Alephia Acciaro
Peekskill,NY
Summary
I am a dedicated and compassionate professional with over 10 years of experience in family advocacy, crisis intervention, and direct care, specializing in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, ALS patients, and families in need of mental health services. With a background in community and human services, I have worked in diverse roles, including Family Peer Advocate, Case Manager, Direct Support Professional, and ALS Advocate. I have a strong track record of co-facilitating impactful support groups and programs, including virtual parenting classes, and family advocacy initiatives, and serving as a liaison for families and healthcare providers. My expertise lies in creating personalized, multi-dimensional service plans, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and advocating for families and individuals to improve their quality of life. Through my work, I have gained expertise in a range of therapeutic techniques and frameworks, including Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. I possess certifications in CPR and First Aid, as well as in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Registered Behavior Therapy (RBT). Additionally, I hold various professional credentials in direct care and family peer support. With a passion for supporting families, improving systems, and fostering positive change in the community, I am always looking for opportunities to use my skills and experience to make a meaningful impact.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Crisis Intervention Specialist, FPA
Family Ties Of Westchester
White Plains, NY
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Provided family peer support and advocacy services, focusing on crisis intervention and stabilization.
- Co-facilitated virtual parenting classes and support groups, utilizing evidence-based frameworks to foster positive outcomes for families.
- Led the development and execution of Individualized wraparound meetings, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create personalized, holistic service plans for families.
- Facilitated the All-County Crisis Stabilization Program, ensuring children were supported in avoiding hospitalization by providing intensive, community-based care.
- Co-facilitated the monthly Community Network Provider Meeting, bridging connections between families, mental health providers, and local schools.
- Assisted in designing and leading family advocacy workshops and community outreach events to increase awareness and foster collaboration between families and service providers.
- Assisted in hiring, interviewing, and onboarding new staff.
Care Management Coordinator
The Keon Center
Peekskill , NY
02.2018 - 11.2018
- Delivered direct care and case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected.
- Assisted individuals in navigating daily activities and promoted independence through tailored support strategies.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients, addressing both medical and emotional needs.
- Develop, implement, review, and revise service plans to ensure individuals receive identified and desired outcomes.
- Knowledge of NY OPWDD regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that all aspects of patient care are addressed.
- Explained policies, procedures, and services to patients.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads, and medical staff.
- Educated patients on self-management techniques such as medication adherence, diet and nutrition management, and lifestyle modifications.
- Maintained detailed records on client progress, including treatments, medications, diagnoses, and changes in condition.
ALS Advocate
The Victoria Home
Ossining, NY
06.2017 - 01.2018
- Serve as a liaison for ALS patients, families, staff, nurses, and directors to ensure patients' needs are effectively communicated and addressed.
- Advocate for and support ALS patients in their placement, ensuring their specific care needs are met with compassion and professionalism.
- Skilled in translating eye movements and calibrating communication through electronic support services or handheld boards, enhancing the patient's ability to express their needs and desires.
- Facilitate clear communication between family members, healthcare teams, and residents, improving the overall care experience for ALS patients and elderly individuals.
- Empower families by providing resources and guidance on navigating the care system for individuals with ALS.
- Developed strategies for augmentative communication systems, environmental control systems, computer access solutions, and other specialized products.
- Collaborated with technical staff to establish goals and objectives for system improvements and upgrades.
- Served as the point of contact for incoming technical service calls and emails.
- Troubleshoot hardware issues and worked with service providers to facilitate repairs for end users.
Preschool Teacher
CapoKids - The Martial Arts School
Sarasota, FL
08.2015 - 04.2017
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement into daily routines.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers on various projects related to curriculum design and implementation.
- Assisted in providing a safe and secure environment for children.
- Monitored student progress to ensure cooperation and growth.
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings, and increase overall student happiness.
- Engaged with children on an individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
Direct Support Professional
Ability Beyond
Bethel, CT
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Provided direct care and medication management support to individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring proper medication administration and safety protocols.
- Promoted skill development in areas such as communication, social interaction, and daily living activities.
- Supported clients in achieving their personal goals and maximizing their independence through structured programs and compassionate care.
- Knowledge of NY OPWDD regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Community & Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY02-2024
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Crisis assessment
- Case management
- Advocacy practices
- Program development
- Team leadership
- Family peer support services
- Community Outreach
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Empowerment strategies
- Resource navigation
- Personalized care plans
- Child and adolescent development
- Resilience building
- Suicide prevention
- Family dynamics
- Behavioral management
- Telehealth proficiency
- Safety planning
- Child protection
- Addressing Co-occurring disorders
- Parenting education
- Referral coordination
- Homelessness assistance
- Domestic violence response
- Documentation skills
- Collaborative approach
- Intellectual disability awareness
Hard Skills
- Microsoft Word/Teams
- Powerpoint - Program Presentations
- Excell - Spreadsheets/Applied Behavior Analysis
- Zoom Management
- Precision Care (PHC) Behavioral Health Case Records - Admissions/Discharges
- Applied Behavior Analysis Skills
Soft Skills
- Parent Coaching
- Empowerment
- Family Driven Support
- Trauma Informed
- Counseling/Advocacy
- Early Childhood Development
- Youth/Teen Development
- Aging/Bereavement Support
Timeline
Crisis Intervention Specialist, FPA
Family Ties Of Westchester
07.2019 - 05.2023
Care Management Coordinator
The Keon Center
02.2018 - 11.2018
ALS Advocate
The Victoria Home
06.2017 - 01.2018
Preschool Teacher
CapoKids - The Martial Arts School
08.2015 - 04.2017
Direct Support Professional
Ability Beyond
01.2006 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Community & Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
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