AGENCY DESCRIPTION

Stepping Stone Family Services, Inc. is a for profit agency located in Chesapeake, Virginia that originated in 2004, by Taquisa K. Simmons, LCSW, CSOTP, CSAC and Antoinette N.T. Coffey-Thornton MSW, ACSW, CSAC. The owners mentioned above were the founders of the agency and implemented all of its programs and services.

Ms. Taquisa K. Simmons has been working in the mental health field for approximately 13 years. Ms. Simmons has a Master's degree in Social Work and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology both were obtained from Norfolk State University. Ms. Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Ms. Simmons experience ranges from working with youth in a secured detention setting, residential facilities, acute hospitals, in-home counseling and outpatient counseling. Ms. Simmons also has experience working with dual diagnosis adults. All services included individual, family and group services.

Mrs. Antoinette N.T. Coffey-Thornton has been working in the mental health field for approximately 13 years. Mrs. Coffey-Thornton has a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Social Work, both were obtained from Norfolk State University. Mrs. Coffey-Thornton possesses a wide variety of experience in providing clinical counseling to at-risk youth and their families including but not limited to: individual, family and group counseling, working in residential treatment facilities, establishing and working in community based programs (in-home services, day treatment etc.) Mrs. Coffey-Thornton is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and is currently seeking licensure (LCSW) by the state of Virginia, certified by the Academy of Social Workers.

In July, 2006 Stepping Stone Family Services, Inc. expanded our services to provide community based programs to include but not limited to; home based counseling, substance abuse services, sex offender treatment, outpatient therapy, anger management, supervised visitation and mentoring. The agency is licensed through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to provide intensive-home services. The agency offers two locations under this license (Chesapeake Office & Hopewell Office). The agency has maintained compliance since its inception and has received an annual license each year. Stepping Stone Family Services, Inc. is an enrolled Medicaid provider.

Stepping Stone Family Services, Inc. continues to provide quality services to youth and their families throughout the state of Virginia. Our agency takes pride in providing a comprehensive level of services by utilizing "Best Care Practices" in our service delivery. Our organization is comprised of bachelor and master level professionals. The agency has grown since its inception to fifty employees.