News Release: for immediate release 6/16/11

Verde Valley Guidance Clinic CEO Robert Cartia today announced that the Clinic’s Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Felicia Leake has been conferred the designation of Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner by The U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) and the Certification Commission for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. “By prioritizing her professional growth, Felicia has demonstrated her commitment to provide excellent vocational rehabilitation services.  We are fortunate to have Felicia in this very important role”, said Cartia.

According to a news release from USPRA, the certification, more than any other credential or degree, signifies a deep commitment to the principles of person-centered recovery that form the core of the psychiatric rehabilitation ethos. It also reflects a compassion for the persons under their care and a commitment to their dignity and maximum recovery.

In explaining what the certification means to her, Ms. Leake stated, “I am very proud and feel a great sense of accomplishment obtaining the CPRP certification. It took a lot of time and hard work to complete, but I feel that is shows my continued dedication to working in the behavioral health field.”

Asked how the certification will benefit her clients, she said, “Obtaining the CPRP certification demonstrates that a practitioner has a commitment to the fundamental principle that recovery from serious mental illness is possible. I will use these principles to enhance my skills as a VR Specialist to better assist my clients.”

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at the Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, Ms. Leake helps persons working to recover from serious mental illness to ascertain their vocational strengths and aptitudes, and to help them find training and employment opportunities.

The Clinic provides vocational rehabilitation services under contracts with the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Authority.