Bio
Dr. Patricia Cruz, DSW, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dr. Cruz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker [Licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina]. She received a Doctor of Social Work Degree from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana. She has a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of South Carolina; and a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Northwestern State University, Louisiana. Dr. Cruz is retired; a Veteran of the United States Army. She has served a tour of duty with the Army in support of the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan. She previously worked as a counselor/therapist with Veterans Administration (VA). Dr. Cruz also has nursing background and has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for nearly 15 years before entering the field of social work. Currently she is a full-time college professor of social work. Dr. Cruz emphasizes the collaborative goals for counseling, therapy and provision of ongoing assessment of the therapeutic approach. Services can include individual, couples, family and group therapy across the lifespan. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy – Insomnia, Trauma Counseling, Solution Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention and the Grief Recovery Method. Additionally, Dr. Cruz has experience as an Expert Witness in Social Work practice.
“I use a strengths-based perspective to engage with clients. I have an eclectic background and broad base of knowledge to draw from. I have lived and served all over the world as a military member and servant. Client-centered, culturally competent, and diverse care are my priority. Thank you for trusting me; and allowing me to support you during a very important time in your life.”
Kimberly Horton, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kimberly Horton is a Licensed Clinical Social who has 15 plus years of clinical and case management experience working with children, adolescents, millennials and adults in the community and residential setting. Kimberly has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi and Masters of Social Work from Western Michigan University.
Kimberly is a board-certified supervisor for those seeking supervision for their LCSW license. She has completed training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Kimberly is certified in SAFE Home Study Interviewing and Supervision, Active Parenting Now Instructor and Training and Frist Aid and CPR Trainer with the American Heart Association.
Kimberly enjoys working with individuals suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life issues. Kimberly’s goal is to create a safe and judgement free environment for clients to talk freely and discover their strengths.
Kimberly utilizes a strength-base, integrated and eclectic approach to assist clients with identifying techniques and strategies to reduce anxiety and depression, feel confident and handle stressful situations.
Kimberly’s personal and professional desire as a Social Worker is to effect change through service while enhancing well-being and meeting the needs of others.
Kathryn Kenard
Executive Assistant
Kathryn has more than 20 years’ of experience, as an executive level assistant. At the River she ensures best practice for the client access to care; the provider team has seamless engagement with clients and office processes. Whether on-ground or virtual she is eager to sustain the client-provider flow in a growing contemporary wellness setting. Kathryn is a graduate of El Camino State College. She also has expertise in Higher Education Professional Learning Programs Coordination, Experiential Learning and Outcomes.
Rick Cruz
Operations Manager
Rick is a graduate of Purdue University, holding a bachelor's degree in Finance with a concentration in Wealth Management. He has an extensive financial background. His experience is expansive across all areas of Finance, Real Estate, and Insurance. Rick can help with career or financial coaching, and he has also built a non-profit foundation to further his family's commitment to service and community upliftment.