Ms. Marcia Chichester has a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College where she maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Social Work from CUNY Lehman College. Marcia holds NYS certifications as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Marcia is Certified by NYS Office of Mental Health to facilitate training on Creating Suicide Safety in Schools, and is a NYC Department of Education Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher. Ms. Chichester is currently ABD for her Doctorate in Education Administration (Ed.D.) at Concordia University Chicago.

Ms. Chichester is a highly skilled professional experienced in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescence, and children of all ages. She has experience treating a multitude of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, behavioral issues, grief, trauma, school related matters, and relationship discord. Ms. Chichester will employ various therapeutic techniques which are geared toward the client’s individual needs.

Ms. Chichester is an educational and behavioral consultant and can assist students and families in clarifying educational goals and career aspirations. Marcia is NYS certified as a School Social Worker, School Building Leader, and School District Leader. Marica is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Child Study Infant and Toddler Special Education program at St. Joseph’s College. The concentration of her lectures is on parent/family engagement and pedagogical learning teams; and the importance and use of play in learning experiences to support the infant, toddler, and preschooler – with and without special needs – to reach developmental milestones.

Ms. Chichester has an impressive dossier with a wealth of experience in areas of mental health, substance use, wellness, and behavioral health. Currently, she is a School Mental Health Supervisor at NYC Department of Health. In this role, Marcia Supervises School Mental Health Consultants working with various School Districts to implement an “act-early” approach in identifying and supporting at-risk students who may benefit from mental health services and intervention. She collaborates with the Student Services team at the Department of Education to build cohesive relationships and to support the mental health and wellbeing of students and families.

Marcia has a warm and inviting presence with a remarkable disposition and temperament. She is passionate about raising awareness with regard to existing racial and economic inequality. Marcia supports organizations that provide low-income housing and those that support environmental awareness. She loves children, embraces diversity, and has respect for all living creatures. Marcia enjoys reading and traveling. Her career path and conscious choices are a clear indication of her commitment to the community and her deep desire to leave her palm print on the hearts and minds of the next generation.

It is an honor and privilege to have Marcia as part of our cerebral and cohesive team here at First Step.