We know you’re excited for another look behind the scenes with the team at Ascend, so we’ve served up something special this month. Instead of administrative, clinical, or operations staff, we’ll be exploring one of the team members in charge of experiential therapy, Spencer!
Spencer is in charge of yoga at Ascend, an experiential therapy that has been clinically proven to address some of the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of every individual. Let’s take a look at what Spencer does on a day-to-day basis!
What He Does
Currently, Spencer facilitates the yoga groups at many of our facilities. He approaches this therapeutic exercise from an intentional movement perspective instead of subscribing to or teaching about a particular belief system.
At Ascend, he tries to show our clients the value of intentional movement and breathing, helping them learn how to focus their minds and exist in the moment on purpose. He also brings a trauma-informed approach to his yoga sessions, as he strives to provide an open, welcoming, and safe environment for clients while emphasizing that they have ownership of their bodies.
How He Got His Start
Spencer found yoga through his own journey of healing. Since he’s always been interested in Eastern philosophies, it just made sense that he gravitated toward Taoism, Buddhism, and yoga. While he grew up playing hockey, Spencer discovered that yoga was a new, unique way to challenge himself physically while incorporating mindfulness and overall well-being into a consistent practice.
At first, Spencer simply practiced yoga privately, working in the pharmaceutical industry before joining Ascend as a mentor. But eventually, he chose to become certified, expanding his experience and encouraging him to explore teaching. Once he achieved his yoga certification, we wanted to expand his responsibilities and really let his expertise shine, so we offered him the yoga instructor position.
A Day In Spencer’s Life
Spencer’s days are pretty variable as part of our team, but most days, he finds himself facilitating the morning groups, running between the houses. He’ll usually end his day at one of the Encino residential treatment facilities, however, spending some time on the floor helping out our current mentors. Since he started out as a mentor at Ascend, he has tons of experience that can help out our newer team members.
When on his breaks, you might find Spencer in the kitchen, passing the time with either Chris or Christian, our Magnolia House chefs. Spencer provides the banter, and the chefs provide the food — the perfect way to recharge and refocus in the middle of the day.
Why Spencer Loves Ascend
To Spencer, Ascend is a caring, healing place that shows up for clients. He loves working with our team because he believes the people make the company. He says that working in mental health attracts kind, compassionate people that he enjoys learning from and growing with. In fact, Spencer frequently talks about the lead mentors who trained him. These leaders showed him that part of caring for our clients means taking care of our staff as well.
As a company, Spencer feels that Ascend prioritizes taking care of all people, both clients and staff. He never feels that he can’t ask for help navigating different roles and responsibilities with us, and his supervisors, Emely and Melissa, are always there to help.
Why Ascend Loves Spencer
What we love about Spencer is his willingness to learn, grow, and evolve with our organization. When he first came to us, he prioritized improving his communication skillset to connect with coworkers and clients alike. We watched as he learned how to build trust with clients through empathy and patience, meeting them where they’re at to support them on their journey to better mental health.
Spencer is incredibly mindful and tactful, which helps him build a more respectful rapport with our clients. His mindfulness and connection with the clients also allows him to modify sessions based on the different needs of the milieu, making it far more likely that the entire group participates and enjoys his sessions.
Next Month On “A Day In The Life”
Working with a milieu of teens who are all struggling with some sort of acute mental health concern can be challenging, but Spencer and the Ascend team are there to provide love and balance among the chaos of growing up.
Our Day in the Life series will continue next month with a fresh perspective on one of our team members!
