after reading about
Jane Addams and her work in Chicago during my high school days,” Gallegos says.
“I believe that we are all in a constant state of growth and development and I
learn from everyone with whom I have contact. My philosophy is also based
on the concept that challenges are based on unmet needs and together we strive
to find ways to meet those needs.”
Gallegos became interested in Grinnell when her
daughter came to Grinnell College. She explains, “We seriously started
considering life in Grinnell after visiting here and moving our daughter here.
This community has so much to offer. When I learned of the open position on the
GRMC website, I felt it was a great match.”
When not working she spends time with
her family, which includes her husband, Carlos, and their two
daughters. She enjoys being part of their activities and supporting their
interests. She also enjoys gardening, baking, and traveling.
For more information
about Grinnell Regional Mental Health Clinic, call 641-236-2347.
