On Dec. 16, 2023, Zepf Center Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer Jancsin officially walked across the graduation stage and the University of Toledo and accepted her Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her accompanying dissertation focused on burnout in community mental health organizations, a topic close to Jancsin’s heart, but one that would impact her more than she could realize at the onset.  

For many professionals working in community mental health settings, their role is more than just a job. This work requires dedicated, resilient individuals who push boundaries to give their clients the best possible care. In Dr. Jancsin’s case, the legacy of dedicated, person-centered care runs deep, woven into the fabric of her family's lineage. 

At the heart of Jancsin’s story are her mother and grandmother, advocates of compassion and experts in their field. Her grandmother served on the front lines during World War II and tended to the first iron lung patients when she returned to the United States. Her career embodied the essence of person-centered care, leaving a lasting mark on those she served.

Following in her footsteps, Jancsin’s mother also embarked on a journey within the medical realm, building a diverse skillset and prioritizing higher education. 

“She probably worked in every single medical department,” Jancsin said. “She went back to school and earned her master’s degree before taking on the role of nursing director.”

For Jancsin, the call to serve others was also ingrained in her, albeit with a slight twist—she steered clear of “blood and guts”, discovering her interest in psychology. Even in her younger years of grade school, she found herself drawn to the workings of the human mind, laying the foundation for her future. 

Some years later, Jancsin’s path led her to the University of Michigan, where she studied psychology and cognitive science, intending eventually to pursue medical school. However, a crucial moment of introspection prompted her to rethink her plan. 

“That was the first pivotal point where I started second-guessing my path,” she said. “At the 11th hour, right before starting medical school, I decided it wasn’t right for me, and it wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

After taking some time away from higher education and working odd jobs, she found her calling in counseling and felt an immediate connection to the field. While enrolled in her master’s program, Jancsin was introduced to Zepf Center and began working as an intern until she was hired full-time in 2006. 

Over the years, Jancsin worked in various roles, accepting promotions along the way. Each step continued to nurture her passion for mental healthcare and her love of learning.

In 2014, Jancsin decided to refocus her priorities and concentrate on her future. Driven by personal fulfillment and professional advancement, she began the coursework to earn her Ph.D. She accepted a promotion within Zepf Center just one year later, serving as the Director of Behavioral Health Counseling. She continued in this new role, taking on extra responsibilities while completing coursework to continue her doctoral studies.  

In 2017, she earned another promotion landing her in the Director of Clinical Services role. In addition to the responsibilities she had accumulated, she faced even more obligations. However, it was also during this time that she finished her coursework and completed her comprehensive exams for her doctoral program.

With just her dissertation to complete, Jancsin stepped into the final, self-directed portion of her studies. In the time since she completed her coursework and exams, she had met and planned a wedding with her now husband, moved into a new house, and earned yet another promotion to her current role of Chief Clinical Officer. Experiencing change on a massive scale, her dissertation was still the final barrier to achieving her educational goals. 

Even after navigating constant change in her life, the hardships were far from over. As Jancsin worked on her dissertation, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. Now working even longer hours—often in isolation—Jancsin said her dissertation became a topic she faced daily.

“The pandemic influenced my work [on burnout in community mental health settings] almost subconsciously,” Jancsin said. “It really became a project of irony as I lived through it, experienced it, and tried to write about it.” 

Her dissertation, a 160+ page look at burnout among community mental health workers, stands as evidence of her unwavering commitment to professional growth and a lasting impact on her industry. Not only did her research allow her to reach the next level in her career, but it also unveiled the silent struggles of those on the frontline of community mental healthcare and illuminated pathways toward support and resilience.

As Jancsin reflected on her journey, she admitted that the path she took was not always the path she was planning to take.

“You do have to give yourself some grace and understand that things don’t always happen in the timeframe you expect them to,” she said. “It can be purposeful to have a focus and a passion, but if that puts blinders on you, you may miss opportunities along the way.” 

Throughout her journey, Jancsin credits the encouragement of her colleagues and loved ones for helping her reach this goal. Her journey was also supported by Zepf Center, which offers tuition reimbursement to full and part-time employees. Funds are distributed on an application basis and the amount may fluctuate depending on the number of applications received. 

“Dr. Jancsin’s accomplishment is not just a degree,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “It's a symbol of perseverance and commitment to clinical excellence within the Zepf community.”

As Zepf Center celebrates 50 years of serving Northwest Ohio, stories like that of Dr. Jancsin act as a reminder of the dedicated and committed staff that enable community mental health organizations to exist. Zepf Center is proud to support its employees as they strive to develop professionally and offer their clients the highest possible level of care.

Among countless healthcare career narratives, Dr. Jancsin’s story shines brightly as a testament to an enduring legacy of compassion, resilience, and generational dedication. As she continues to push the boundaries of community mental health, she offers a final piece of advice: "Just keep moving forward."