Carey Monaghan
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Creative and community-focused professional with a talent for designing engaging, inclusive environments for children and families. Expert in using expressive activities and creative programming to foster social-emotional growth and group connection. Brings a calm, reliable presence and a deep passion for utilizing various artistic modes- including music, painting, and writing to facilitate healing and engagement in high-energy recreational settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
PROMISE RESOURCE NETWORK
03.2025 - 02.2026
- Creative Workshop Design: Curated and facilitated weekly workshops utilizing storytelling and visual media as primary tools for empowerment and social connection.
- Engagement: Built supportive relationships with diverse families through compassionate, person-centered communication and creative problem-solving.
- Inclusive Environments: Created low-barrier community spaces for social connection, integrating mind-body awareness and artistic expression into daily support.
- Safety & Wellness: Utilized WRAP and de-escalation techniques to maintain a calm, welcoming, and safe atmosphere during high-energy group activities.
Lead Preschool Teacher
ST. JOHN’S BAPTIST CHURCH
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Curated Environments: Maintained intentional classroom galleries of student artwork to celebrate individual learning journeys and foster family engagement.
- Creative Curriculum: Designed play-based lesson plans focused on social-emotional growth, adapting activities to meet diverse developmental and sensory needs.
- Group Facilitation: Led children through structured and recreational environments, focusing on creative exploration and positive social interaction.
Teacher Assistant
PLAZA PRESBYTERIAN WEEKDAY SCHOOL
12.2020 - 06.2021
- Creative Facilitation: Implemented age-appropriate arts, literacy, and sensory experiences designed to foster a natural enthusiasm for learning and self-expression.
- Youth Development: Facilitated foundational concepts using a Montessori-inspired style, encouraging student-led exploration and independent creative play.
Barista / Opening Team Member
STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Adaptable Service: Provided high-energy, relationship-based service in a fast-paced environment, quickly solving problems to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Collaborative Launch: Supported site setup and operational training during store launches, using creative organization to streamline a new team environment.
Education
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) -
Peer Academy
Charlotte2025
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Central Piedmont Community College
2021
Skills
- Creative Programming: Multi-modal Art Facilitation (Music, Painting, Writing), Workshop Design, Storytelling, Arts-Based Healing, and Activity Adaptation
- Youth & Family: Group Activity Support, Early Childhood Development, Creative Play, and Caregiver Communication
- Engagement & Safety: WRAP Certified, De-escalation, Trauma-Informed Care, Relationship Building
- Facilitation: Recreational Leadership, Team Collaboration, Inclusive Outreach
- Resource navigation
- Multicultural competence
Certification
- Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) | State of North Carolina
- Mental Health Ethics & Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) | Current
- WRAP Certified (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
- Ongoing Professional Development: Community engagement, behavioral health, and mind-body practices.
SPECIALIZED FOCUS
- Healing Through the Arts: Deep interest and exploration of healing through diverse modes of art therapy, including music, painting, and writing, specifically within collaborative group settings.
- Emotional Wellness: Passionate about utilizing expressive arts and community-based activities to facilitate co-regulation and stress management, supporting long-term personal balance and wellbeing.
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
PROMISE RESOURCE NETWORK
03.2025 - 02.2026
Lead Preschool Teacher
ST. JOHN’S BAPTIST CHURCH
08.2022 - 06.2024
Teacher Assistant
PLAZA PRESBYTERIAN WEEKDAY SCHOOL
12.2020 - 06.2021
Barista / Opening Team Member
STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
01.2014 - 01.2015
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) -
Peer Academy
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Central Piedmont Community College