Carlene Larmond

I was born in Jamaica, West Indies and migrated with my family to the United States in 1983. I was raised in a Christian home by parents who were ministers and became born again when I was 11 years old. My goal at the time was to attend college and become a Social Worker.

Upon migrating to the United States, I attended Fordham University and obtained by Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. In my last year of study, I volunteered at Astor Child Guidance Center as a Case Aide and loved it. After I graduated, I was hired there full time as a Caseworker. My responsibilities were individual and family counseling, legal and educational advocacy, among others. I worked closely with families with children to advocate for the welfare of the children.

In 1989, I returned to school to study for a Master of Arts Degree in Social Work. During this two-year period, I obtained employment at Louise Wise Services in their Prevention Program. This relationship lasted over six years. At Louise Wise my scope was broadened to include supervising an intern, working in the Intake/Homefinding Department, Maternity Residence, and Adoption. I also completed college and obtained my Masters Degree. In addition, I obtained my Social Work license.

I recall how exciting my job was how tremendously I grew working at Louise Wise. However, I felt I wanted to work in a ministry where I could provide clinical skills as well as my spiritual guidance to help the clients. God answered my prayer and opened the door for me to meet Dr. Marion Spellman, Founding President of Peniel.

I met Dr. Spellman when she was the keynote speaker for a Women’s Conference in October 1996 sponsored by New York State Ladies Ministries. She me to visit with them at Peniel and I came the following month. The staff were warm and welcomed me. I knew I was in the right place when I observed the professionalism of the staff and their use of Bible Therapy as a means of treating the addicted client. The staff and the Spellmans were so warm and friendly. I knew I wanted to become a part of this team.

I came to work at Peniel February 2003. It was as exciting then as it is now. I am a Social Worker, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and an Administrator. I am a part of the teaching staff and I also sit on the Case Consultation Board. Since being at Peniel, I have become a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. I have also retained by New York State license. Peniel provides seminars for the workers to keep us updated and educated about drug and alcohol treatment as well as mental issues plaguing addicts. These seminars are invaluable to me.

At Peniel I have become a member of the team which I enjoy tremendously. It is a joy to see the changes that result in residents who have made the decision that the drug and alcohol lifestyle no longer satisfies them. I have worked with fathers and mothers who have been reunited with their children, husbands and wives who are reconciled to their spouses and children, children who have resolved parental issues, and the list goes on and on.

I consider it a privilege to be a part of the staff and under the leadership of Dr. Marion Spellman at Peniel.

Click here to read an article by Carlene entitled, "Peniel - Women in Treatment: The Story of Amelia's Mom"