Julie Ames recently opened a new practice at her home on the West Freeman Road in Freeman offering therapy for individuals, children and couples. (Laura Dunham photo) FREEMAN — Everyone has a dream or a goal in life. After eight years of working and attending school, a Freeman woman is realizing her dream as she opens her own private practice.

Julie Ames holds two licenses: one in clinical as a social worker and one for Drug and Substance Abuse Counselor.

After Ames divorced, she was alone with three small children and decided to go back to high school. She obtained her GED in 2000. Then Ames, who worked seven days a week cleaning houses, started college at the University of Maine at Farmington, obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation with a minor in Physiology. Still pursuing her career, Ames then went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of New England in Westbrook.

"It has been a long eight years and very challenging from working, studying and being a fulltime parent," said Ames. She is excited to be able to open her own office in her new home in Freeman.

Ames will be offering therapy to individuals, children and couples. And will offer a sliding scale for her work ranging from $30 to $50 an hour. Ames has worked for various agencies in Somerset and Franklin counties over the years and has also worked with inmates in jail and court-monitored individuals. "It's very interesting work," and a challenge every day, she said.

Ames can be reached for appointment by calling 491- 9150.

Ames is so proud of her three children, especially her son, Dustin, whom she had when she left high school at 17. Dustin is now 19 and at the University of Maine at Farmington where he plans to follow in his mom's footsteps by obtaining a degree in Rehabilitation and Social Work. She also has two daughters, Samantha, 16, and Jessica, 15, who attend Mt. Abram High School.