Tina Marie Lowry
Criminology & Law Studies, May 2001
Utilization Review Coordinator
Camelot, Des Plaines, IL
Contact Tina at
tlowry@camelotforkids.org
Since your graduation from MU, what has been your career path?
Immediately following my graduations I began my first year of my Masters in Public Service: Administration of Justice. In May 2002, I left Marquette to return to IL and began working for a social service organization with youths with social emotional disorders (Camelot). I continued to work in social services as direct care staff at Lambs Farm and then a QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional) at Little City Foundation; before becoming an Autism Specialist at Camelot in Des Plaines, IL. I have since transitioned to the Utilization Review Coordinator position; however, I still am able to interact and provide several social emotional groups throughout the week for the children on the severe end of the autism spectrum.
Describe your typical workday.
Walk into my building and greet all of the children on the unit (my office happens to currently be in the middle of the severe autism unit). I work with the clinical and program teams to ensure the children are provided the services they need and report those services to the funding sources on a regular basis. I attend treatment team meetings to check on the progress the children are making, monitor charts to ensure staff are documenting services correctly, communicate with nursing and psychiatry as needed to verify medical needs for the children, am part of the administrative team meetings and assist with planning discharges, provide social emotional and communication groups (including sign language, picture exchange communication, play and language for autistic youths and yoga) and then do tons of paperwork!!!
What is the best or most exciting part of your profession?
The children!!! We have so many wonderful children and adolescents in our program with so many strengths and so much potential. Our jobs are to assist them with understanding and reaching their fullest potential. I love being a part of that and seeing the children and adolescents grow and learn about themselves and learn new skills.
What advice would you provide for a job seeker in your field?
Social services in general does not pay a lot of money. If you choose social services for a career choice, you are not working for the money anyways. You are working for the joy of serving others. Your first job offer may not offer that much...
What are essential skills one must possess for success in your field?
Be open minded and patient. You do not know everything and the children or adults you work with will teach you a lot. Pay attention to what they have to teach and understand that it may take them a little bit longer to communicate what they want to teach you.
What can a current Marquette student do to effectively prepare for a career in your field?
Autism is a growing concern. Learn as much as you can about autism and the different therapies available. There are so many professionals from different fields collaborating to combat autism. Learn to work in a team atmosphere and how to effectively communicate therapeutic strategies/goals with others. And be open minded - do not be afraid to try new ethical treatments!
How does one find a summer job or internship in your field, and are there any other opportunities to gain experience before graduation?
Always! Hospitals, CILA's, Group Homes, Families are always looking for college students or recent college grads to implement behavior treatment plans, work on social strategies in group settings, or work as a direct care staff. Psychology, social work, and counseling students must do an internship prior to graduation.
