April Crandall
What is your Job Title / Role at RHS?
Contracted - Grant Director, Project Management – Program/Policy Development
How did you come into the Mental Health Field?
I took some psychology and sociology class in my undergraduate, realized how much I enjoyed the fields of study and decided to major in social work. My internship was at Wasatch House in Provo, Utah, a Fountain House (clubhouse model) originating from New York City for individuals with mental illness. I especially loved the direct work I did with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia or other psychosis related disorders. My dream is to eventually begin a Fountain House model clubhouse in Idaho Falls. I graduated in Social work from BYU Provo and subsequently licensed as an LSW.
Who inspired you to pursue this career choice?
I had a few professors that outlined the different helping professions related to psychology and social work. Social work seemed like a pathway choice to be able to influence and assist many individuals and had many accessible employment opportunities
How important is it for you to work with our Southeast Idaho Community?
Our community has many hidden issues related to mental illness and addiction. Many in our community don’t realize the extent of how these issues affect so many and contributes to our community struggling as a whole. My focus in my work is to assist and support individuals who are providing direct care to those with mental illness and addiction. The assistance and support includes accessing and managing funding, business systems, and developing programs and policies that will allow individuals to effectively provide assistance to many. Recovery is possible for anyone with struggling with mental health or addiction issues
What is something someone might not know about you?
My background of direct care – to include: direct care with developmentally disabled adult in group home setting care plans, goals. Assisted in developing and opening two memory care (dementia care) units. Director and direct care social services in developmental disabled groups home and elderly care centers. PSR (CBRS) groups and individual work for the first 5 years RHS was open. RHS Case management functional assessments (what CDAs are now, but I acquired a diagnosis from their doc).
What are some of your interests / hobbies?
Traveling, playing games/spending time with family and friends, reading, yard work. I love premier league soccer – Liverpool is my team. I love the Eagles and Kansas City chiefs. I enjoy attending professional sports matches or games. I love my contract work for RHS and partners, helping to make a difference, working in incredible, inspiring, and hardworking teams.
What is the best advice you would give to someone just coming into this field?
You are not there to fix the problems of those you serve. You are there to influence, advocate, teach, support, listen, refer, link etc. Self-determination and choice is the most powerful component in recovery. Your work is not complete until the paperwork is done. Documentation is what keeps funding available to serve individuals in need, it keeps us accountable and on track in our work as helping professionals, and keeps us safe.
