Abigail Savage
CARY,NC
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate counseling student with extensive experience in trauma, neurodivergence, addiction recovery, and bereavement support. Seeking an internship opportunity to apply my diverse life experiences and academic knowledge in clinical mental health counseling to help individuals navigate their personal challenges and achieve emotional well-being.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Stay at Home Parent
Planned Career Break
06.2018 - 03.2025
- Bereavement Counseling for Child Loss | June 2018 – Feb. 2019
- Supported and received counseling for personal experience with child loss, gaining firsthand understanding of grief and bereavement processes.
- High-Risk Pregnancy & Loss Counseling | Feb. – Nov. 2019
- Participated in high-risk pregnancy and loss counseling, developing resilience and empathy for families in similar circumstances.
- Family Management During Global Pandemic | 2019 – 2020
- Managed childcare, provided kindergarten education, and coordinated family activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning adaptive coping strategies in social isolation.
- Trauma Counseling & EMDR | 2020 – 2023
- Started trauma counseling and EMDR for CPTSD following the traumatic murder of a close family member, deepening understanding of trauma recovery techniques.
- Supporting Partner with PTSD & Disability | 2020 – 2023
- Supported my partner through PTSD recovery and navigating disability leave, learning about co-dependence and emotional caregiving.
- Special Needs Parent & Advocate | 2022 – Present
- Became a special needs parent and advocate for two children (hearing impaired 3-year-old and AuDHD 8-year-old), learning about neurodivergence and its impact on emotional and mental health.
- Advocated for Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs) for both children in public and private schools.
- Child’s Brain Surgery Support | 2022
- Supported my 8-year-old child through a life-saving brain surgery, learning effective coping strategies for both parent and child in high-stress, traumatic situations.
- Al-Anon Participation | 2023 – 2024
- Attended Al-Anon for one year, gaining insight into addiction, co-dependence, and family systems, as well as learning about recovery support.
- Food Distribution & Prayer Counseling Ministry | 2024 – 2025
- Participated in weekly food distribution and prayer counseling ministry, providing support and compassion to individuals in need, while practicing active listening and community outreach.
Music Teacher
Little Ones Preschool
09.2014 - 06.2018
- Developed and implemented musical curriculum for children ages 2-4, introducing rhythm, ear training, and instrument identification.
- Created individual piano lesson plans for children ages 3-6, focusing on finger dexterity, rhythm, ear training, and music notation through engaging games and exercises.
- Ensured a structured and supportive environment during music classes while monitoring student behavior.
Head Teacher
Barefoot Kids Preschool
09.2002 - 06.2004
- Designed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum for young children, integrating music, storytelling, and movement.
- Provided emotional support to children adjusting to full-time preschool, fostering a sense of safety and belonging in the classroom.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Musical Theatre
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2009
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care: Knowledge of trauma recovery practices including EMDR and PTSD support
- Neurodivergent Advocacy: Advocacy experience for children with special needs, including hearing impairment and AuDHD
- Grief and Bereavement Support: Personal and professional experience supporting individuals through loss and grief
- Crisis Intervention: Experience in crisis management and providing emotional support during traumatic events
- Addiction Support: Education in addiction and co-dependence, gained through Al-Anon participation
- Multidisciplinary Communication: Ability to collaborate with professionals in educational and therapeutic settings
- Active Listening: Skilled in providing empathetic listening and emotional support
- Cultural Competence: Ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying life experiences
Additional Information
- Languages: [Some Spanish]
- Memberships: ACA
- Interests: Mental health advocacy, neurodivergence education, community outreach, personal development, theatre and the creative arts
Timeline
Stay at Home Parent
Planned Career Break
06.2018 - 03.2025
Music Teacher
Little Ones Preschool
09.2014 - 06.2018
Head Teacher
Barefoot Kids Preschool
09.2002 - 06.2004
Master of Arts - Counseling
Regent University
Bachelor of Arts - Musical Theatre
University of Central Florida
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