Daughter of Crone. Social Worker. Artist. Photographer. Cook. Music lover. Fitness enthusiast. Writer. Mentor. Partner. Sister. Aunt. Lover of the outdoors. Traveler. Advocate. Mediator. Friend. Therapist. Teacher. I was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1967 and grew up in Phoenix, relocating there at the age of 10. In 2015, I moved to Tucson for work, and in 2020, my partner Glen and I embarked on a grand adventure in our RV. My current lifestyle involves remote work and exploring beautiful places, and I feel truly blessed. At 17, I moved out with no plans for college, but my grandmother offered to support me, leading me to discover social work. Eventually, I earned a Master's degree and became independently licensed—a milestone I fondly refer to as the 'Golden Ticket.' Reflecting on the opportunity my grandmother provided, I see how it profoundly changed my life. As a social worker, I've served at both individual and community levels, navigating the public and private sectors while working with adults, children, and families. My roles included training for the mental health system and local police, instructing at Ottawa University, and currently serving as a Field Liaison for Interns at the ASU School of Social Work. In therapy, my focus ranged from kids with substance use problems and at-risk youth to adults in various circumstances. I led groups for adults transitioning from prison, those with substance use problems, and individuals grappling with serious mental illness (SMI). I also handled mobile crisis response for local ERs and assessed adults undergoing involuntary treatment. At a community level, I served as a Liaison for first responders and Tribal communities in eight rural Arizona counties. I pioneered the first Crisis System Protocols in the state, aiding first responders and the justice system in accessing crisis and mental health care. Additionally, I liaised with local child and adult protective services, and the department of developmental disabilities. In administrative roles, I contributed to program and policy development, engaged in quality improvement projects, directed Intake for a 130-bed psychiatric hospital, oversaw two outpatient SMI public health clinics, managed a psychiatric emergency room, and supervised the mental health crisis system for Arizona's second-largest public health system across eight counties. Presently, my main focus is clinical supervision for those seeking independent licensure, ASU interns, and general clinical supervision for two hospitals in Arizona. I love my work, relishing the opportunity to share my knowledge and help others become better therapists. I discovered Crone in 2010 when my mom took me to my first Crones Counsel event. Read my blog to learn more about my discovery of Crone. |
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Andrea's Blog
I was introduced to the archetype of Crone by my mother who is 83 years old. She had been an active member of Crones Counsel, an organization dedicated to reclaiming the crone archetype primarily through gatherings celebrating and embracing aging. She had been attending these events since 1999 and on my 43 rd birthday she brought me along. My mom had always raved about her experiences at Crones Counsel and she entertained me with many stories detailing how these annual events transformed her in so many ways. Little did I know, I too would be transformed.
I went on to attend 4 more events and my mom and I planned and attended a fifth. What I learned about crone energy and crones was that first and foremost, a crone is authentic. She is not afraid to be who she is, and she is not afraid to age. She tells her story; she listens to the stories of others with an open heart and unconditional regard; she is wise; she is silly; she is sexy; she is talented in ways one would never guess; and she flourishes in community with other women. I also now know that crone wisdom is not only for elders—that we all have a lot to learn from all generations of women.
When I learned Crones Counsel was ending, I wondered where I would ever find my crone tribe again, especially with my new lifestyle of full time motorhome travel and part time work. I was also getting older and feeling a need to have real community and connection with other women. Then I heard that there was a group of seven women who were developing a new organization born from Crones Counsel, and I was interested. Once I learned about the vision of CAW with a focus on all generations, wisdom skills, and building a contemporary inclusive community - I wanted to be a part of this creation.
I can reflect back now on my concerns about losing my connection with crone as moot because I have discovered that she is EVERYWHERE! We just have to open our eyes and see. She may be your grandmother, your daughter, or your new friend. There are so many books and articles, local groups of crones who have been meeting for decades, and now even more opportunities to interface with the crone archetype and crones through social media. I see CAW as part of the movement furthering the reclaiming of crone as an archetype. I see a transformation of the old hag stereotype to women who embody inner ways of knowing, ways that are in tune with the natural environment, and all the stages of life. I feel honored to be a part of a team of incredible wise crone women all committed to creating community online and in person for women to share, learn and grow together.