Gessika H. Fennell, LMSW, LSSW
Gessika is a compassionate, trauma-informed Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed School Social Worker, with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in community and educational settings. She is currently under clinical supervision, pursuing the final steps toward full independent clinical practice. Gessika has also contributed to developing a new School Social Work program for a local school district, highlighting her dedication to systemic innovation and youth well-being.
Gessika earned her Master of Social Work with an Advanced Trauma Studies Certificate from Union University and her Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Mississippi. She began her career through internships and employment with MDCPS and multiple educational settings, gaining hands-on experience supporting youth with diverse needs. Over the years, she has served as a school social worker, special education teacher, and social services specialist II , providing direct counseling, conducting psychosocial assessments, case management, facilitating referrals, and guiding families through complex systems. She also supervises MSW and BSW-level interns, mentoring the next generation of social workers.
She has trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sandtray Therapy, and has begun training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and to become Board-Certified in Telemental Health (BC-TMH). Gessika has also completed Human Trafficking response training and SASSI training requirements for administration, scoring, and clinical interpretation for both adolescents and adults. She blends evidence-based approaches with empathy and collaboration to help clients build resilience and achieve meaningful growth, providing culturally sensitive, client-centered care while advocating for youth and families across educational, clinical, and legal systems ensuring her practice follows the NASW Code of Ethics.
Gessika is passionate about mental and emotional health, healing, and wellness, providing compassionate support through a range of assessments and services. She works from a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, ensuring every client is met with empathy, respect, and understanding. Her goal is to help clients uncover their strengths, understand their behavior, gain clarity, and take actionable steps toward planning ones personal growth and well-being.While Gessika does not provide diagnoses, she administers assessments, interprets results and provides professional results, recommendations while connecting clients to appropriate resources, treatment, or next steps for recovery. Gessika is committed to bridging resources, guidance, and empowerment, supporting individuals and families to achieve lasting positive change in their lives.