Pamela Sessions received her MSSW from UTCSW in 1989. Prior to that she received a BA in Human Studies. Sessions is currently the CEO of Renewal House in Nashville, Tennessee. She is responsible for overall agency management and operations. This includes fundraising, marketing, and ensuring quality services are provided to clients. This role serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and agency representative to the local community.
Sessions previously served as Associate Executive Director at Porter-Leath Children’s Center in Memphis, TN and VP of Programs for the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Why did you become a social worker:
I became a social worker because I love helping others and it provides me with fuel to keep going. I think I am good at it because I have this uncanny ability to remain calm and function under pressure particularly in crisis situations. This is often a characteristic needed in a social worker.
What is the best part of being a social worker:
The best part about being a social worker is seeing people move from an uncertain situation to stability.
What is the biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge of being a social worker is often the inability to make things happen fast enough. There is a process for everything.
Who or what is your inspiration:
I am inspired by a powerful group of women who were in my life: my mother, grandmother and aunt. They were all awesomely fierce and made me think I could do anything.
What is your self-care routine:
I meditate and journal, but my real go to for self-care is travel. When I am away, I really am able to disconnect.
What do you love about being a UTCSW Alum:
Being a UTCSW alum allows me the benefit of having an incredible network of friends and supporters. I am still connected to people I met in graduate school many, many years ago.
If you had to choose one social work value as most important from the Code of Ethics, which one would you choose and why?
For me personally, service is so important. I think there is nothing better in life than to serve. Sometimes we never really understand how our service impacts others. If you serve without expecting anything in return, it’s always a win.
A fun fact:
Even though I have a busy schedule I always make time for crafting!