Amber C. Botello, M.S., LMFT, BCBA
Morro Bay,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader in mental and behavioral health with extensive experience in supervision and team leadership, delivering compassionate and effective care. Expertise in developing and implementing innovative mental health programs that significantly enhance patient outcomes. Proven skills in crisis management and staff training ensure teams are well-prepared to handle high-pressure situations. With nineteen years of management experience in high-acuity environments, adept at navigating the complexities of care for high-risk patients.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Manager
Wellpath
2022.01 - Current
- Supervisor Dr. Josephine Shaar, Regional Director of Mental Health
- Managed multidisciplinary teams (psychiatrists, MHPNPs, master's level clinicians, SUCs, LPTs), ensuring adherence to mental health protocols and best practices.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new staff, enhancing team competency in patient care.
- Facilitated crisis intervention strategies, improving response times and outcomes for at-risk patients.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to promote professional growth among staff.
- Collaborated with external agencies to coordinate seamless discharge planning for patients transitioning to community care.
- Streamlined documentation processes for increased efficiency in recording patient information and maintaining accurate records.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by organizing workshops, seminars, and trainings for staff development purposes.
- Supervised daily operations of mental health programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Analyzed treatment plans and outcomes, identifying areas for improvement in service delivery and patient satisfaction.
- Led interdisciplinary meetings to enhance communication among team members regarding patient progress and treatment adjustments.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using key performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Improved overall staff morale by acknowledging individual achievements with recognition awards and celebrating team successes.
- Reduced staff turnover by fostering a supportive work environment and providing ongoing training opportunities.
- Optimized resource allocation by utilizing data-driven decision-making techniques to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively.
- Increased patient engagement in their own treatment planning process through active listening techniques and empathetic communication skills.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through diligent monitoring of policies and procedures within the facility.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of staff performance, providing constructive feedback aimed at professional growth opportunities.
- Managed crisis situations calmly and effectively, deescalating tense situations while prioritizing patient safety at all times.
- Coordinated outreach efforts within the community to raise awareness about available mental health services provided by the organization.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans, addressing patients' mental health needs.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, enhancing referral networks and increasing access to mental health resources for patients.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss case management strategies, ensuring continuity of care for patients across various services.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Improved patient satisfaction by conducting regular assessments of care quality and addressing concerns promptly.
- Developed and implemented activities to help clients develop social and independent living skills.
- Implemented crisis intervention plans to support client safety.
- Collaborated with medical and clinical personnel to coordinate and implement client services.
- Educated clients and families about mental health issues, treatments and resources.
- Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
- Delivered individualized counseling services to clients working through issues such as mental illness and substance abuse.
- Revised individual treatment plans for clients with mental health concerns to obtain best possible outcomes.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
Mental Health Clinician III - Assessment Team Lead
Tulare County Office of Education
2014.02 - 2022.01
- Supervisor: Rebecca Nace, LMFT
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate clients' mental health needs, provide diagnosis(es), and develop tailored treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and enhance treatment outcomes for diverse populations.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions, improving client coping strategies and emotional resilience.
- Mentored junior clinicians, providing guidance on best practices in mental health treatment and case management.
- Developed training materials for staff on emerging mental health trends and intervention techniques to ensure ongoing education.
- Analyzed client progress data to refine therapeutic approaches and improve overall service delivery effectiveness.
- Provided crisis intervention services, de-escalating high-risk situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Developed tailored treatment plans by utilizing various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ABA, and solution-focused therapy.
- Trained new clinicians in agency policies and procedures, ensuring consistent service delivery across the organization.
- Evaluated treatment outcomes using standardized assessment tools and adjusting therapeutic interventions accordingly for optimal results.
- Contributed to ongoing professional development programs for staff members, sharing knowledge of current best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the broader mental health and educational system, ensuring access to necessary services and resources.
- Promoted a supportive environment by establishing rapport and trust with diverse clientele.
- Streamlined clinical documentation, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Prepared reports to summarize clients' mental health status and treatment progress.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Led team in executing operational strategies to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Analyzed performance metrics, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and celebrate achievements.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of projects and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
- Managed risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decisionmaking.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Program Director
ACES, Inc.
2007.06 - 2014.02
- Supervisor: Carrie Hinchibothom, BCBA- Clinical Director
- Led program development, aligning initiatives with organizational goals and community needs.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to assess program impact and inform decision-making.
