On the Job…with Carla Sutton
By Celentria Adams

As one of today’s modern women, Carla Sutton continues to inspire and sustain many with her remarkable accomplishments and contributions both on and off the football field. When she’s not cheering on the Georgia Force, she works as a Licensed Professional Counselor/Psychological Services Specialist. Sounds tough, right? Well, after interviewing Carla, I must declare, she has all of the right mental tools to win in the game of life!

A typical day on the job includes collaborating with a team of Behavioral Health professionals, such as the Chief Psychologist and other Licensed Professional Counselors. Tactics are formed to provide appropriate, quality treatment to clients with behavioral health concerns, psychological crises, and other life stressors that can affect mental health. Specifically, she counsels the dedicated men and women of the City of Atlanta. Often times, she receives pages during cheerleading practice informing her of an incident in which her services may be required. Many employees within the city may encounter a number of traumatic events. Dealing with these events can be very difficult and atypical for these employees (i.e., Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Crime Scene Investigators, 911 Dispatchers) than for any other citizen. That’s where Carla comes in! As a Psychological Services Specialist, her job is to assist employees (and their family members) as they move along their path of emotions, which could include stress, anxiety, conflict, sadness, loss or grief.  She provides the therapy needed for these brave men and women to continue to commit their lives to the job and provide excellent service to the City of Atlanta and its citizens.

Carla is also pursuing her Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology. Additionally, she is contracted through a private practice company, Family Intervention Specialists, Inc., to provide counseling to at-risk children, adolescents, and their families. She knows the difference between achieving success and making a difference, therefore, she plans to open her own private practice soon.

During the summer, Carla spends most of her time conducting cheer and dance camps for middle school and church squads. She is the Founder and Director of Exaltations Cheer and Dance Company. She choreographs dance competition routines that include stunting, cheers, and chants.

It really takes a special person to provide such a delicate service to people during such traumatic and stressful circumstances. Carla is strong, contemporary and resolute. Though she works in a variety of dynamic and challenging environments, she always manages to provide a positive and supportive environment for the team. Aligning “who you are” with “what you do” is the key to personal, business and professional success. So the next time you see Carla on the field, just think…not only is she beautiful, talented and gregarious, she is a visionary from whom you should expect great things in the near future!