DeAnna Hight LCSW

From a young age, I wanted to become a counselor. However, upon entering college, I opted to major in early childhood education. Regrettably, while employed at a daycare facility, I became suspicious that one of the children was experiencing abuse at home. As a mandated reporter, I adhered to the established protocols, but I never had the opportunity to interact with the child again. Subsequently, I discovered that the family had fled to evade detection. At this point, I was passionate about finding a way to work with families and advocate for children at risk.

• Virginia, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 0904006112

During my early college years, I gained valuable experience through volunteer opportunities, field practicums, and paid positions. My primary focus was helping young children with autism, children with developmental delays, and children with a history of abuse or neglect. After college, I continued my work with children in need and at risk, expanding my focus to include infants, families, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries. A few years later, my primary focus shifted to at-risk youth, family conflict, and individuals with significant trauma histories. During my graduate school, I gained additional social work experience with all grade levels in public schools serving diverse populations, as well as child protective services and residential treatment facilities. After completing graduate school, I continued my specialized experience with traumatized children and adolescents and expanded my practice as a generalist to gain further knowledge and experience. Over the years, I have worked with individuals ranging from birth to end-of-life, with diagnoses ranging from adjustment disorders to severe mental illness. I have provided care at various levels, from community support to inpatient hospitalization. I have held numerous roles, ranging from service coordination/case management to clinical assessment/treatment. I held multiple licenses to practice clinical social work in five states and I served as a clinical social work consultant at an international school while living in Africa. Following a life-altering transformation a few years ago, I have implemented numerous adjustments that enable me, as a therapist with multiple sclerosis, to effectively manage my health while simultaneously pursuing my career. Having overcome personal challenges, I have developed a keen interest in providing support to individuals who live with chronic medical conditions.