TLC Connections

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Alyssa Brouse, LCSW, shares her inspiring journey into the world of social work. As a first-generation college student, Alyssa overcame a challenging childhood and began her career working in a hospital kitchen. She reflects on the pivotal role a high school teacher played in sparking her confidence, setting off a ripple effect that led her to discover her passion for psychology and social work.

Alyssa opens up about the realities of being a social worker—the challenges, the rewards, and the misconceptions surrounding the field. She shares how her self-diagnosed ADHD has shaped her career choices, offering a candid perspective on navigating personal and professional growth.

The conversation explores essential topics such as self-care, managing vicarious trauma, and the ongoing need for fair compensation in social work. Alyssa also highlights the diverse opportunities within the profession and the transformative power of building meaningful connections with clients.

Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and the profound impact one person’s belief can have on another’s path.

Full video episodes are available on YouTube

GUEST BIO:

Alyssa Brouse, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional passionate about guiding individuals through life’s challenges. As Vice President of School-Based Services at TLC, Alyssa leads a team of mental health professionals providing critical support to school districts and their students.

With extensive experience spanning schools, hospitals, outpatient settings, and other clinical environments, Alyssa is uniquely equipped to support clients at various stages of life and care. Drawing from a diverse therapeutic toolkit that includes DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, and more, she tailors each experience to meet her clients’ unique needs.

Known for her compassionate and collaborative approach, Alyssa is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve healing and resilience while empowering her team to deliver impactful mental health support.

Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn

HOST BIO:

GT Freeman, PhD, is the President and CEO of The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, an entrepreneurial social enterprise providing education, coaching, and counseling. His diverse background in education includes roles as an adjunct professor, senior evaluator for U.S. Department of Education grants, program director of executive education at a university, and headmaster of a private K-12 school. GT holds degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, and Organizational Leadership.

Connect with GT on LinkedIn

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

Show Notes

SUMMARY: In this premier episode, co-hosts Dr. GT Freeman and Julie Knudsen discuss the mission of TLC Connections and share personal stories that shaped and inspired them to pursue careers in mental health and education.

Full video episodes are available on YouTube

GT FREEMAN BIO:

GT Freeman, PhD is the current President & CEO of The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. GT has more than 20 years of experience in Fortune 100 corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits as a consultant and leader. Prior to joining TLC, GT served as the Program Director of Executive Education at North Carolina State University and Lead Evaluator for two US Department of Education grants. He also served as the Headmaster of a private K-12 school in Charlotte, NC.

Earlier in his career, he held various senior leadership positions in corporate finance, banking, and insurance. GT has also served as an Adjunct Faculty member at numerous universities.

GT earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. GT is also a Certified Professional Facilitator, Lean-Six Sigma Black Belt, Board Certified Coach (BCC), and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Connect with GT on LinkedIn

JULIE KNUDSEN BIO:

Julie Knudsen, LCSW, is an experienced clinical and development professional dedicated to enhancing mental health and family well-being. Currently, she serves as the Director of Development at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. As a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in therapeutic services and nonprofit leadership, Julie's work has consistently focused on empowering individuals and families across a variety of behavioral health settings.

Previously, Julie worked as the Program Director at a prominent family services organization, where she led initiatives aimed at improving community access to mental health care. Continually building on her extensive background in social work and community service, Julie has served as a volunteer and Team Leader with Global Volunteers since 2006

Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Bryn Mawr College.

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

TLC Connections is where educators, counselors, and community leaders come together to inspire change. In each episode, we share real stories, actionable insights, and practical tools to empower you in making a lasting impact on the youth, families, and communities you serve—one connection at a time. Subscribe now and join this thriving community of changemakers.