Samantha McDaniel joined Family Care Center with a strong passion for behavioral health and a clear goal: to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Currently pursuing her degree, Samantha brings dedication and enthusiasm to her role as a Patient Services Representative (PSR) at our Parker, CO clinic. Her position provides valuable, hands-on experience in the mental health field as she works toward her future career all the while impacting the community in creative ways.
Building Connections with Little Ones
Before joining Family Care Center, Samantha worked for four years as a unit coordinator in the ER. She realized that traditional healthcare wasn’t the right fit for her and instead, she felt called to behavioral health, where she could focus on helping families and children. Now, at the front desk, she creates a welcoming environment for our patients while also managing schedules and paperwork for our providers.
Working at the front desk in a mental health setting is more than just checking in patients—it’s about making them feel seen and supported. Samantha always learns patients’ names, greets them personally, and ensures they feel at ease from the moment they walk in. She’s even helped create an art wall in the waiting area, where the team features the creative work of some of our littlest patients and family members.
“It’s important to make people feel comfortable,” she says. “Even small gestures, like remembering a child’s name or displaying their artwork, can make a big difference.”
Samantha’s passion for family dynamics plays a big role in her career aspirations. “I love seeing how children view the world and how that perspective shapes family relationships,” she shares. “Becoming an LMFT will allow me to work closely with families and help them grow stronger together.”
Making an Impact Beyond the Clinic
Samantha’s commitment to mental health and healing extends beyond Family Care Center. She is deeply involved with Journey with Equus, an equine sanctuary that helps trauma survivors connect with rescued horses. The non-profit is currently home to 86 horses and is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong sanctuary for equines in need.
Through a variety of trauma-informed programs, Journey with Equus facilitates powerful healing experiences that foster emotional connection, resilience, and personal growth for both humans and horses. Their mission is rooted in the belief that healing is possible when compassion and connection lead the way—values that Samantha carries with her in all aspects of her work.
Volunteering every weekend, Samantha helps care for the horses, runs their marketing and merchandise line, and promotes their mission. She’s also helped launch a children’s reading program, where kids can read their favorite stories to the horses and complete a craft.
Later this spring, Journey with Equus is relaunching its program for survivors of domestic violence, providing a safe space to rebuild trust through guided equine interactions. “These horses have been through so much, yet they remain gentle and kind. Seeing people who have experienced trauma find healing through them is incredibly powerful. They’re able to tell their story to the horses and learn to trust again,” she shares.
Samantha’s commitment to her work at Family Care Center and her volunteer efforts truly embodies our mission of delivering the greatest positive impact on the health and well-being of local communities.
