Kayla McKnight
Clinical Social Worker, LMSW
Sand Lake,MI
Summary
Dedicated clinical social worker with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Specialized in trauma and extensively trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Possesses a wealth of experience in community-based mental health, with a diverse background in serving clients with unique needs. Committed to providing exceptional service and support to the community. Seeks to enhance professional growth in a private practice setting.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Homebased Clinician
Newaygo County Mental Health
06.2020 - Current
- Delivers high-quality individual and family care for children and adolescents by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Implements crisis intervention strategies, ensuring immediate safety measures are in place for at-risk clients. Served on the Emergency Management Services Team conducting inpatient screenings and assessments for hospitalizations after hours.
- Implements evidence-based clinical practices and interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Facilitates DBT group sessions.
- Advocates for patients within the DHHS, court, school and community systems to ensure access to appropriate resources and services when needed.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities.
- Serves as a mentor to new clinicians, providing guidance on techniques, documentation standards, and ethical considerations in practice.
- Chairs the Trauma Informed Systems of Care Committee with focus on ensuring the agency maintains a trauma informed approach for clients and staff. Committee aims to reduce the affects of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue for staff through events and presentations.
- Effectively collaborates care within systems of teams including psychiatric services, case management, wrap around, adult team, autism services, respite, parent support, and peer support.
- Facilitates and teaches Mental Health First Aid to the community and community partners and agencies.
Adult & Youth Team Intern
Newago County Mental Health
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Provided Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), therapy, and case management to consumers on case load.
- Participated in a variety of shadowing opportunities with colleagues.
- Utilized PCE system to manage cases, complete treatment plans, case notes, referrals, etc..
- Participated in and completed trainings available through agency.
- Provided advocacy and quality person centered care to all consumers.
Ministry & Outreach Assistant
Mel Trotter Ministries
01.2018 - 11.2018
- Provided administrative support and leadership in the Ministry and Outreach department.
- Facilitated outreach and relationships with area churches and organizations.
- Participated in the planning of events for ministry residents.
- Managed and connected volunteers to department and organization.
Executive Assistant
Mel Trotter Ministries
06.2013 - 12.2017
- Provided administrative support to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors.
- Served as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team.
- Ran events and completed projects as directed.
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures.
Developmental Care Specialist
Wedgwood Christian Services
04.2013 - 06.2013
Education
Bachelor of Science - Church Ministries, Psychology
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL 05.2001 -
Master of Social Work -
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 08.2017 - 06.2020
Skills
Client Care & Advocacy
Cultural Competence
Therapeutic Rapport
Therapeutic Interventions
Evidence-Based Practice
Multidisciplinary & Holistic Approach
Diagnosis and Treatment
Treatment Planning & Clinical Documentation
Leadership & Organization
Teaching, Facilitating and Presentation
Community Collaboration & Teamwork
Volunteer Experience
- PR Connect Board Chair, Pine Rest Foundation, 01/16 - 12/18
References
Emily McCambridge, LMSW
Homebased Clinician, Newaygo County Mental Health
231-740-7796
Kailey Peterson, LMSW
School Social Worker, Fremont Middle School
231-955-8830
Abbey Sladick, MB
Priority Health, Manager of Community Relations
616-901-8146
Eric Nykamp, LMSW
Clinical Director, Adolescent & Family Behavioral Health Services
Timeline
Homebased Clinician
Newaygo County Mental Health
06.2020 - Current
Adult & Youth Team Intern
Newago County Mental Health
09.2018 - 05.2020
Ministry & Outreach Assistant
Mel Trotter Ministries
01.2018 - 11.2018
Master of Social Work -
Western Michigan University
08.2017 - 06.2020
Executive Assistant
Mel Trotter Ministries
06.2013 - 12.2017
Developmental Care Specialist
Wedgwood Christian Services
04.2013 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Church Ministries, Psychology
Southeastern University
05.2001 -
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