Quality Assurance Specialist
Miriam Robinson started at PEP in 1993 as a lead case manager at one of PEP’s Day Treatment Centers (DTC). Following that role, she served as a clinical associate at several different DTCs and eventually transitioned to PEP Connections where she conducted mental health assessments as part of the intake team. Today, Robinson is a quality assurance specialist whose primary focus is clients’ rights.
“The state of Ohio mandates that all child-serving agencies have a clients’ rights officer, to ensure that clients’ rights aren’t violated,” explained Robinson. “When there are grievances, I work with families to ensure clients’ rights are protected and that we come to a mutual resolution.”
Prior to her time at PEP, Robinson worked in a transitional housing program with another agency. Through that work, she met some people who worked at PEP and was really impressed. “They loved what they did, they loved the people they served, and they served with integrity, dedication and humor,” says Robinson. “I knew I wanted to work at PEP.”
When asked about what recommendations she might have for newer PEP employees, Robinson says it’s important to come with an open mind and an open heart. “You have to be ready to throw out preconceived notions,” she says. “You have to have a willingness to learn from those who have been there.”
To highlight why it’s important to have an open mind, Robinson shared a story about an experience she had while working at one of PEP’s Day Treatment Centers. “There were two young men who were preparing to fight. They had torn off their shirts and were facing off.” She explains when she heard the commotion she and another female colleague came out of their offices, each taking one boy aside. The two of them each spoke to the boys in a calm, loving manner. “We were able to talk them down,” she says.
It wasn’t just that Robinson was able to successfully navigate that situation in that moment that was so meaningful. It was the value of what she learned from it. “It taught me a lesson about how to approach kids who are exhibiting really challenging behavior. If a whole bunch of big men had rushed up on them, it would have heightened the tension. It could have easily led to the boys fighting the staff as well as each other. Sometimes, a loving, nurturing mindset will get you faster, further than a show of power.”
In addition to this lesson, the experience had a ripple effect. Robinson said when these boys had issues in the future, they would seek out the two women who had helped calm them during the fight to help them stay regulated.
Robinson says one of her favorite things about working at PEP is the friends she has made. “I didn’t necessarily come to PEP to make friends, but these are just some of the best people you will ever meet. I’ve made life-long friends at PEP.”
When Robinson isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, Ricky. “He’s the best buddy, ever,” she says. Spirituality is also an important part of her life. “How I walk on this earth, I try to treat people the way I want to be treated and be gentle with the earth. I try to respect all we’ve been given.”
The sweet treat Robinson can’t say no to? Anything chocolate.