Michele Chubb was recently promoted as program director for ROW Psychiatric Services. 

In the role, she will lead and direct the day-to-day operations and implement policies and procedures that coincide with the organization’s goals and objectives. 

Chubb originally joined ROW Psychiatric Services in October 2022 as a psychotherapist, where she provided individual therapy to both children and adults.

However, after over a year in that role, Chubb felt she was ready to take that next step in her career. 

“I think it was just time for me to do a transition and kind of take my skills and use them in more of a leadership role, in terms of helping other clinicians learn and grow, and help them on their therapy journey,” said Chubb during an interview.  

Chubb brings with her over 25 years of experience in the field.

Initially wanting to be a teacher, her interest in the mental health field was developed during the personal experiences she endured growing up next door to a neighbor who was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

“I think that’s what changed me from wanting to be a teacher to going into psychology,” said Chubb. “I was really interested in the psychology of it all.”

As an undergraduate student at Widener University, Chubb double-majored in Psychology and English.

Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Chubb worked at a residential group home in Delaware while taking a year off before pursuing a master’s degree in social work from Widener.

Obtaining her social work clinical license opened many doors of opportunities for her. 

Chubb’s work history includes working at Devereux, a therapeutic foster care agency, and over a decade at Creekwood Center at Abington Memorial Hospital.

The many different stops helped Chubb develop a diverse skill set, even helping those who were just starting out get acclimated to the industry.

After the latter role ended due to the program being discontinued, she worked at various different practices. However, she knew her interest was in outpatient therapy. 

Upon learning about ROW Psychiatric Services, she felt it was the perfect fit for what she wanted to do in the next phase of her career.

Chubb agrees with founder Rosemary Fordjour’s vision to provide mental health services for individuals and communities that need it most. 

“There’s such a great need for it and there’s not enough programs and services,” Chubb noted. 

With her dual clinical and administrative background, Chubb strives to bring a level of sensitivity, passion, and empathy toward her clients — all qualities that go a long way toward ensuring they each get the tailored care and services they need. 

“It really makes a big difference,” Chubb noted.

Ultimately, Chubb finds the most fulfillment by helping guide her patients toward growing and achieving their goals.

Chubb doesn’t shy away from the fact that this is a very tough field. 

To this end, one of the biggest pieces of advice she gives to those who are just starting out is: “Make sure you surround yourself with people who are going to support and motivate you,” she said.

In addition, ensure that self-care is a part of your daily routine.

“Because if you’re not taking care of yourself, this is going to be an even harder field,” she added. 

All in all, as Chubb embarks on this latest chapter in her career as program director for ROW, her primary focus is on continuing to grow the brand, provide continued high-quality services, and improve the lives of all clients as they navigate their mental health journeys.

Beyond that, community outreach will be a critical component of growth moving forward. 

“That’s definitely something we’re working on and that I’m going to be doing in my role, as well,” Chubb concluded. 

Read more about the mental health programs and services at ROW Psychiatric Services.