Her Story
About Bernice
Dr. Bernice Gordon-Young, PhD, LCPC, serves as Mental Health Site Coordinator at the Peoria County Jail in Peoria, Illinois. She brings 28 years of experience in the mental health field, having previously worked extensively at OSF St. Francis before transitioning to the jail in 2018 where she began by teaching classes and moved to full time in 2022. Dr. Gordon-Young earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University in 2022 with a specialization in forensic mental health. Beyond her clinical role, she is an elected member of the Peoria City Council, founder of the It Takes a Village nonprofit organization that provides free school supplies, prom dresses, and a free store for families, and engages in business consulting. She maintains active involvement in organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Illinois Municipal League, the American Counseling Association, the YMCA Board, and the Women's Fund Board. Dr. Gordon-Young attributes her success to the blueprint of hard work and determination laid by her parents combined with her own drive to give 110 percent, and she emphasizes integrity, authenticity, and compassion in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bernice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents who laid a blueprint of hard work and determination, along with my own internal drive to always give it 110%.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Problems or situations you deal with - figure out which one you have, and take action.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take care of yourself, because if you don't, it'll sit across from you, and you will not know how to deal with it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest opportunity is having the chance to change legislation and general orders, which helps the greater good. A key challenge is delays in getting people with severe mental health issues into inpatient treatment due to waiting lists and lack of beds.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is most important. My personal and professional life aligns so I get to be myself, tell the truth, and help others with love and compassion.
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