Her Story
About Veronica
Dr. Veronica Brooks, DSW, LCSW serves as a Mental Health Program Manager at the Lt. Colonel Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, where she provides leadership and administrative oversight for mental health programs within the VA healthcare system. With more than 20 years of experience in social work and behavioral health, Dr. Brooks has dedicated her career to improving access to care, enhancing service delivery, and supporting the well-being of veterans and vulnerable populations. Her professional experience spans community, hospital, outpatient, residential, higher education, and private practice settings, where she has demonstrated expertise in clinical leadership, program development, staff training, and multidisciplinary team management.
Dr. Brooks earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University, Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Memphis, completed in 2024. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been accepted into a Doctorate of Healthcare Administration program. In addition to her role within the VA system, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Memphis and is the Owner and Consultant/Clinical Supervisor of Emerging Social Work Leaders, LLC. Her research and professional interests focus on social work licensure, clinical supervision, disparities in licensure examination outcomes, professional development, mentorship, and advancing social work education through research-informed teaching and curriculum development.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Brooks is passionate about making a lasting impact through service, education, and advocacy. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and she established the Clifton D. Willis Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of her brother to support educational opportunities for future generations. She attributes her success to the support and motivation of her family, as well as her own drive, ambition, and commitment to continuous growth. Guided by values of integrity, honesty, and accountability, Dr. Brooks believes in honoring commitments and building trust, especially when serving individuals and communities in need. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and traveling, embracing opportunities to experience new places, cultures, and perspectives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Veronica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support and encouragement of my family, who inspire me and continually remind me of the purpose behind my work. I am also driven by my own internal motivation, ambition, and commitment to personal growth. I strive to reach my fullest potential by continuously challenging myself, embracing opportunities for development, and remaining dedicated to achieving excellence in everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that true growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone. Embracing new challenges, taking calculated risks, and being open to unfamiliar experiences have allowed me to expand my skills, build confidence, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to never lose sight of their dreams and aspirations. Believe in your abilities, remain committed to your goals, and have the confidence to pursue opportunities that challenge and inspire you. When you believe in yourself and stay focused on your vision, you can overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and reach your fullest potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is the shortage of licensed mental health providers. Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking mental health support, creating a greater demand for services than the current workforce can meet. This challenge also presents an opportunity to expand access to care, invest in workforce development, and continue advocating for resources that support both providers and the communities they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and accountability. I believe in being a person of my word and following through on my commitments, as trust is built through consistent actions and reliability. These values are especially important in my work with vulnerable populations, where compassion, respect, and the ability to build meaningful relationships are essential to making a positive impact.
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