LaBrenda Thomas is the Director of Children and Youth Services at Case Management, Inc. in Memphis, TN. She was born and raised in Little Rock, AR and is a proud graduate of the historic Little Rock Central High School. With over 10 years of experience, LaBrenda has served in the social services and mental health field in various capacities.  She has worked as a direct service worker at Conway Human Development Center and Independent Living Services in Conway, AR where she taught and assisted adults who had intellectual and development disabilities with daily living skills. She also worked as a case manager at Methodist Children’s Home in Little Rock.

 

LaBrenda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and immediately enrolled in graduate school at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock to obtain her Masters in Social Work. Soon after graduation, LaBrenda moved to Marion, AR to work at Counseling Services of Eastern Arkansas as a school-based therapist. Shortly after moving to Marion, LaBrenda became a Girl Scouts Troop Leader; serving young girls in West Memphis.

 

She later on began working at Lakeside Behavioral Health as a Child and Adolescent Therapist and a Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent. After a couple of years, LaBrenda began working at Methodist University Hospital as a Medical Social Worker while continuing to work part-time at Lakeside. LaBrenda later on moved to St. Louis for a few years and while living there, she worked as a School Social Worker at Riverview Gardens School District. In 2016, LaBrenda and her family moved back to Memphis as she continues to do the work she was called to do.

 

She is the founder/owner of Empowerment Counseling Services where she provides psychotherapy to young adults. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in the states of Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee. She holds a certificate in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

 

She is a certified trainer for the assessment tools Children and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) and Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA). This summer, she will become a certified trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid. In addition, she is a field instructor for BSW and MSW interns. There are more plans in the future for LaBrenda to provide additional trainings to various organizations across the state.

 

LaBrenda has a strong passion for children and young adults.

When she learned about REFORM Inc., LaBrenda couldn’t resist the opportunity to assist with the planning and implementation of something great. LaBrenda is excited about pouring into the lives of the youth and young adults REFORM will serve.