- Fostered partnerships with stakeholders to expand resource availability and collaborative opportunities.
- Developed training materials and conducted workshops for staff professional development.
- Advocated for best practices in program management, contributing to organizational policy development and refinement.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
- Coordinated scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Promoted an inclusive environment by actively engaging diverse populations in all aspects of programming.
- Led change management initiatives, fostering a positive organizational culture during periods of transition.
- Consistently exceeded key performance indicators by adapting quickly to changes in program needs.
- Increased stakeholder satisfaction with proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
- Increased team productivity by implementing agile methodologies.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Kings View Counseling Services
2004.04 - 2007.06
- Supervisor: Shannon Quinn, LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
Family Services of Tulare County
2003.12 - 2004.04
- Supervisor: Mary Alice Boylan, LMFT
Internship as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Family Services of Tulare County
2003.05 - 2003.12
- Supervisor: Mary Alice Boylan
Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee
Fresno Family Counseling Center
2003.01 - 2003.05
- Supervisor: Dr. Diane Gehart
Professor’s assistant
California State University, Fresno
2003.01 - 2003.05
- Supervisor: Dr. Sari Dworkin
Substitute Teacher
Tulare County Office of Education
2002.01 - 2003.05
- Special Day Classes
Paraprofessional Aide
Fresno County Office of Education
2000.06 - 2000.07
- Adult Transition Program
Education
Master of Science Degree - Counseling, option in Marriage and Family Therapy
California State University, Fresno
Fresno2003-12
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
California State University, Fresno
Fresno2001-12
Associates of Arts Degree - undefined
College of the Sequoias
Visalia1999-12
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Social skills training
- Quality improvement
- Mental health counseling
- Developing relationships
- Motivational interviewing
- Suicide prevention
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavioral assessment
- Psychoeducation
- Clinical supervision
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Anger management
- Conflict de-escalation
- Crisis intervention
- Progress monitoring
- Building rapport
- Confidential records
- Treatment Planning
- Goal development/Client goal planning
- Therapeutic communication
- Safety and risk assessments
- Client outreach
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Patient safety
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Training and mentoring
- Employee supervision
- Team building
- HIPAA guidelines
Certification
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, license number 44414, issued March 26th, 2007
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst, certification number 1-11-9674, issued September 30th, 2011
Timeline
Mental Health Manager
Wellpath
2022.01 - Current
Mental Health Clinician III - Assessment Team Lead
Tulare County Office of Education
2014.02 - 2022.01
Program Director
ACES, Inc.
2007.06 - 2014.02
Marriage and Family Therapist
Kings View Counseling Services
2004.04 - 2007.06
Marriage and Family Therapist
Family Services of Tulare County
2003.12 - 2004.04
Internship as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Family Services of Tulare County
2003.05 - 2003.12
Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee
Fresno Family Counseling Center
2003.01 - 2003.05
Professor’s assistant
California State University, Fresno
2003.01 - 2003.05
Substitute Teacher
Tulare County Office of Education
2002.01 - 2003.05
Paraprofessional Aide
Fresno County Office of Education
2000.06 - 2000.07
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
California State University, Fresno
Associates of Arts Degree - undefined
College of the Sequoias
Master of Science Degree - Counseling, option in Marriage and Family Therapy
California State University, Fresno
Additional Experience
- Counseling for individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, group therapy, assessments, and crisis evaluations.
- Assess, create, and implement ABA programs in the home, school, and community settings.
- Provide quality assurance oversight of programming using operationally-defined measurement tools and data collection and interpretation.
- Direct training in organizational psychology and personnel management by Dr. Patrick Crilly.
- Direct management of 40 employees and indirect management of 350 employees. Providing mentoring and guidance to interning staff, as well as, monitoring supervisors’ caseload management, contract management, billable standards, and report writing.
- Providing weekly group/triadic and individual intern supervision for AMFTs and for BCBA candidates.
- Populations include: Mexican-American, Indigenous/Native-American, Caucasian-American, African-American, Indian-American, developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, psychosis, thought disorders, lesbian, gay, transgendered, children, adolescents, adults, mature adults, sexual assault victims, convicted batterers (male and female), and convicted male sexual offenders.