Staff Spotlight: Teymbi Tannis, LAPC, CRC, NCC

What led you to this career path?

I always wanted to do something in the helping field growing up. I was always told by my dad that I’m a really good listener and that I would make a good therapist. I originally wanted to work as a special education teacher and I volunteered in the special education department of my high school, but I ultimately decided I didn’t want to go the education route.

I continued working with neurodivergent folks in college as a peer mentor while I was studying psychology, with a plan to go into OT. One of my supervisors encouraged me to apply to the Clinical Rehabilitation Program at GSU instead, and so I did. I really fell in love with counseling and I became more interested in working in mental health more broadly. From there I did my internship at Grady working in their outpatient clinic, and then my first job out of school was working in a crisis and stabilization unit for adolescents. Now I’m here at Skyland!

What are your favorite things about working at Skyland Trail?

I really love the community aspect of Skyland! I enjoy being able to see clients outside of session engaging with others and getting involved. That really makes me so happy and it helps me have a better understanding of the progress they’re making.  I love how staff here feels like family, I feel like I can come to work and be myself, and that’s really important to me in a work space. 

What is one place in Atlanta you think everyone should visit?

There are a lot of great bookstores – my personal favorites are Charis Books and Atlanta Vintage Books (there’s cats inside!)

What do you do when you’re not at work? Favorite hobbies etc?

I love being outside in nature, either sitting in the park or going on a hike. I enjoy reading, yoga, going out dancing and going out to eat. I’m also a big fan of watching reality tv and true crime shows.