We sat down with our newest team member, Community Support Specialist Lina Peinado, to learn about her unique background, her passion for client-centered work, and how case management fits into the journey of mental health and healing.
Tell us a bit about your journey to ARCH Counseling Center.
My background actually started in art and design. I worked in graphic design and photo retouching for several years. That creative side of me truly shaped how I approach connection; I’ve always been drawn to understanding the layered stories, emotions, and uniqueness of each person. I believe that art and humanity intersect in the everyday moments where healing begins.
Over time, I realized I wanted to use that empathy in a more hands-on way, which led me into specialized housing and case management work. Now, at ARCH Counseling Center as a Community Support Specialist, I get to combine creativity with compassion and meeting people where they are, helping them navigate complex challenges, and finding hope again.
What does a Community Support Specialist (Case Manager) do?
As a CSS, my primary role is resource navigation. I support folks in identifying, gaining access to, and managing resources. This work is essential because it directly transforms their day-to-day lives and helps reduce stress and daily struggles.
Case management can be very practical. It involves providing information about resources that address immediate needs, assisting in accessing those resources (e.g., filling out applications), and supporting with financial tasks, such as budgeting, figuring out how to pay high utility bills, or securing transportation funds.
We find ways to make life a little easier and less stressful so that clients can focus on their healing.
How do you approach casework?
I use empathy as a driving force. I believe in putting myself in the shoes of my clients.
I know firsthand how transformative having access to resources can be, and I love assisting others in finding their own empowerment. I see casework as going hand-in-hand with therapy. While a therapist helps a client process emotion, trauma, and so on, I assist with organizing life in a way that supports that therapeutic healing journey. It’s about creating a stable physical environment that allows the inner emotional work to succeed.
Why is casework so important in mental health care?
Casework is essential to supporting folks facing mental health struggles because we can’t magically improve our situations overnight without the support of others.
It provides tangible tools, connections, and stability that directly transform a client’s life. Without addressing immediate needs like housing, food, or financial stress, it’s incredibly difficult for mental health treatment to take root. We provide the foundation that allows for true, holistic progress.
What makes this work meaningful to you?
I decided to work as a CSS because it’s a job that transcends a mere paycheck. It’s something I can tell myself is worth it even on my most challenging days. It fulfills my life to guide others to a life well lived. It’s the difference between merely being alive and truly living with intention.
I really love what I do because every day is about connection, growth, and reminding people they’re not alone in their journey.
Can you share a moment when your work helped transform someone’s life?
In a previous role, one of my clients had been unhoused for a while, living in their car after a rather traumatic event. Sometimes, they would sleep on public transportation when they didn’t have money for gas. After they were assigned to me, I helped them find stable housing through a subsidy program.
The stability and inner peace they gained was immense. My client is now in nursing school and says the chance to be in that program and the support we were able to offer saved his life. That is why this work is so vital.
