Stories of Hope
Meet Behavior Health Clinician Reagan Sottile, LCSW
Read time: 3 minutes
Reagan’s dedication to meaningful, person-centered work began in her teenage years, and over the past 12 years with Together for Youth she has gone from intern to skilled Behavioral Health Clinician whose steady presence and deep compassion shape every interaction with the families she supports.
Path Into the Field
Reagan’s journey into social work began in high school when a close person in her life faced significant mental health challenges. Supporting that person opened her eyes to the impact of compassionate, steady presence – and planted the seed for a career centered on helping others. Social work appealed to her because of its breadth: foster care, policy, macro-level change. It offered room to grow, adapt, and follow her values.
Her connection to foster care also runs deep. Family members previously served as foster parents and later adopted children from care, shaping her early sense of purpose and her desire to work with kids and families navigating complex systems.
For Reagan, showing up for others starts with knowing how to show up for yourself.
What Showing Up for Families Means
For Reagan, showing up is about consistency, trust, and calm – qualities many of the youth she serves have inconsistently experienced. She strives to be a grounding presence, especially for kids who have endured trauma or broken trust. Being that “safe space” isn’t just part of the job; it’s a reflection of her core values and the way she believes healing relationships are built.
What Keeps Her Motivated
Reagan stays grounded by focusing on what she can control. In a field shaped by court decisions, placement changes, and systemic barriers, she centers her energy on being a steady, supportive presence for kids. Making even a small difference by being that calm, consistent, trusted adult – keeps her moving forward.
A Story That Stayed with Her
One teen she worked with – who had spent more than half their life in foster care – left a lasting impression. Their time together was difficult; trauma made trust nearly impossible, and Reagan often felt like just another adult their brain warned them not to rely on. After the youth left the program abruptly due to life circumstances, she was left without answers about how the individual was doing.
Then, unexpectedly, she received a voicemail. It was the teen – now thriving, in a healthy relationship, supported by stable caregivers, and reflecting on their growth. They thanked her, apologized for moments shaped by trauma and resistance, and shared how far they’d come. For Reagan, that message was a rare and deeply meaningful reminder that the work matters long after a case closes.
How TFY Supports Her
During her master’s program, Together for Youth helped her balance full-time work with night classes and weekend documentation. Adjusted schedules and flexibility made an otherwise overwhelming year possible.
Today, her supervisor plays a central role in her success. With a person-first approach and unwavering support through the emotional weight of the work, Reagan credits this relationship – among many she’s developed with colleagues – as a key factor in her longevity and resilience.
Advice for New Clinicians
Reagan emphasizes that foster care and social work often expose you to experiences far outside “typical” life. Burnout is real, and self-care – beyond the buzzword – is essential. She encourages new clinicians to understand their own needs, honor their boundaries, and recognize the emotional, cognitive, and relational energy the work requires. Showing up for others starts with knowing how to show up for yourself.
Reagan encourages new clinicians to understand their own needs, honor their boundaries, and recognize the emotional, cognitive, and relational energy the work requires.
Life Outside of Work
In her free time, Reagan has deepened her bond with her husky–shepherd rescue, Ford, by learning new training techniques and enjoying modified hikes due to his hip dysplasia. Close with her family, she loves spending time with them, and enjoys travel, with an unforgettable two-week trip to Switzerland as a vacation highlight.
Media She Enjoys:
• Podcasts: Unlocking Us, Save the Therapist, Lessons from the Playroom, Very Bad Therapy, and Small Things Often
• TV: Shrinking, New Girl, and The Office
• Books: Educated by Tara Westover; The Midnight Library by Matt Haig