About me
My name is Reggie Vilmenay, and I am the founder of Supportive Therapy Empowering People, LLC (STEP), a company dedicated to helping families communicate more effectively since its inception in 2010. Over the years, STEP has impacted over 5,000 families, providing valuable tools for fostering healthy communication and building stronger relationships. We serve children, adolescents, adults and couples as they work to strengthen their relationships.
In addition to our communication initiatives, STEP has spearheaded a holiday toy drive from 2010 to 2023, raising over $100,000 to bring joy to children and their families during the holiday seasons. These efforts have been a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community.
How I Got Here:
I was born to Haitian parents, Rene and Michelle Vilmenay, in Brooklyn, New York in 1973. Education was always a top priority in our home, and I vividly remember being encouraged to read from a young age. One of my favorite childhood characters was Ramona, from the Beverly Cleary books. I saw so much of myself in her – her curiosity, her challenges, and her journey to understand the world around her.
My academic journey began in earnest in 1991 at Pace University, where I started as an accounting major. However, after taking my first psychology class, I realized my true calling was to help others understand and navigate their emotions. I changed my major and began my path toward becoming a social worker.
In 1992, I worked as a summer camp counselor at the Children’s Aid Society, which was a transformative experience. I recognized I wanted to be a safe space for children and teenagers – a place where they could express themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. I deeply understood young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, often faced misunderstanding from authority figures, including their own parents.
In 1999, I worked as a Crisis Intervention Counselor at the Queens Child Guidance Center, an experience that further fueled my passion for helping young people navigate crises. In 2001, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and by 2004, I had earned my MSW from Fordham University.
After moving to Tampa, Florida in 2005, I worked at Tampa Bay Academy, a residential facility for teens with behavioral challenges. The work I did there, along with my growing desire to provide therapy and mentorship, laid the foundation for STEP’s creation in 2010. In the interim, I earned my LCSW in 2007.
The impact of STEP:
When I founded STEP, I didn’t know the far-reaching impact it would have on the community. Our mission was always clear: to empower families by providing the tools they need to communicate more effectively. But over time, we have grown into a cornerstone of support not only for children and families, but for future social workers as well. I taught as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida (USF) for 8 years. During this time, many students, saw our agency as an opportunity to learn further. Through internships, we’ve provided aspiring social workers with invaluable hands-on experience that will help them serve future generations.
I am deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in STEP, and in me personally. It has been a humbling journey to witness the positive change we have brought about, and I look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
to contact email: rvilmenay@supportivetherapy.net
