Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

April Villa Laura

Ashland

Summary

Demonstrated leadership and innovative program development skills. Successfully implemented a mental health initiative (PACT-Y) to prevent out-of-home placements for adolescents with severe mental health challenges and improved substance abuse treatment for women in recovery. Led DEIB committees in multiple states and served as a Wayside Equity Trainer, facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion training sessions. Provided intensive care coordination and therapy for MassHealth families, managing treatment plans and interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Also offered crisis intervention and support as an Intake Coordinator to ensure timely access to care.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

DEIB Co-Chair

Lifestance Health
01.2025 - Current
  • Facilitated DEIB committees across MA, RI, NH, and ME to enhance communication and collaboration.
  • Implemented targeted programs, workshops, and community engagement activities to foster a culture of equity and belonging.
  • Facilitated mutual understanding and collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes.

Therapist

LifeStance Health
09.2024 - Current
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions using evidence-based therapeutic methods.
  • Developed and adjusted treatment plans based on ongoing assessments and outcomes.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, effectively managing emergencies with therapeutic techniques.

Wayside Equity Trainer

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
05.2021 - Current
  • Led VCR training sessions to enhance DEI practices in Massachusetts agencies.
  • Tailored training resources to suit specific requirements of different groups.
  • Evaluated training sessions by collecting feedback to enhance DEI initiatives.

Intake Manager/ Supervisor

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
01.2024 - 10.2024
  • Oversaw clinicians conducting intake assessments, ensuring efficient and accurate referral processing.
  • Offered immediate support and guidance to manage urgent needs.
  • Facilitated interagency partnerships to enhance access to appropriate care levels for families.

Clinician

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
09.2019 - 09.2024
  • Coordinated intensive care for MassHealth families, managing all aspects of clients' mental health care.
  • Delivered therapeutic services across in-home and outpatient environments, tailoring strategies to individual family requirements.
  • Coordinated with clients, families, and service providers to establish complete treatment plans.

Assistant Program Director- PACT-Y

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Facilitated hiring, training, and evaluation processes for new program employees.
  • Designed program to address needs of adolescents facing severe mental health issues.
  • Led team of mental health providers, enhancing professional growth.
  • Monitored program outcomes to boost service effectiveness.

Mental Health Technician (overnight)

Hospital for Behavioral Medicine
09.2019 - 06.2020
  • Facilitated safety protocols within patient areas.
  • Delivered consistent patient care, supervision, and interaction across diverse age groups from preschool to geriatrics.

Family Life Coach

Worcester Housing Authority
10.2016 - 08.2019
  • Managed caseload of 15-30 families, conducting weekly or bi-weekly home visits.
  • Planned weekly and long-term case plan development.
  • Maintained consistent engagement with clients and agencies to address requirements.

Program Coordinator

Community Healthlink
01.2015 - 07.2016
  • Managed program framework and operational guidelines.
  • Interviewed prospective candidates for hire, provided direct supervision to over 12 staff, and supervised orientation and job duties of all hired staff

Various Positions

Community Healthlink
11.2009 - 01.2015
  • 1. Adjunct Program Coordinator-Sagamore Road (2015)- Coordinated programs within a DMH (CBFS) setting for six clients with dual diagnoses.
  • 2. Treatment Coordinator (2013-2015)- Developed and executed treatment strategies tailored to program phases.
  • 3. Rehabilitation Specialist (2011-2013)-Directed the formation and management of recovery support groups.
  • 4. Relief Residential Counselor (2009-2011)

Education

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

Becker College
Worcester, MA
05.2020

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Worcester State University
Worcester, MA
05.2013

Skills

  • Leadership and Communication
  • Curriculum Development
  • Tutoring & Coaching (Academic & Vocational)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Program Development
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Intake & Case Management Experience
  • Individual / Group Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention & Management

Certification

  • LMHC June 2023 to Present
  • Licensed mental health clinician in the state of MA.
  • Driver's License

Timeline

DEIB Co-Chair

Lifestance Health
01.2025 - Current

Therapist

LifeStance Health
09.2024 - Current

Intake Manager/ Supervisor

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
01.2024 - 10.2024

Assistant Program Director- PACT-Y

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
01.2023 - 01.2024

Wayside Equity Trainer

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
05.2021 - Current

Mental Health Technician (overnight)

Hospital for Behavioral Medicine
09.2019 - 06.2020

Clinician

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
09.2019 - 09.2024

Family Life Coach

Worcester Housing Authority
10.2016 - 08.2019

Program Coordinator

Community Healthlink
01.2015 - 07.2016

Various Positions

Community Healthlink
11.2009 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Worcester State University

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

Becker College

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