Amani Hernandez
Pittsburg,CA
Summary
I am a driven first-generation college graduate with aspirations of becoming a psychotherapist for children and adolescents. Passionate about mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, and trauma recovery.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Childwatch
Lincoln Families
Pittsburg, California
10.2025 - Current
- Providing child watch for parents participating in East County First 5 Center classes and events, supporting Lincoln's mission to disrupt cycles of poverty and trauma.
- Utilizing center curriculum to design engaging childcare experiences for children ages 18 months to 5 years.
- Promoting creativity and learning environments, enhancing community connections among parents.
- Assisting in planning and leading recreational activities to promote child development.
- Supporting parents with separation strategies while co-regulating children's emotions.
- Fostering increased awareness of child development to help parents address children's needs.
Behavior Interventionist
Abrite, Brite Horizons School
Scotts Valley, California
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Supported students 1:1 grades K-12 who require a more restrictive placement for special education services, including, but not limited to, autism, intellectual disability, and social-emotional disorders.
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans, reinforcement systems, use of strategies to promote student participation in academic instruction, and emergency-based intervention plans.
- Addressed severe and/or higher-rate behaviors, such as physical aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and/or elopement.
- Data and note collection of behaviors, academic progress, and other student-specific information.
Mental Health Intern
7th Avenue Center
Santa Cruz, California
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Provided support to residents of an inpatient psychiatric facility for adults with severe mental illness, primarily schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.
- Assisted employees, such as care workers, case managers, and nurses, with patient care, including room rounds, medication distribution, and lunch and snack services.
- Participated in varying group therapies, such as Dual Recovery Anonymous.
- Shadowed case management meetings to discuss treatment outcomes and discharge planning.
Behavior Therapist
CLASS, Center for Learning and Autism Support Services
East Bay, California
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Implemented ABA plans to teach new skills and support with challenging behaviors in home settings and school settings.
- Collected data to document progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client progress and communication.
Head Lifeguard
Antioch Water Park
Antioch, California
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Provided lead supervision for over 50 lifeguards, ensuring proper scanning, rule enforcement, and rescues/ first aid responses.
- Organized inservice trainings including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of an automated external defibrillator and other emergency protocols, and enforced team development, teamwork, and communication within in service practice trainings.
- Ensured guest's safety and enjoyment, answering various questions and providing great customer service.
Lifeguard
Antioch Water Park
Antioch, California
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Monitored large pools, pool decks, and water slides to ensure a clean, secure and enjoyable environment.
- Provided a safe environment for over a thousand guests to swim while strictly enforcing pool and slide rules, and offering interactive customer service.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CA06-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Intensive Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-2025
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Child development
- Data collection
- Team collaboration
- Cultural awareness
- Critical thinking
- Building rapport
Certification
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
Timeline
Childwatch
Lincoln Families
10.2025 - Current
Mental Health Intern
7th Avenue Center
09.2024 - 03.2025
Behavior Therapist
CLASS, Center for Learning and Autism Support Services
06.2024 - 09.2024
Behavior Interventionist
Abrite, Brite Horizons School
01.2024 - 06.2025
Head Lifeguard
Antioch Water Park
06.2022 - 12.2023
Lifeguard
Antioch Water Park
06.2021 - 12.2022
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy
California State University, East Bay
Bachelor of Arts - Intensive Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz