Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Candace Foster

Fairmont,North Carolina

Summary

Compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with extensive experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Leading by example, exhibiting skill in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, crisis management, and individualized care to diverse populations. Proficient in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing treatment plans, and delivering treatment services to address mental health disorders, addiction, and co-occurring conditions. Strong background in trauma-informed care, group facilitation, and motivational interviewing. Adept at building rapport with clients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams/stakeholders, and advocating for patient-centered approaches to recovery. Committed to ensuring resilience, promoting wellness, and supporting clients in achieving long-term personal growth and recovery.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Adjunct Faculty (online)

University of the People
Fairmont, North Carolina
08.2024 - Current
  • Teach fully online, nine-week courses in a learning management system, providing instruction aligned with course objectives to ensure mastery of learning outcomes
  • Dedicate approximately 15 hours per week per course to actively engaging with a diverse, global student body, fostering an inclusive and supportive virtual learning environment
  • Maintain a consistent instructor presence through frequent check-ins, responsive communication, and timely feedback on assignments and inquiries
  • Facilitate discussion forums by posting thought-provoking questions, moderating discussions, and encouraging meaningful student interaction
  • Assess and grade learning journals, assignments, and peer evaluations, ensuring fairness and accuracy in evaluating student performance
  • Collaborate with Faculty Affairs administrators to address course-related issues and ensure smooth course delivery
  • Monitor and manage course grades, submitting final grades by established deadlines
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability to support students from diverse cultural, political, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds
  • Suitable to instruct the following courses: Emotional Intelligence; Introduction to Health Psychology; Introduction to Psychology; Introduction to Sociology; Human Development in Global Perspective; Online Education Strategies; Psychopathology and Mental Health

Educator

Public Schools of Robeson County
Fairmont, North Carolina
08.2017 - Current
  • Educated over 100 students in K-6 all content areas provided through classroom and/or online instruction to students using multiple teaching strategies to include synchronous and asynchronous learning within a 7-year timeframe
  • Currently services as a 6th year grade-level chair, demonstrating leadership and organizational skills
  • Collaborating effectively as a member of Federal District Improvement Team, District Improvement Team, District Parental Advisory Board, and Curriculum Development Team
  • Achieved academic growth of at least 80% annually, scoring proficient and distinguished on Teacher Observations and Evaluations
  • Implemented rigorous instruction strategies and effectively managed diverse and multicultural classrooms
  • Created digital learning environments utilizing 75% technology instruction for online, virtual, and remote learning
  • Oversaw 100% digital technology use and addressed concerns in collaboration with state and local media specialists
  • Utilized Canvas LMS and other resources to develop blended learning programs for educators, technology coaches, and district staff; utilize teaching techniques and procedures such as technology and internet to access current trends, research, and development in teaching areas
  • Prepare and execute lesson plans that are aligned with curriculum standards, along with additional educational materials tailored to meet the needs of each student, enhancing student learning outcomes
  • Employed evidence-based instructional practices to support student learning and comprehension
  • Utilize current principles of test development and administration to develop and prepare tests (assessments) to evaluate student performance, using data to evaluate student growth, prepare progress reports, and gauge performance
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities
  • Analyzed student data collaboratively with colleagues to improve overall academic performance
  • Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and foster a collaborative approach to education
  • Maintain accurate records of student attendance and performance, as well as other records that are required

Tutor

Remind Tutor
Fairmont, North Carolina
04.2022 - 04.2024
  • Deliver 100% one-on-one interactive reading and mathematics tutoring services for students who are in need of additional assistance, building foundations that support long-term academic success
  • Develop and prepare personalized lesson plans for students who may need to catch up, get ahead, or master educational concepts
  • Strong collaboration and bond with students and parents, engaging all parties in support of academic growth processes
  • Utilize current trends, techniques, and advances in distance learning to provide a learning environment that supports student success
  • Utilized personalized teaching strategies to help struggling students improve their understanding of complex subjects
  • Implemented innovative tutoring techniques to engage students and foster a positive learning environment
  • Monitored students' progress and provided constructive feedback to help them achieve academic success, providing prompt and appropriate professional correspondence

Referral Coordinator

Eastpointe Human Services
Lumberton, North Carolina
02.2015 - 08.2017
  • Complete the initial screening, triage, and referral (STR) process for members calling or entering into the call center seeking various health needs and services; anticipate customer needs and provide customers with related information to answer questions and resolve issues
  • Available 24/7 to assist with handling requests and telephone inquiries; utilizing a script, averaging 30-50 calls per day; follow up by telephone and email correspondence
  • Assist with crisis calls to include collaborating with licensed clinicians to meet member's crisis needs
  • Conduct clinical and administrative duties to include: schedule appointments; data entry into electronic medical records and reports; transfer or direct calls to appropriate Eastpointe personnel and department; collaborate with various community resources for public health services access

Adjunct Instructor

Bladen Community College
Duplin, North Carolina
07.2015 - 08.2015
  • Courses taught: Introduction to Psychology and Health Wellness (Introduction to Physical Education)
  • Utilize teaching skills to provide instruction for community college face-to-face and online (virtual/remote/hybrid) educational environments, responsible for: academic advising, supervision, and evaluation of students in the course as well as course assessments for the department, attend scheduled meetings, maintain accurate records to ensure student success, grade student work, maintain engaging and interactive online environment, facilitate effective contact
  • Develop, implement, and maintain current curriculum and syllabi for various pedagogy courses, using current trends, research, and development for areas of instruction
  • Serve as a member of college committees, attend meetings, and coordinate plans to ensure institutional effectiveness
  • Extensive knowledge to develop Blackboard Learning Management System and Moodle to create an online/face-to-face course room for students to engage in an exciting online learning environment
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships with various individuals
  • Used a variety of teaching techniques to cater to the various learning styles in both on-campus and online courses to appeal to diverse learning styles and abilities
  • Developed courses in line with the curriculum requirements of the Psychology Department
  • Fostered students’ commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes and current events
  • Provided ongoing assessments of student progress and regular feedback to help students understand what they need to improve and help them succeed
  • Worked with a varied student population and accommodate their unique and diverse interests, talents, and backgrounds
  • Maintained current knowledge in the field of psychology to incorporate the latest research, theory, and application
  • Stayed up-to-date on admissions policies and procedures, along with available student services, educational programs, and transfer requirements to appropriately refer students as necessary
  • Assisted students with career and degree options within the field of psychology
  • Demonstrated a continued commitment to undergraduate learning through full participation in the college community

Program Director/Qualified Professional

Positive Progress Services
Pembroke, North Carolina
09.2011 - 08.2014
  • Supervise 20 employees while managing a $100,000 program budget; collaborating with human resources: Reviewed potential applicants, interviewed job applicants, hired and orient staff, conducted performance evaluations, terminated employees
  • Director of two programs: Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Day Treatment Services
  • Review and process contract requests, ensuring the accuracy and compliance with organization’s policies and standards
  • Draft, issue, revise, and track contracts for the provider, ensuring timely and efficient completion of contract packages for services
  • Monitor contractor compliance, taking proactive steps to address potential risks
  • Develop educational curriculum and lessons for adult learners, increasing basic education participation by 75%
  • Assist in creating year-end budget and projected budget for organization programs financing and marketing
  • Develop long-range/short-range planning of goals for the company, projecting 100% success for the company and programs and meeting organizational needs through planning and directing
  • Conduct case management duties required of qualified professionals for clients receiving MH/SA/SU/IDD services

Health and Wellness Coach

Southeastern Regional Medical Center
Lumberton, North Carolina
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Account for overall health and wellness that lead to an increase in at least 75% progress and growth of all clients
  • Conduct surveys and assessments of approximately 30 employees and community needs in order to provide educational and instructional classes of health/wellness/fitness/nutrition to hospital employees based on those needs
  • Build personalized plans and teaching materials to target clients' individual needs and track progress of each client with a secure filing system, following confidentiality requirements
  • Customize and educate clients to incorporate healthier food and lifestyle choices geared towards achieving health and overall quality of life
  • Draft and implement policies and procedures and various marketing tools for community involvement

