Mila R. Tecala, MSW

Clinical Social Worker, Private Practice, Washington, DC

“The greatest reward for me is helping someone rebuild his or her life after a catastrophic experience.”

I feel like my area of practice chose me. I worked at a medical center’s oncology unit and became interested in specializing in the area of loss, grief and trauma.

Today, I work with people who have experienced devastating and sometimes multiple losses. It takes knowledge, compassion, understanding, an ability to “be there” with the person, as well as an interest in staying up-to-date with current techniques in psychotherapy. My social work degree was a door that opened my entry to the profession – and I was privileged to be recognized by my association as National Social Worker of the Year.

It’s rewarding to be able to touch and heal someone who has been devastated by his or her situation; to help my patients find meaning and purpose in life. That is why I do what I do.

Salary: $100,000-$149,999