Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Relevant Volunteer Work
Campus And Community Involvement
Timeline
Generic

Alena Vu

Gulfport,MS

Summary

Compassionate and dedicated Master of Social Work (MSW) candidate, graduating in May 2025, with experience in medical social work, mental health interventions, and group facilitation. Passionate about trauma-informed care and holistic client well-being, with a strong desire to contribute to a team supporting individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and disordered eating. Brings a solid foundation in human behavior and social systems, focused on understanding client needs and developing effective support strategies. Committed to continuous professional growth in a therapist role, driven by a genuine dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Group Facilitator

  • Led group therapy sessions focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance as a volunteer facilitator
  • Utilized evidence-based approaches such as DBT and CBT to enhance coping skills
  • Fostered a supportive group environment for individuals managing anxiety, depression, and trauma

MSW Student Social Work Intern

Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
08.2024 - Current
  • Conducted biopsychosocial assessments for diverse patient populations, identifying needs and creating tailored care plans.
  • Provided crisis intervention, discharge planning, and resource referrals, supporting clients through mental health crises and trauma.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams (physicians, nurses, case managers) to ensure coordinated and holistic patient care.
  • Delivered emotional support to trauma-impacted individuals and families, fostering resilience and well-being.
  • Actively contributed to staff meetings and training, sharing insights from hands-on experience with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Intervention Court Treatment Counselor Intern

Second Circuit Drug Court
01.2023 - 05.2023
  • Composed lesson plans and supplemental educational materials for group therapy sessions, enhancing participant engagement.
  • Logged case notes, mediated between sponsors and participants, and compiled pre-court information for court-required documentation.
  • Researched therapy methods, conducted assessments, and completed treatment intakes for participants.
  • Encouraged participant progress by providing relevant resources and support throughout the program.
  • Built trusting relationships with family members involved in treatment, supporting both their healing and that of their loved one.

Education

Master of Social Work - Social Work

University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
05.2025

Bachelor of Arts - International Studies

University of Mississippi
University, MS
12-2021

Skills

  • Empathy & Rapport Building
  • Knowledge of Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based Approaches
  • Familiarity with Evidence-Based Interventions (DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing)
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Treatment Planning
  • Group Therapy Facilitation & Psychoeducation
  • Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
  • Ethical & Culturally Responsive Care
  • Clinical Documentation & Case Management

Certification

Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI), Upon relocation to Florida, contingent upon obtaining a supervisor

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Vietnamese
Native or Bilingual

Relevant Volunteer Work

Group Facilitator

Gulfport, MS  · 02/2025


  • Led group therapy sessions focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance as a volunteer facilitator.
  • Utilized evidence-based approaches such as DBT and CBT to enhance coping skills.
  • Fostered a supportive group environment for individuals managing anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Campus And Community Involvement

  • President, Students for Human Rights (Campus/Community Outreach Coordinator & Event Organizer)
  • Member, Student Association of Social Workers
  • Member, School of Social Work Zeta Iota Phi Alpha Honor Society
  • Member, Coalition Against Human Trafficking (Acquired knowledge on human trafficking issues)
  • Volunteer, Vietnamese Community Interpreter/Translator (Legal & Medical Social Services)
  • Volunteer, Grove Grocery: UM Food Pantry, University of Mississippi
  • Luckyday Success Program Scholar, Not Provided
  • Member, Croft Institute for International Studies Scholar
  • Member, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College (SMBHC)
  • Volunteer, The Ole Miss Big Event Community Service

Timeline

MSW Student Social Work Intern

Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
08.2024 - Current

Intervention Court Treatment Counselor Intern

Second Circuit Drug Court
01.2023 - 05.2023

Group Facilitator

Master of Social Work - Social Work

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts - International Studies

University of Mississippi
Alena Vu