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Get To Know Us!
Laquita Courman is a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker with a certification in Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She is rostered with the NC Child Treatment Collaborative for TFCBT. Laquita earned her Masters in Social Work at Boston University in 2015.
Laquita brings a wealth of over 20 years of professional experience in the field of social work. She offer knowledge and experience in Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Youth Services (DYS) working with juveniles, Owned and operated Residential level III group homes, Targeted Case Management, Therapeutic level II Services, Intensive Alternative Family Services (IAFT), Intensive in Home (IIH), and Community Based Therapy Services. This range of knowledge and experience will assist her in effectively serving individuals and families.
Laquita is very passionate about serving children, adults, and families and she inspires and motivates change in others. She believes that every individual and family are strong and hold the key to their way of healthy living. Laquita will provide effective guidance through the use of evidence-based models and professionals who have the skills and heart to serve the individuals in her community and surrounding areas. Her agency will offer cultural diversity and advocate for the individuals they serve. No matter the road the individuals and families have chosen, we will inspire and encourage positive growth. We do understand that where ever you are on your journey is a Great Place to Start (GPS).
Meet The Team!
Carly Rios, Office Manager
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work for A Great Place to Start, an
organization with a purpose and a mission to help those in our community. I originally
hail from Wildwood, NJ and moved to North Carolina in 2011. I obtained my Associate's Degree from Craven Community College in 2018 and have worked in many fields ranging from food service to retail and healthcare, gaining valuable experience along the way. I am grateful for the chance to help others and have access to the wonderful locals that we serve every day, as well as the opportunity to be a good example for my daughter. I love the people of Craven County and hope to make this area my home for years to come!
Nicole Richardson, Lead Clinician
My name is Nicole Richardson and I am lead clinician here at GPSBHS. I was
born and raised about in mid-Michigan and moved to Eastern NC once I was stationed at Cherry Point in the Marine Corps. I started my own journey with mental health at around the age of 22. In 2017 I started my professional journey with my undergrad degree in social work at UNCW. I then went on to obtain my master's through The University of Southern California. Before I landed at this wonderful agency, I worked both in child protective services and with foster care children through a fostering agency.
I have always wanted to be the voice that I needed in my formidable childhood
years and be a support to those who have faced adversity in manner forms throughout their lives. I believe that a trauma-informed and focused approach is important for the world that we live in today. So many of those that come to our agency have been affected by some form of complex trauma. This is something that I am passionate about in my personal and professional life. I have formed a philosophy that I am always learning and always training to be my best and do my best as this world is ever evolving. I truly enjoy the therapeutic process and believe in a strong therapeutic bond as being one of the most important factors in your journey.
Lukisha Newton, Qualified Professional
My name is Lukisha newton. I was born and raised in the Bronx,NY. I am a
mother of four children and grandmother of three. I moved to NC where I have attained my Associates in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Clinical Interns
Deatrice Williams, LCASA
