March is National Social Work Month: Sophia Whaley

Meet Sophia Whaley. Sophia chose social work because she always wanted to be able to affect change and make a difference in individuals’ lives. She enjoys being a champion for others.
Sophia received her Bachelor’s of Social Work from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Master of Social Work from the Florida State University and received an MBA in Healthcare Management from St. Leo University. Her first job as a social worker was with Archbold Northside Center for Behavioral Health and Psychiatric Care where she worked there as a therapist until she began her career in child welfare with the Department of Children and Families. She has been in the industry for over 24 years.

Sophia is the Network Supervisor for C2 and Madison and Taylor Counties. Her role with NWF allows her to be build relationships and be a part of a system of care that ensures collaboration and access to care to a myriad of service for individuals in need of services that includes but not limited to substance abuse, acute care, residential treatment, housing, outpatient and recovery support. She builds relationships with our community partners. “My favorite part of my job is being a part of a wonderful team of professional that shares the same goal which is to ensure that the individuals being served in the community needs are being met.”   

When it comes to work/life balance, Sophia tries to live by these 3 Life Rules: 

1) If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.

2) If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. 

3) If you don’t step forward you will always be in the same place. (unknown).

She said “As a social worker you will have to manage many responsibilities. How you handle stress and manage your time is important. Plan your day, establish a goal for yourself, and prioritize.  Practice Self-Care. Schedule time for yourself. Sophia is inspired by her mom, Erlene Craft. “She always reminds us that you can be and do whatever you want to in life. Always strive for the best!”

Thank you for your time and dedication to provide excellent service to the people in our community.