Aleshia

Senior Community Resources Guide
Nashville, TN

Aleshia joined the Nashville team as a Community Resources Guide in October of 2022. Prior to joining firsthand, Aleshia worked for the Department of Children’s Services in Tennessee for nine years as a caseworker. In the role, Aleshia investigated child abuse and helped her clients find resources and support in order to keep their families together. Aleshia also spent time working at a homeless shelter where she connected clients with resources such as food stamps, healthcare, housing, and other benefits, and connected clients with facilities and outpatient programs to help them overcome drug addiction. 

Both of Aleshia’s parents were in the military while she was growing up, which resulted in frequent moving and separation from family and friends. This was a major source of anxiety and depression for her. When Aleshia became a mother, the experience added another layer of adjustment and stress to her life. Throughout her journey, Aleshia sought support through therapy and counseling, which has been a helpful tool in managing her mental health. Aleshia experienced some roadblocks, such as finding the right therapist that resonated with her, and she struggled to find therapy throughout changes and loss of insurance coverage. 

Aleshia believes that the key to living a fulfilling life is to keep pushing and keep going, even when things get tough, and to find something that you are passionate about. She encourages individuals living with serious mental illness to find and do something that they enjoy and that is worth living for.

Aleshia feels like social work has always been her calling. She believes that no matter how small, making a positive impact on somebody's life can go a long way. Aleshia is proud of her time at firsthand, where she feels like she is working with a second family. She is grateful for the positive working environment and is excited to continue growing and making a mark with the company and the individuals they serve.

Outside of work, Aleshia is passionate about her family and her faith. She also loves to explore her creative side, most recently making diaper cakes for expecting mothers. Aleshia is thankful for her life and love for her family, and her ability to be a positive example for her daughter, who inspires her to be the best person she can be.