18th JDC FINS Team

 

Gracie Bergeron, LCSW- 18th JDC Director/Iberville Case Manager

Gracie Bergeron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Plaquemine, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Child and Family Studies and Master’s of Social Work; both degrees are from Louisiana State University. She completed her practicum training at START Corporation and Seaside Inpatient Hospital where she gained valuable experience in working with unhoused clients, and those with severe mental health needs. Here, she gained exposure to diagnosing mental and cognitive disorders and provided various counseling interventions, including group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, crisis intervention, and individual therapy. Gracie prioritizes establishing trust, ensuring that every individual feel equipped and empowered to tackle their challenges. Drawing from a rich tapestry of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches, Gracie tailors her approach to align with each client’s unique goals and aspirations.

Casey Cannon, MSW, CSW- WBR Case Manager

Casey Cannon is a Certified Social Worker from New Orleans, Louisiana and is now a proud resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Casey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University. Casey began her foundational training at St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter and Baton Rouge Behavioral Health Unit, where she cultivated essential skills and a deep understanding of the social work practice. Passionate and dedicated, Casey is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others through her work in the field.

Halei Thomas- Pointe Coupee Case Manager

Halei Thomas is a criminal justice focused advocate originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, and now a proud resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern University. Halei began building her foundation in social services by serving individuals with disabilities through the Louisiana Waiver Program. During her undergraduate studies, she interned with the 19th Judicial District Court Pretrial Diversion Program. Through both experience and her work in social services she developed a strong ability to bridge social services and criminal justice advocacy for underserved populations. Halei takes a compassionate, client centered approach, striving to ensure that individuals feel protected, validated, and supported both physically and emotionally. She is deeply committed to uplifting her community and creating meaningful, positive change in the lives of others through her work.

Parthenia "Polly" Rheams, M.S., CAC, CCGC- 18th JDC Intake Manager

Parthenia “Polly” Rheams, M.S., CAC, CCGC, is a Substance Use Disorder Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing person-centered care across residential, and intensive outpatient settings. Based in Addis, Louisiana, she specializes in co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, utilizing ASAM Criteria–informed assessment, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention strategies, and is trained in the Seeking Safety model. She holds a Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology and is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC). In addition to her clinical expertise, she brings leadership experience in developmental disabilities services, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality care delivery