Andrea Simandy Chiappa LPC
Moodus,CT
Summary
Dedicated licensed counselor that brings 30 years of experience to the position of adjunct professor. Population served ranges from 3 to 96 years of age. Experience in individual therapy, marital therapy, group, family therapy, play therapy, child development, as well as certification in Biofeedback. Has led workshops, worked with clients within the CT and NJ State systems, including foster children and family services. Has supervised students in counseling programs. Works within communities of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Empathetic and views the whole client that extends to family, as well as the outside community. Actively participates in volunteer work around the country helping those less fortunate, as well as those who have suffered due to natural disasters. Seeking to work with students as upcoming mental health professionals and help shape their foundation to serve their future clients and their communities.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Professional Counselor
Self Employed
Moodus, CT
05.1992 - Current
- Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
- Performed outreach activities within the community to raise awareness about mental health issues.
- Evaluated patients to determine need for transfer to specialized inpatient mental health facilities.
- Attended relevant trainings, seminars, and conferences related to mental health care.
- Provided supervision and in-house activities to support program participants.
- Conducted assessments to identify mental health issues, diagnose disorders, and develop treatment plans.
- Listened to personal stories, asked probing questions and offered knowledgeable advice for different situations.
- Coordinated resources to support clients and help each achieve targets.
- Educated families about available community resources for additional support services.
- Monitored changes in symptoms or behavior over time to assess progress towards treatment goals.
- Facilitated therapeutic groups that addressed treatment issues and reinforced patient's treatment plan.
- Maintained accurate clinical records in accordance with state regulations and agency policies.
- Coordinated referrals for specialty care when needed.
- Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
- Advised family members on how best to support the client's recovery process.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy during sessions with clients.
- Assigned group or family sessions to assist with modifying problem behaviors.
- Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
- Acted as client advocate to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Assisted clients in developing problem-solving skills and strategies for emotional regulation.
- Directed, coordinated and evaluated activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
- Collaborated to set goals and outline steps to achieve objectives.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups focused on topics such as stress management, communication skills, anger management, and self-esteem building.
- Documented patient progress through counseling and interaction.
- Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
- Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
- Documented meetings, interventions and contacts with clients to optimize care.
- Kept pace with changes in research on diagnostic and treatment protocols to give best possible support to clients.
- Conferred with clients to discuss treatment options and therapy goals.
- Counseled clients physical, mental factors impacting personal success.
- Planned and completed group projects, working smoothly with others.
- Collected personal data and insurance information from patients to complete intake paperwork.
Caseworker
Division Of Child And Family Services
Paterson, NJ
- Created monthly reports summarizing caseload activities for review by supervisor.
- Recorded comprehensive case notes and follow up documentation for admitted and transferred clients.
- Attended court hearings when appropriate to provide testimony regarding client status or progress towards goals.
- Developed relationships with local agencies to ensure access to necessary services for clients.
- Assisted clients with job searches, budgeting, parenting skills, housing resources and other social services as needed.
- Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary by responding quickly to urgent requests from clients or referral sources.
- Coordinated case management functions through placement monitoring, crisis intervention and discharge planning.
- Collected and reviewed supplementary records to better understand patient history.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss case management strategies and review progress towards established goals.
- Maintained accurate records of client information in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Sunday School Teacher
First Congregational Church of Deep River
Deep River, CT
- Used various instructional methods such as lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, role-playing exercises.
- Developed lesson plans according to Church's curriculum and general bible study.
- Maintained accurate student records including attendance, grades, and progress reports.
- Attended missionary trips to various areas to help natives learn about religion and complete charity work.
- Ensured a safe environment by supervising students at all times.
- Arrived before Sunday School class began to supervise and develop relationships with children.
- Prepared and presented Sunday School lessons, utilizing teacher guide and other creative resources.
- Provided childcare services during large-scale church events or trips.
- Volunteered with various organizations, coordinating resources and outreach to help accomplish core mission.
- Supported special events such as field trips and holiday parties for students.
- Created an inclusive environment where each student felt respected and valued.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
Long Island University
Tarrytown, NYBachelor of Arts - Child and Family Studies
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJSkills
- Lecturer
- Mental Health Assessment
- Workshop Leader
- Mental Health Support
- Peer Counseling/Supervision
- Grief Counseling
- Office Administration
- Therapy
- Client Advocacy
- Counseling
- Client Records Management
- Client Counseling
- Superior Communication Skills
- Building Rapport
- Clinical Experience
- Diagnostic Ability
- Parenting Skills Educator
- Family Therapy Aptitude
- Group Therapy
- Public Speaking
Affiliations
- Chair of the Board of Christian Service providing services to those in need.
- Teen Issues program mentor
- Volunteer Work (ie Midnight Run for the homeless, Katrina Relief)
- Travel
- Swimming
- Writing
- Photography
Accomplishments
- Organized and executed a large scale collection and shipment of over 240 pallets containing supplies for maternity hospitals in Ukraine.
- Organized and executed medical supply collection for Ukraine.
- Organized and executed clothing collection for the homeless and shelters in CT and NYC.
- Ran church Christmas Fair for 5 years as the church's largest fundraiser.
Certification
- Licensed in the State of Connecticut as a Counselor.
- Certified in Biofeedback
Languages
Hungarian
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Licensed Professional Counselor
Self Employed
05.1992 - Current
Caseworker
Division Of Child And Family Services
Sunday School Teacher
First Congregational Church of Deep River
Master of Arts - Counseling
Long Island University
Bachelor of Arts - Child and Family Studies
Montclair State University