Avrena Azer
Richmond,VA
Summary
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student (Adler School) and first-generation Egyptian American with a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. My perspective is deeply informed by the 2005 migration experience, fostering a specialized focus on cultural adaptation, language barriers, and underserved populations.
My therapeutic orientation is Adlerian, emphasizing the impact of family systems and social environments on personality development. I advocate for a mind-body holistic approach, recognizing that trauma manifests physically through tension and dysregulation.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Childcare Provider
VCU Health Child Care Center at Northside
800 W Graham Rd, Richmond, VA 23222
11.2025 - Current
- Provide full-day care and developmentally appropriate education for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years for VCU faculty, staff, and students.
- Implement the STREAMin3 curriculum, utilizing a research-based, play-based, and constructivist approach to learning.
- Facilitate the development of children's regulation skills, focusing on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding children's progress and any concerns observed during care.
- Adapted daily routines based on individual children's needs, preferences, and developmental stages.
Volunteer Youth Group President
Archangel Michael & St. Anthony Coptic Church
Midlothian, VA
01.2023 - Current
- Present facilitated religious and age-appropriate proposals and monthly activity plans to community leaders.
- De-escalate and resolve interpersonal conflicts through youth and family counseling.
- Direct fundraising efforts, successfully collecting $4,000 for community infrastructure such as a new playground.
- Led community outreach initiatives to enhance church engagement and participation.
- Facilitated communication between church leadership and congregation, promoting inclusivity.
Sunday School Teacher
Archangel Michael & St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church
Midlothian, VA
09.2019 - Current
- Deliver Biblical curriculum to students ranging from third grade to high school.
- Created and executed a nature camp curriculum for 45 children, integrating art, gardening, and church history.
- Built the "Miracle Garden" in honor of a community member, involving the adolescent congregation in the planting process.
- Prepared age-appropriate weekly lesson plans aligned with church teachings.
Social Case Worker
Atron Foundation
Richmond, VA 23230
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Offered crisis intervention and home services to clients facing housing insecurity, rehabilitation, or deep psychological trauma.
- Managed a caseload of three clients, assisting them in gaining access to essential medical, social, and educational services.
- Provided mental health skill-building support to help individuals restore baseline functioning and independence.
- Coordinated comprehensive housing logistics for a client facing homelessness, including securing housing through affiliated contacts and organizing volunteer teams for moving and setup.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate records to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
Childcare Educator
Child Development Center of Wyndham
11601 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
05.2021 - 12.2023
- Observed classes of up to 20 students to identify and support individuals with additional needs.
- Applied play and nature-based strategies to provide diverse cultural and social approaches to learning.
- Fostered a safe, nurturing environment for children to explore and grow socially.
- Implemented hands-on learning opportunities that encouraged exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills among children.
- Established a safe, secure, and inclusive classroom setting where all children felt welcomed and valued.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adler Graduate School
10225 Yellow Cir Dr, Minnetonka, MN 5534305-2027
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05-2024
Skills
- CPR/AED & First Aid Certification
- Child & Youth Development
- Community Reintegration
- Active Listening & Empathy
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Rapport Building
- Multicultural & Ethical Awareness
- Social Justice Advocacy
- Creative Arts
- Organizational Growth
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Professional Working
Timeline
Childcare Provider
VCU Health Child Care Center at Northside
11.2025 - Current
Social Case Worker
Atron Foundation
10.2024 - 06.2025
Volunteer Youth Group President
Archangel Michael & St. Anthony Coptic Church
01.2023 - Current
Childcare Educator
Child Development Center of Wyndham
05.2021 - 12.2023
Sunday School Teacher
Archangel Michael & St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church
09.2019 - Current
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adler Graduate School
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University