Guillermina Ceballos’s path into the mental health profession is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-seated desire to help others. With nearly three decades of experience, Guillermina’s story is one of evolution, marked by her commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in diverse and challenging environments.
Humble Beginnings: Laying the Foundation
Guillermina’s career began in the Bronx with Neighborhood Youth and Family Services, where she started as a family worker. She assisted social workers with home visits for families involved in substance abuse and domestic violence cases, often mandated by the court. At the same time, she was attending Lehman College to pursue her Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW). The combination of hands-on experience and academic studies ignited a passion for social work that would guide her for the rest of her career.
As Guillermina progressed in her career, she was promoted to case planner, and later after completing her Master’s in Social Work became the Unit Supervisor of the Family Enrichment Intensive Preventive Program, supervising a team of five case planners and two Family Workers. The goal was “Keeping Families Together” by providing supportive services and advocacy to women impacted by substance abuse, thus ensuring they complied with ACS requirements to maintain custody of their children. Her role was demanding, requiring constant communication with families, social workers, and service providers. The position was both challenging and rewarding, as it allowed her to make a tangible difference in the lives of families in crisis.
Expanding Horizons: From Family Services to Hospital Social Work
Guillermina’s career took another leap when she transitioned to hospital social work. She worked across several critical units, including NICU, postpartum, labor and delivery, and psychiatric emergency rooms. Her ability to work across diverse settings helped her broaden her skill set, providing her with the unique opportunity to witness the challenges faced by individuals in acute healthcare settings.
One of her most impactful roles was within the pediatric unit, where she worked closely with families, especially those dealing with adolescent pregnancies and medical issues such as peritoneal dialysis. Her work with families in these units was not only about managing discharge plans but also offering counseling to families and individuals coping with long-term health challenges.
A Leap into Education: The Intersection of Service and Impact
Guillermina’s transition into the education sector came unexpectedly but was a perfect match for her skills and life goals. While attending a local community meeting, a conversation with a neighbor led her to a job fair where she was hired on the spot as a school social worker. This shift allowed Guillermina to balance her passion for social work with a family-friendly schedule, aligning perfectly with her desire to be present for her daughter as she grew.
For the past 24 years, Guillermina has served in various capacities within the Department of Education, overseeing Student Support Services and providing clinical services for students with a range of needs, from children involved with ACS to those requiring medical accommodations. Her work in education has allowed her to create lasting impacts on the lives of students facing significant challenges, including those in temporary housing, migrants, and students with medically fragile conditions.
Building Strong Foundations Through Early Intervention
In addition to her school-based work, Guillermina’s extensive experience also includes 12 years in early intervention services, where she worked with children with developmental delays and medical fragility. Her work in this field highlighted her ability to navigate the complexities of developmental and medical challenges, advocating for children who required specialized care and attention.
Sharing the Knowledge – Contribution to Field Education
As a License Clinical Social Worker, Guillermina has served as field work instructor to over 80 Bachelor’s and Master’s Level Social Work students from Columbia University, Hunter College, Fordham University, Mercy University, and Hunter College. This has been a very fulfilling experience for Guillermina to guide students in applying theoretical knowledge and skills to working with people in real-life applications
Personal Roots of Service
Guillermina’s drive to help others is deeply rooted in her personal history. Having immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 22, she initially struggled with language barriers. However, her innate drive to connect with others led her to pursue English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Hostos College, where she discovered her passion for human services and social work. Guided by a professor who saw potential in her, Guillermina began her path in social work, ultimately earning her BSW and Master’s degrees and finding her calling in service to others.
Her mother’s philosophy, that one should always lend a helping hand to others, has been a guiding principle in Guillermina’s life and career. Her home was a transient hub, always open to others, and this environment shaped her view of the world as one where helping others is not just a job but a life mission.
A Lifelong Commitment to Serving Others
Guillermina’s career has been characterized by a deep commitment to serving those in need, adapting to the changing demands of her field while maintaining her focus on the people she serves. Her journey reflects not only her personal growth but also the growth of her capacity to lead, guide, and support others.
Her diverse experience—spanning from family services to hospital social work, early intervention, and education—has shaped her into a compassionate and versatile social worker. As she looks back on her career, Guillermina reflects on the profound impact her work has had on the communities she has served, and she remains steadfast in her belief that serving others is a lifelong endeavor.
On the SWEET Institute
Guillermina Ceballos speaks highly of the SWEET Institute, highlighting its commitment to fostering meaningful change and supporting mental health professionals in their journey of growth. She emphasizes the Institute’s ability to provide a space for both personal and professional development, where clinicians can learn to integrate innovative approaches into their practice. Guillermina notes that the SWEET Institute’s emphasis on holistic healing, collaboration, and empowerment resonates deeply with her values, particularly its focus on creating a positive impact within diverse communities. She appreciates the Institute’s dedication to cultivating a culture of learning, healing, and shared purpose, which aligns with her passion for supporting individuals on their paths to transformation.
Guillermina Ceballos’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and dedication. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we give of ourselves to others, we not only transform their lives but our own as well. Her journey is a beacon of hope, illustrating how one can navigate through life’s challenges with purpose and grace, all while making a lasting impact in the world of social work and beyond.
Guillermina is an LCSW with over 30 years of clinical experience working in diverse communities. She immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic when she was 22 years-old. She married her husband in 1994 and they had their child in 1996, the same year Guillermina completed her MSW program at Fordham University.
Guillermina enjoys reading, gardening, taking on DYI projects, and taking long walks in nature. She has been blessed with a supportive husband, a school counselor, and a daughter, a school psychologist.