Personal Counseling - Meet the Counselors

My name is Deb Hibbard and I am a licensed and certified clinical social worker and credentialed Distance Counselor.  It has been an interesting journey deciding this is what I want to do – as I grow up.  I have driven a school bus, owned a rare book business, and taught industrial arts to youth in a residential treatment center and many other things. I thought I wanted to be an opera singer, a writer and a computer programmer and drove everyone close to me crazy with my mind changing.  We all survived and I finally figured it out and love my work.  I see myself as a mentor, coach, teacher, and map reader once my client figures out where they want to go.  I feel very fortunate to work with the students at BCC.

My name is Mary Whittaker and I’m not nearly as interesting as Deb.  I always wanted to work in human services and have been around the service block in some very different walks.  I’ve worked in social services, substance abuse treatment, aging services, infant/toddler day care, and adolescent substance abuse and pregnancy prevention.  I even did some time as a jail counselor.  I have served here at BCC, both as an adjunct instructor and most recently as counselor.  I have always felt that we are in this life together and have an obligation to help each other reach our maximum potential.  I feel very fortunate that I have been able to teach some of the things I’ve learned, and grateful to those who have taught me by sharing pieces of their lives with me.  I am always grateful for opportunities to grow and learn together and BCC  provides a great environment for that, and am fortunate to be part of the team.