Alesha Hamm-Shepherd
Diamond Springs,CA
Summary
As a committed and seasoned Certified Peer Support Specialist, I am deeply passionate about assisting individuals facing challenges with mental health or substance use disorders in discovering resilience and optimism. Possessing a comprehensive understanding of the recovery journey, my life's mission is to facilitate as many people as possible in embarking on their path to recovery and finding their glimmer of hope again.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Recovery Educator
Telecare Corporation
Placerville, CA
10.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Assisted in creating a safe environment for patients and staff to express their feelings and concerns.
- Organized activities and events to promote employee engagement and socialization.
- Maintained documentation of patient's' progress and reported any changes or concerns to treatment team.
- Advised patients on available resources in the community that could help them meet their recovery needs.
- Coordinated with treatment team to ensure patients receive comprehensive care plans.
- Utilized therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness meditation., during group therapy
- Established positive relationships with patients and staff by providing unconditional support and empathy during difficult times.
- Listened attentively while allowing patients and staff to express themselves without judgement or criticism.
- Instilled hope by promoting positive self-disclosure and actively listening to patient needs.
- Led support groups and facilitated one-on-one peer counseling with patients.
- Shared details regarding recovery and wellness principles focused on helping others struggling to stay focused on personal recovery journeys.
- Helped individuals overcome harmful drug and alcohol addictions.
- Developed and implemented an employee appreciation committee (E.A.C) to increase morale, productivity and loyalty.
- Created recognition programs that rewarded our staff for their outstanding contributions to our patients and team.
- As a member of the safety team, I conducted monthly inspections of the facility to check compliance with fire, hazard and all safety guidelines. Reported findings to Administrator.
- Coordinated referrals for additional services as needed based on patient's needs.
- Participated in daily team meetings to discuss cases and develop treatment plans.
- Created educational materials for staff and patients related to peer support services.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure availability of all necessary items at all times.
- Developed and implemented revised inventory method to prevent over spending and stay within budget costs.
- Developed new Recovery Specialist group materials to ensure recovery education throughout weekend shifts.
Lead Mental Health Specilaist
Summitview Child & Family Services
Placerville
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups focused on topics such as coping skills and stress management.
- Monitored clients' progress toward meeting their therapeutic goals.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate optimal care for clients.
- Educated clients about healthy lifestyle choices, self-care strategies, and relapse prevention methods.
- Assisted in developing action plans for individuals at risk of suicide or self-harm behaviors.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy in clinical settings.
- Participated in regular team meetings with other clinicians to discuss cases and review treatment plans.
- Worked closely with community organizations to identify potential resources for clients.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
- Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
- Monitored employee productivity levels on a regular basis to identify areas of improvement.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Coordinated employee schedules according to shift changes and availability.
- Provided ongoing training to address staff needs.
Lead Direct Support Staff
Opportunity Acres
Shingle Springs
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided direct support to individuals with disabilities in daily living skills, including personal hygiene and health care needs.
- Facilitated group activities for clients to foster socialization and recreation.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed during activities with clients.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, incidents and other important information.
- Developed individualized plans for each client based on their specific goals and needs.
- Supervised staff members in the performance of their duties while also providing feedback when necessary.
- Conducted assessments of clients' abilities to ensure they are receiving proper care.
- Assisted in developing behavioral interventions for challenging behaviors exhibited by clients.
- Participated in team meetings with other staff members to discuss client progress and concerns.
- Trained new employees on policies, procedures, safety protocols.
Drug and Alcohol Counselor, RADT.
Progress House Inc
Camino
01.2015 - 02.2017
- Provided individual counseling and group therapy to clients with substance abuse issues.
- Developed treatment plans in collaboration with the client, family members, and other professionals.
- Conducted assessments to determine the level of addiction, identify mental health disorders, and develop a plan for recovery based on DSM-5.
- Educated clients about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
- Assisted clients in developing strategies to reduce or eliminate substance use behaviors.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers to coordinate care for clients who have co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss client progress and formulate recommendations for continued care.
- Maintained professional relationships with referral sources such as courts, probation officers, hospitals, social service agencies, and community organizations.
- Advised families on how best to support their loved one's recovery process.
- Provided referrals for additional resources such as medical care or housing assistance.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting client interactions and progress towards goals.
- Identified high risk situations that may lead to relapse or increased risk of harm due to substance use behaviors.
- Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills and community resources.
Education
High School Diploma -
Long Valley Charter School
Doyle, CA06-2006
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Science
Lassen Community College
Susanville, CAAssociate of Science - Medical Social Work
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CASkills
- Staff and Patient Motivation
- Mental Health and Substance Use Curriculum Development
- Leadership
- Peer Counseling
- Attention to Detail
- Social Services Support
- Reliability
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Motivational Interviewing
- Patient Advocacy
- Case Documentation
- Crisis Intervention
Certification
- Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist-Certification# MPSS-FMBINC
07/2023-07/2025
Timeline
Peer Recovery Educator
Telecare Corporation
10.2021 - Current
Lead Mental Health Specilaist
Summitview Child & Family Services
01.2019 - 10.2021
Lead Direct Support Staff
Opportunity Acres
01.2017 - 01.2019
Drug and Alcohol Counselor, RADT.
Progress House Inc
01.2015 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Long Valley Charter School
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Science
Lassen Community College
Associate of Science - Medical Social Work
Folsom Lake College