How It Started

The birth of CREST Professional Institute sprang the recognition of glaring disparities in the quality of clinical supervision among social work supervisees. Inspired by the thorough training seen in medical residencies, we noticed the absence of robust postgraduate support in the social work profession and pinpointed key challenges:

  • No training for supervisors to transition clinical skills into effective teaching, fostering skillful and ethical practices in supervisees.

  • Lack of system for supervisors to provide excellent supervision, stay current on best practices, and maintain compliance.

  • Insufficient time and resources for supervisors to independently create and implement clinical training programs.

  • Absence of educational programs for pre-licensed professionals to reinforce, fill gaps, and enhance classroom teachings.

Addressing these gaps became the driving force behind CREST's mission to revolutionize social work supervision.

As the standards for licensure are currently changing in many jurisdictions, the importance of protecting the public, supporting supervisors, and developing supervisees through the method of clinical supervision has never been greater.

Without high quality clinical supervision, social work supervisees may lack necessary confidence, causing imposter syndrome and fear-based clinical choices. They may suffer from burnout or the trauma of accidentally doing harm. Additionally, when time spent in supervision is not used purposefully, many clinicians move onto their full, independent licensure with gaps in knowledge or skills or a lack of confidence.

Addressing these challenges could have a ripple effect, enhancing professionals' experiences, boosting confidence, improving service quality for clients, and alleviating the burdens on supervisors and group practice owners responsible for clinical decisions and ethical practices, ultimately elevating the entire social work profession.

Grace and Suzanne's diverse professional backgrounds, coupled with their passion for the field, led them to embark on this mission.

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Mission & Vision

Mission:

Empowering social work professionals through innovative education and transformative training, CREST Professional Institute is dedicated to fostering excellence in clinical supervision. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, standardized training that elevates the competence, confidence, and impact of both supervisors and supervisees, thereby enhancing the quality of care across the social work profession.

Vision:

At CREST Professional Institute, we envision a future where social work supervision is a beacon of excellence, ensuring the highest standards of professional practice. Through education, ongoing support, and a commitment to equity, we aim to shape a community of empowered professionals who contribute to positive and lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Our vision is to be the catalyst for transformative growth, innovation, and leadership in social work supervision.

About The Founders

  • Grace Gates, LCSW

    Grace Gates obtained a Master of Science Degree from Columbia University where she studied Advanced Clinical Practice with a focus on health and mental health. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York before relocating and becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker with Clinical Specialty in Michigan.

    Grace’s career displays her dual interests in program development work and direct practice. “Psychotherapist”, “Practice Manager”, and “Director of Counseling Services” are some of the relevant titles that she has held.

    As an administrator and director, Grace conceptualized, proposed, planned, executed, and grew various agency programs. Grace returned to her undergraduate alma mater, Stony Brook University, where she works as a Clinical Instructor / Adjunct Professor.

  • Suzanne L. Velázquez, Ph.D., LCSW

    Suzanne Velazquez obtained a Master of Science Degree in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Social Policy and Research from Stony Brook University. She became a Clinical Associate Professor and the Undergraduate Program Director of Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare. In these roles, Suzanne develops programs and curriculum, supports the faculty, and educates and trains the next generation of helping professionals.

    Suzanne Velazquez has served in the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for many years and spent 9 years as their President. In this organization, Suzanne supported businesses and linked them to resources, contributing to the economic development of the community.

    As a Clinical Supervisor, Suzanne also educates and trains post-graduate, limited-licensed professionals as they obtain their requisite supervised clinical experience providing direct services.