Ayla Mendez, ADT
18821 Poppyseed Lane,MD
Summary
Diligent Addictions Counselor with solid background in mental health, providing support and guidance to individuals on their recovery journeys. Proven track record in creating personalized treatment plans and facilitating group therapy sessions. Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport, fostering compassionate and secure environment for clients. Strong foundation in therapeutic techniques and client support. Known for collaborative team efforts and consistently achieving positive outcomes in client recovery. Dependable in dynamic environments, adapting to evolving needs of clients and colleagues. Expertise in motivational interviewing and crisis intervention.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Addictions Counselor
The Orenda Center of Wellness
06.2023 - Current
- Reduced relapse rates by implementing evidence-based counseling techniques and personalized treatment plans.
- Enhanced group therapy dynamics by fostering a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences.
- Conducted thorough assessments, gathering information on clients'' substance use history, mental health status, and psychosocial factors influencing their addiction.
- Increased client engagement in treatment with creative interventions, such as art therapy and mindfulness practices.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation of client progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Established rapport with diverse clientele through cultural competence training sessions attended regularly.
Addictions Counselor
Wells House
06.2021 - 05.2023
- Developed strong therapeutic alliances with each client which contributed towards better engagement in the treatment process.
- Enhanced professional knowledge by attending regular trainings on emerging trends in addiction counseling techniques.
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute distress or suicidal ideation, ensuring their safety and referring them to appropriate resources.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques when working with resistant clients which led to increased commitment in treatment.
Residential Rehabilitation Facilitator
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Residential Treatment Center
01.2017 - 06.2021
- Made home visits to off-site residential clients
- Reduced behavioral incidents by employing de-escalation techniques and maintaining a calm environment.
- Developed strong rapport with residents through empathetic listening and compassionate communication strategies.
- Maintained safe and supportive residential environments for at-risk individuals, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
Crisis Counselor
Safe Journey House Crisis Center
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Provided timely assistance to individuals in crisis, utilizing active listening skills and empathy to establish rapport quickly.
- Managed high-stress situations with a calm demeanor, providing the necessary support to both clients and team members during challenging times.
- Developed resources for clients in need, connecting them with community services and programs that best suited their situation.
Academic Mentor
Wor-Wic Community College
01.2010 - 04.2015
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce anxiety of failure in writing
- Evaluated and documented student progress and behavior, recommending tactics to improve tutoring effectiveness
- Worked with students in classrooms, small study areas or home environments to provide educational support
Education
Certificate of Chemical Dependency Counseling - Addiction Counseling
Wor-Wic Community College
Salisbury, MD05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major Psychology And History
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD12.2011
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Wic Community College
Salisbury Maryland2009
Skills
- Group therapy facilitation
- Evidence-based practices
- Motivational interviewing
- Client assessments
- Treatment planning
- Documentation proficiency
- Client advocacy
- Trauma-informed care
- Psychoeducation delivery
- Multicultural competence
- Co-occurring disorders
- Relapse prevention
Affiliations
- Volunteer for Hope and Outreach Program for the Homeless and The Joseph House (Salisbury, Maryland)
- Guest Lecturer on ECT Treatment for Wor-Wic Community College
- Member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Member of National Association for Addictions Professionals
- Certified CPR, First Aid, and NARCAN Instructor
Timeline
Addictions Counselor
The Orenda Center of Wellness
06.2023 - Current
Addictions Counselor
Wells House
06.2021 - 05.2023
Residential Rehabilitation Facilitator
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Residential Treatment Center
01.2017 - 06.2021
Crisis Counselor
Safe Journey House Crisis Center
06.2016 - 12.2016
Academic Mentor
Wor-Wic Community College
01.2010 - 04.2015
Certificate of Chemical Dependency Counseling - Addiction Counseling
Wor-Wic Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Double Major Psychology And History
Salisbury University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Wic Community College
Similar Profiles
Sondra SiesSondra Sies
Outpatient Registrar at Medical City Mental Health and Wellness Center Frisco (Formerly Haven Wellness Center)Outpatient Registrar at Medical City Mental Health and Wellness Center Frisco (Formerly Haven Wellness Center)
Shirley IssakhanShirley Issakhan
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Orenda Family Therapy ServicesLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Orenda Family Therapy Services
Mirella MirandaMirella Miranda
Chief Stewardess at M/Y OrendaChief Stewardess at M/Y Orenda