Anita Garces
Chicago,IL
Summary
To work in a field that speaks to the heart as well as presents challenges to stay ahead in education. Dedicated professional with strong background in providing evidence-based counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Skilled in developing treatment plans, conducting assessments and documenting progress. Committed to advocating for mental health and well-being of clients.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Placement Counselor
Hazelden Betty Ford
03.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- 5 intake assessments daily, as well as case management
Recovery Counselor
Trilogy Behavioral Health
10.2022 - 05.2024
- Recovery Counselor for an independent living facility
- Check-in with Clients, teaching and assisting with real-world problems and concerns
- Assisting with IADLS/ADLs
- Assisting Clients with appointments, scheduling, and medication distribution.
- Managed a case load of 12-13 people experiencing various degrees and diagnosis of mental health challenges
Recovery Counselor
Family Guidance Center
10.2018 - 07.2023
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor at MAT clinic
- Writing treatment plans, doing assessments, collaborating with probation, and counseling on ways to combat addiction.
- Managed a caseload of 125 patients with treatment plans and resources
- Working knowledge of MAT programs
- Able to develop relationships with Clients, while maintaining a professional boundary
Peer to Peer Support Specialist
Lake County Health Department
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Assisted Clients with real-world problems, provided life skills, crisis counseling and management, planning groups, and scheduled speakers for groups
- Worked with groups of adults with various mental health challenges
- Provided a safe space for real life discussion related to life skills and needs
- Maintained a confidential and safe atmosphere.
- HIPPA compliant
- Trauma Certified
Community Health Worker
Peace Corps Volunteer Uganda
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Health talks on HIV, hygiene, women's health issues
- Tutoring young women, taught host country nationals and medical centers alternative methods for efficiency of resources.
- Engaged in a public forum with local tribes related to healthy and safe sex practices
- Assisted in medication services for mothers and children
Front Desk Staff
Alexian Brothers/Harbor House
12.2012 - 04.2015
- Answered the phone, relayed messages and assisted residents with cooking, cleaning, and life skills
- Did small groups on safe sex practices and healthy relationships
- Organized and assisted with annual fundraising opportunities, such as the "Garden Party".
- Worked with six different individuals on nutrition, and solving real world issues
Cake Decorator, Crew Chief, Baker, and Manager Training Program
Jewel Osco
01.1994 - 12.2014
- Provided customer service, ordered supplies, and inventory, processed orders, and wrote schedules.
Education
Master of Science - Psychology of Addictions
Purdue Global University
Indianapolis, IN05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05.2015
Skills
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- HIPAA
- Mental Health Support
- Self-care strategies
- Client Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Behavior monitoring
- Adept at conflict resolution
- Treatment Planning
- Relapse Prevention
- Client Needs Assessment
- Intake assessments
- Multicultural Competence
- Crisis Intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
Certification
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor IL #36129, 05/01/22, 05/25/2024
Timeline
Patient Placement Counselor
Hazelden Betty Ford
03.2024 - Current
Recovery Counselor
Trilogy Behavioral Health
10.2022 - 05.2024
Recovery Counselor
Family Guidance Center
10.2018 - 07.2023
Peer to Peer Support Specialist
Lake County Health Department
01.2017 - 12.2018
Community Health Worker
Peace Corps Volunteer Uganda
01.2015 - 12.2017
Front Desk Staff
Alexian Brothers/Harbor House
12.2012 - 04.2015
Cake Decorator, Crew Chief, Baker, and Manager Training Program
Jewel Osco
01.1994 - 12.2014
Master of Science - Psychology of Addictions
Purdue Global University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology
Northeastern Illinois University