Mental Health Supervisor

Native Angels Homecare Agency
Pembroke, North Carolina
05.2004 - 07.2010
  • Promoted 3 times within a 1-year timeframe (starting as qualified professional/QP): Interim Mental Health Director in absence of director
  • Oversee case management duties/activities for over 200+ consumers and direct supervisor of over 20 employees
  • Collaborate with family members to develop support networks within the community and multifaceted coping techniques focused on consumer needs; coordinating with community agencies
  • Conduct psycho-educational evaluations of school-aged children identified or suspected of having learning or behavioural disabilities, and develop report on findings that led up to 95% of these children to receive services
  • Coordinate enrollment, admissions, and triage and referrals for adults and children seeking services for mental health, substance use/substance abuse, and IDD services that led up to 95% of these adults to receive services
  • Conduct case management duties required of qualified professionals to serve adult and child clients receiving mental health, substance abuse, targeted case management services, and innovations waiver; responsible for completing initial triage screenings, assessments, develop person centered plans (PCP) for waiver services, crisis plans, case management documentation to provide oversight, complete NC-SNAP and NC-TOPPS

Fitness Specialist

Bladen County Fitness Center
Elizabethtown, North Carolina
12.2008 - 03.2009
  • Design, develop, and implement physical workouts as well as responsible for daily operations
  • Counsel 10 clients on their health and wellness goals building 100% growth within 3 months
  • Assist with equipment usage; maintenance of equipment, and supervise workouts in fitness area
  • Responsible for assisting members in establishing and meeting healthy goals that lead to lifestyle improvements
  • Educate members on recognizing health related problems and developing appropriate solutions; assist members in updating and modifying their health goals and action plans

Education

Masters - Education; Higher Ed. Leadership Admin.

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
07.2026

Doctorate - Psy.D.

University of Arizona Global Campus
Tuscon, Arizona
09.2021

Masters - M.S

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
10.2012

Bachelors - B.S.

University of Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN
08.2004

Skills

  • Oral presentation skills
  • Active listening and empathy
  • Technology proficiency
  • Diversity awareness
  • Collaboration
  • Person-centered planning
  • Program design
  • Assessment techniques
  • Treatment planning
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication skills
  • Crisis intervention
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Group services
  • Self-discipline
  • Dependability and responsibility
  • Advocacy
  • Conflict resolution
  • Punctuality
  • Detail orientation
  • Time management
  • Administrative expertise
  • Adaptability
  • Integrity and ethics
  • Organizational support
  • Professionalism
  • Decision making

Additional Information

2024 Clinical Teacher, NCRethink Facilitator (2023 – present), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President (2023 – present), Bright Ideas Scholarship Recipient (2023 – 2024), Public Schools of Robeson County Curriculum Development Team Member (2022 – present), Process Manager for NCSTAR (2022 – present), Federal and District Improvement Team Member/Parental Advisory Committee (2022 – present), LETRS Training (2022 – 2024), Teacher of the Year (2022 – 2023), Amplify and mClass School Leader and Coordinator (2021 – present), NC Relay Teacher (2021 – present), MTSS Leadership Member (2021 – present), Digital Technology Coach (2021 – present), School Improvement Team (SIT) Chair (2021 – present), Grade Level Chair; PTO Vice President (2018 – present), Proficient in Microsoft Word, Works, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Moodle, Blackboard, Gradebook, Canvas, Canvas LMS, Google Classroom, mClass and Amplify, Powerschool, Rapid Identity, Clever, Limnu, additional Learning Management Systems (2017 – present), Foundations of Reading Training (2017 – present), Cybersecurity Training (2017 – present), Beginning Teacher Representative and Honoree at Beginning Teacher Conference in Pinehurst (2017 – 2018)

Timeline

Adjunct Faculty (online)

University of the People
08.2024 - Current

Tutor

Remind Tutor
04.2022 - 04.2024

Educator

Public Schools of Robeson County
08.2017 - Current

Adjunct Instructor

Bladen Community College
07.2015 - 08.2015

Referral Coordinator

Eastpointe Human Services
02.2015 - 08.2017

Program Director/Qualified Professional

Positive Progress Services
09.2011 - 08.2014

Health and Wellness Coach

Southeastern Regional Medical Center
01.2011 - 01.2013

Fitness Specialist

Bladen County Fitness Center
12.2008 - 03.2009

Mental Health Supervisor

Native Angels Homecare Agency
05.2004 - 07.2010

Masters - Education; Higher Ed. Leadership Admin.

Capella University

Doctorate - Psy.D.

University of Arizona Global Campus

Masters - M.S

Capella University

Bachelors - B.S.

University of Tennessee

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