Mae Howard

Volunteers / Mae Howard

Being part of the solution and making a commitment to one youth can have a valuable impact for an entire community.

San Diego CountyLCSW, RPT2021

Hi there, A Home Within Community! I’m Candice Simonds. As the CA Clinical Director for the A Home Within CASA Therapy Project, I lead our collaboration to expand telehealth to youth across the state. I endeavor to support our community of CA volunteers and respond to the unique needs of each chapter. This fall, I had the privilege of having lunch with AHW Volunteer Therapist and Clinical Director of our San Diego Chapter, Mae Howard, LCSW, RPT. I was eager to learn “what” and “who” called her to serve and volunteer to be a leader in her community. I was immediately impacted by her warm smile and felt her passion for improving mental health disparities for transition-age youth in the County of San Diego. I hope you’ll enjoy reading the Q&A below and learning more about Mae’s incredible work.

Candice

Tell me a little bit about yourself—whatever you’d like to share.

Mae

Well, I’m a mother of two awesome sons. I’m a career changer. I started off wanting to have a career in International Business but due to personal dynamics shifted to social work after my undergrad.

Candice

How did you first get involved with A Home Within, and why were you drawn to it?

Mae

While working at Children’s Hospital, I observed gaps in care, youth feeling frustrated with having to retell their foster/trauma stories, or having gaps in care due to funding issues. And on a personal note, in late 2016 I started looking into adopting and found a flyer at Children’s Hospital from AHW. This flyer addressed a need for me to get more information and created an opportunity for me to provide mental health services by counseling a youth aging out of foster care with multiple episodes in treatment.

Candice

How would you describe the impact A Home Within has on individuals, families, and/or communities?

Mae

We fill in the gaps and provide continuity of care for youth involved in foster care.

Candice

What would you say are A Home Within’s most significant accomplishments during your time with the organization?

Mae

I’m loving the support they give to all their chapters and bringing a professional community together to address social problems.

Candice

What would you say to someone who was considering volunteering with (and/or donating to) AHW?

Mae

100% Do it! Being part of the solution and making a commitment to one youth can have a valuable impact for an entire community.

Candice

What do you think people not yet familiar with A Home Within would find most surprising about the work the organization does?

Mae

The amount of research happening is awesome and we are nationwide!

Candice

Where do you see AHW headed in the next five to ten years? What would you like to see happen?

Mae

I would love to see chapters expand to more states especially in states with higher numbers of youth involved in the foster care system.

Candice

What’s the most special part of AHW for you?

Mae

The mere fact it exists is special and it feels amazing to be available to families.

Candice

What impact has your work with AHW had on your life?

Mae

It has touched my heart in a way that no other program has—I have never experienced this depth of connection to my community by serving one person.

At a Glance

A Home Within’s community includes nearly 500 therapists in 20 chapters across 10 states.

Dozens of free consultation groups and continuing education events are offered each year.

This year, over 150 therapists nationwide became volunteers, leading to a 25% increase in our network!