Judy Walsh has been a partner with St. Vincent’s through our Family Service Association affiliation for nine years, although she has worked as a therapist at St. Vincent’s through other agency affiliations since 1994. In that time, Judy has provided clinical assessment and treatment services for scores of children and families at St. Vincent’s. Judy is tireless in her efforts to develop trusting, nurturing relationships with each child in her care. She knows them as individuals, and is a strenuous advocate for each child within the broader system of care.
Judy has an uncanny ability to connect with people and an equally uncanny capacity to support growth and development through the therapeutic process, leading to change and enhanced self-esteem for each child in her care. The demonstrable change is an amazing testament to the resilience of the child combined with the power of a relationship founded in unconditional caring and trust.
It is wonderful to observe the personality and self-confidence of each child in her care blossom and grow ever stronger as she acknowledges and supports their acceptance of self. Judy is highly skilled and experienced in working with trauma survivors. She generously shared this expertise with the larger community through volunteering to counsel survivors of the Station Nightclub Fire. And she uses this expertise on a daily basis in her work at St. Vincent’s.
Most recently, as we all struggled with the terminal illness and ultimate passing of one of our residents, Judy supported many of us in maintaining our focus on (the resident’s) best interest and well-being. For Judy, the focus was consistently quality of life. Over many months, Judy supported (him) in coping with and making peace with his illness and, ultimately, his death. Through casual chats in the hallway and more formal meetings, Judy’s resolute calm helped many of us make peace with his death, just as she had helped (him) to do.
There have been countless examples of Judy’s expertise, wisdom, and insight benefiting not only the particular children and families she serves, but also supporting the combined St. Vincent’s and Family Service Association staff team. Staff, including the Leadership Team, count on Judy’s skills and supportive presence during times of crisis. Judy’s clinical skills, compassion, and ability to maintain professional boundaries have been invaluable as St. Vincent’s learned how to help our children and staff cope with several major crises, including the loss of (this resident), and two other children in the past few years.
Each time, Judy collaborated with St. Vincent’s staff in a seamless and respectful manner, reflecting a keen understanding of both the challenges and potential for positive impact within a residential treatment environment. In addition to her knowledge and skill, Judy brings an amazing ability to convey non-judgmental care and acceptance to both clients and co-workers. Her presence is unique and special; she conveys a quiet spirituality in her way of being with others and is able to create a therapeutic moment out of the most simple of interactions. Judy is also able to laugh at herself and with others during the most challenging times. Her ability to keep a balanced perspective is something which many of her co-workers have enjoyed and learned from.
For 12 years, Judy has been a true partner and role model for the staff at St. Vincent’s. Not only has she helped countless children and families through her high skill level and therapeutic presence, she has also been a powerful role model and teacher for other St. Vincent’s and Family Service staff. It is our pleasure to recognize Judy Walsh for her unique contribution to the work of St. Vincent’s Home. The colors she brings to us are calming and peaceful and contribute to the healing environment which so many people create together at St. Vincent’s.
