Faces of Hope: Carmella Aldridge, MA Client Care Coordinator

July 23, 2019

HopeWay's dedication to our clients' success extends to even after they have discharged from programming. Carmella Aldridge is one of HopeWay's Client Care Coordinators who helps clients transition back to work, school, family and outpatient treatment.

She works with each client, as well as their treatment team, to ascertain if there are any specific resources that will be required for future care. This allows Carmella to connect clients with providers who will best fit their individual needs and effectively continue the work started at HopeWay.  She then follows up with clients periodically to check in on how they are doing post-treatment and to offer additional resources, if needed.

Carmella relocated to Charlotte from Buffalo, NY with her son 13 years ago to escape the bitter winters up north. Prior to HopeWay, she worked at Atrium Health as a Behavioral Health Technician and at Davidson as a counselor on the dual diagnosis unit. She has a Masters degree in Psychology and has experience working with developmentally disabled adults and children. Enjoy getting to know Carmella better through the fun questions below.

Q: What has been your proudest achievement in your line of work?

A: My proudest moments include watching client transformations at HopeWay. One client in particular comes to mind. Upon entering treatment, she had lost everything and literally arrived with nothing tangible. She had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I was working with her to provide a list of things she could do to move toward healing. I worked with this client daily to help her narrow down that list. Today this client is working, living in her own apartment and seeing her children weekly. It brings me such joy to know I played a role in equipping her with what she needed to move forward in her life.

Q: What is the next thing you want to cross off your bucket list?

A: I would really like to obtain my licensure as a marriage family therapist from Pfeiffer University. Doing so would allow me to seal my experience and education.

Q: Who do you most look up to and why?

A: I look up to my mother, who instilled in me the belief that education is something that can never be taken away. She was also very intentional about teaching me how to be independent and stay focused on my goals.

Q: If you were stranded on an island, what 3 things would you bring with you?

A:  First, I would bring a pen and paper so I could write. I'd also have a large net, which would come in handy for catching fish and other types of food. And I would also like to have my bible with me.

Q: Why did you decide to work at HopeWay?

A: My role at HopeWay allows me to assist individuals who are dealing with mental illness and ensure they have what they need outside these walls. This position allows me to watch the caterpillar become the butterfly.