Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ashley Foster

Redwood City,CA

Summary

Counseling professional with strong foundation in SUD case management / counseling and client advocacy. Successfully implemented individualized treatment plans, leading to significant improvements in client well-being. Highly collaborative team player, known for adaptability and results-driven approach. Proficient in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, community outreach, and referrals.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Bilingual SUD Counselor

El Centro De Libertad
07.2024 - Current
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
  • ALAS Carino Project ( Community Outreach)
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals like SMC probation, SMC Mental health, SMC courts/Mental Health Diversion, SMC CPS and others involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Improved client coping mechanisms with introduction of evidence-based practices.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.

Volunteer

Non- Paid
07.2021 - Current
  • Assisted with homelessness referrals for intake.
  • Interviewed potential clients.
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
  • Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
  • Conducted outreach to local referral sources to build strong partnerships for supportive services.
  • Explained medical care options to help families make informed healthcare decisions.

Blood Ambassador

American Red Cross Blood Services
04.2021 - Current
  • Supported patients and family members, actively listening to concerns and offering compassionate care.
  • Disinfected tools, equipment and surfaces between patients.
  • Answered patient inquiries and provided information about healthcare services.
  • Took and recorded patients' vital signs, documenting in medical charts.

SUD Counselor/Case Manager

Addiction Research/ BAART Programs (VA)
07.2023 - 08.2024
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Completed medication requests/ San Mateo County /Santa Clara County jail dosing orders.

Advocate/Volunteer

Trees Of Righteousness
07.2021 - 07.2023
  • Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
  • Researched services available In areas of need of individuals eligible for services needed by survivors.
  • Created videos for social media.

Medical Assistant

Dr Marinkovich
05.2004 - 05.2005

Education

Bachelor of Art (emphasis in Addiction) - Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
01-2025

SUD - Substance Abuse

ADCSI
Arizona
01-2023

Medical Assistant - Health

Bryan College
San Francisco, CA
04.2004

Skills

  • Skilled in intake interviewing
  • Counseling
  • HIPAA
  • Client advocacy
  • Crisis response
  • Psychoeducation
  • Treatment Planning
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English
  • Relapse prevention
  • Intervention planning
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Case management proficiency
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
  • Group facilitator
  • Outreach programming specialist
  • Addictions specialist
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Exceptional problem solver
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Documentation and reporting

Certification

SAMHSA.GOV

Working on the front lines of the Opioid Overdose Crisis

For Public Safety

Valid from April 2021.

SAMHSA.GOV

Creating Safe Scenes

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

For Public Safety

Valid from April 2021

SAMHSA.GOV

Merced College / Public safety program

August, 2021

California Red Cross

Blood Born Pathogens/CPR/BLS

April, 2024

English

Native or Bilingual

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Bilingual SUD Counselor

El Centro De Libertad
07.2024 - Current

SUD Counselor/Case Manager

Addiction Research/ BAART Programs (VA)
07.2023 - 08.2024

Volunteer

Non- Paid
07.2021 - Current

Advocate/Volunteer

Trees Of Righteousness
07.2021 - 07.2023

Blood Ambassador

American Red Cross Blood Services
04.2021 - Current

Medical Assistant

Dr Marinkovich
05.2004 - 05.2005

Bachelor of Art (emphasis in Addiction) - Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

SUD - Substance Abuse

ADCSI

Medical Assistant - Health

Bryan College