Brenda Costner
451 Dolphin St, Caledonia ,MI
Summary
Seasoned human services leader with over 30 years of experience directing housing, mental health, and employment programs for diverse populations. Expertise in program development, supervision, trauma-informed care, and cross-agency collaboration. Skilled in staff leadership, crisis management, and outcome-focused service delivery. Recognized for building strong teams, developing innovative programs, and advancing organizational missions. Willing to relocate: Anywhere Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Director
Degage Ministries
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2025 - Current
- - Direct four housing programs for women with chronic homelessness, SMI, substance use, and developmental disabilities (up to 40 residents).
- - Launching a new Complex Care program in Grand Rapids.
- - Provide restorative leadership while collaborating with five Directors to advance mission and growth.
- - Collect and analyze data on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) to improve service outcomes.
Clinical Services Supervisor – IDD Youth
HealthWest
Muskegon, MI
11.2017 - 01.2025
- - Supervised clinicians, case managers, and direct support professionals serving youth with IDD/Autism.
- - Developed person-centered plans, facilitated IEPs, and coordinated behavioral health services.
- - Led Youth Mobile Crisis team, providing 24-hour crisis response and safety planning.
- - Facilitated youth and family groups, conducted assessments (Vineland, PECFAS, CAFAS, CANS).
- - Certified in Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement.
Clinical Manager
Pine Rest Mental Health Services
Kalamazoo, MI
08.2016 - 11.2017
- - Directed two short-term crisis residential homes for adults with SMI.
- - Supervised 20 staff, oversaw intakes/discharges, budget, CARF compliance, and county billing.
- - Trained staff on recovery-based practices and crisis intervention.
Coordinator
Cluster Community Services
Yonkers, NY
01.2010 - 12.2016
- - Managed 24-hour congregate care for individuals with SPMI/Dual Diagnosis.
- - Supervised staff, ensured OMH compliance, developed treatment and service plans.
- - Served on multidisciplinary team to improve policies and incident review procedures.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
St. Vincent's Hospital - Westchester Division
Harrison, NY
03.2012 - 11.2013
- PROS - Personalized Recovery Oriented Services- State of New York
- Conducted recovery groups with established service delivery through PROS curriculum
- Participated in multidisciplinary group to evaluate individual goals and outcomes.
- Worked closely with peer mentors to ensure services were initiated by peers and led by individuals with SMI.
- Maintained clinical and case management responsibility as a primary care clinician.
- Developed job matches in community based on client skill set.
- Provided on-going rehabilitation services to client in the community.
- Provided intake, psychosocial and on-going assessments.
- Job Match from entry level to advance degreed with emphasis on SMI and disabled populations.
Supervisor
Young Adult Institute
Bronx, NY
01.1989 - 12.2010
- - Managed employment & training services for individuals with DSM-IV & dual diagnosis.
- - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, St. Vincent's Hospital (Harrison, NY) – Facilitated PROS recovery groups, job matching, and case management.
Job Developer/Work Base Learning Director
Culinary Arts and Security
Grand Rapids, MI
05.2006 - 08.2006
- Developed and upgraded positions for at risk youth in the following vocations: Carpentry, Certified Nurse Aides, Building and Apartment Maintenance, Business Technology, Culinary Arts and Security.
- Developed Work base Learning sites, job shadowing and internships.
- Set up on site job fairs with multiple and individual businesses.
- Assisted students continue educational goals with colleges, universities and apprenticeships.
- Networked with business, medical and corporate communities.
Manager- Computer Skills Enhancement Program
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Valhalla, NY
04.2002 - 03.2004
- Responsible for counseling and assessing TANF recipients towards ending public assistance
- Marketed Computer Skills Enhancement Training Program for TANF/TANF eligible
- Developed job opportunities and upgraded existing positions
- Hired and trained support staff
- Provided case management and job readiness services
- Responsible for recruitment and retention of clients
Education
M.S. - Psychology
MERCY COLLEGE
Dobbs Ferry, NYB.S. - Psychology, Political Science
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Mount Pleasant, MISkills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Addiction support strategies
- Trauma-informed care experience
- Advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities
- Regulatory oversight
- Mobile crisis intervention for IDD and SMI
- Strategic program leadership
- Health-focused intervention techniques
- Presentation creation
- Working with people with disabilities
- Efficient data management
Timeline
Housing Director
Degage Ministries
01.2025 - Current
Clinical Services Supervisor – IDD Youth
HealthWest
11.2017 - 01.2025
Clinical Manager
Pine Rest Mental Health Services
08.2016 - 11.2017
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
St. Vincent's Hospital - Westchester Division
03.2012 - 11.2013
Coordinator
Cluster Community Services
01.2010 - 12.2016
Job Developer/Work Base Learning Director
Culinary Arts and Security
05.2006 - 08.2006
Manager- Computer Skills Enhancement Program
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
04.2002 - 03.2004
Supervisor
Young Adult Institute
01.1989 - 12.2010
B.S. - Psychology, Political Science
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
M.S. - Psychology
MERCY COLLEGE