Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
Publications & Presentations
Timeline
Generic

CARISSA HOWARD

Riverside,CA

Summary

Mental health professional focused on holistic client development in safe, inclusive environments. Specializes in trauma-informed care and crisis support, fostering resilience and coping strategies for children and adolescents. Collaborates with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive guidance and support.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Co-Director

Camp Morning Grief and Loss Camp
01.2023 - Current
  • Developed week-long grief and loss curriculum for campers ages 5-15, incorporating bibliotherapy and therapeutic play.
  • Designed camp schedule and handbook to guide daily activities and logistics.
  • Trained and supervised graduate counseling and child life students on-site.
  • Collaborated with local organizations to promote and host annual camps.

Assistant Professor

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
06.2018 - Current
  • Designed and taught graduate-level courses for Masters in Child Life program.
  • Created and implemented Child Life program at Pomona Valley Hospital.
  • Supervised practicum students and interns, ensuring adherence to professional standards.
  • Provided academic advising and career development support to guide student success.
  • Facilitated an Interprofessional Education workgroup, producing collaborative events for over 200 students.

School Counseling Fieldwork (900 Hours)

Corona Norco Unified School District
Corona, CA
01.2024 - 05.2025
  • Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions for at-risk students in grades K-8.
  • Developed grief and loss workshops for middle school students to foster emotional resilience.
  • Created engaging LEGO-based lessons promoting coping, collaboration, and communication skills.
  • Conducted suicide risk assessments, collaborating with administrative teams to connect students with mental health services.
  • Delivered monthly SEL lessons to all students in grades 1-6, enhancing social-emotional learning.

Certified Child Life Specialist

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
Loma Linda, CA
10.2007 - 06.2018
  • Delivered developmentally appropriate procedural teachings and support to pediatric patients and families in Emergency Department.
  • Taught coping skills and self-awareness strategies to mental health patients.
  • Facilitated age-appropriate discussions and memory-making activities for end-of-life cases.
  • Provided supervision and training for child life interns and practicum students.

Certified Child Life Specialist

Trinity Kid's Palliative Care
Cerritos, CA
09.2016 - 05.2018
  • Developed and implemented weekly activities tailored for pediatric palliative care patients.
  • Facilitated sensory exploration, legacy creation, and family engagement opportunities weekly.
  • Encouraged sibling self-expression through hands-on learning, play, and independence initiatives.
  • Coordinated with expressive therapies team to align patient care plans and interdisciplinary strategies.

Education

Master of Art in Education - Educational and Clinical Counseling

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA, USA
05.2025

Master of Science - Child Life Specialist

Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA, USA
01.2008

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA, USA
01.2002

Skills

  • Pediatric care
  • Therapeutic interventions
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Collaboration skills
  • Crisis intervention
  • Grief support
  • Program development

Certification

  • People and Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, California – Issued June 2025
  • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), California - # 19666
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), Certification # 9304, June 2010 – current

Languages

Spanish
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Publications & Presentations

  • Submitted Presentation Proposal: Navigating Grief and Loss: Developmental Understandings and Practical Tools for School Counselors. California Association of School Counselors (CASC) Conference. October 2025.
  • Submitted Chapter: When Caring Makes You Angry. Child Life Chronicles, Second Edition. Anticipated publication date: Fall 2025
  • Presenter: Self Care & Coping, Developmental Understanding of Grief and Loss, Compassion Fatigue. Student and teacher workshops, grief and loss conference, staff development. Mission Impact, Antigua Guatemala, September 2024.
  • Published Author: Recognizing and Responding to Grief and Loss in Foster Care and Adoption. Play Therapy Magazine, June 2024
  • Published Author: Encouraging Parental Support After Grief and Loss to Promote Developmental Well-being and Educational Success. IGI Global Publishing, April 2024
  • Presenter: “Utilizing Interprofessional Education to Promote and Enhance Multidisciplinary Collaboration”, California Association of Child Life Professionals Conference 2023
  • Panelist: Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing’s 2023 Research Symposium: An Interprofessional Approach to Address Behavioral Health and Wellness in Children
  • Published Author: “Lessons Learned in the Community Setting”, Child Life Bulletin Spring 2022

Timeline

School Counseling Fieldwork (900 Hours)

Corona Norco Unified School District
01.2024 - 05.2025

Co-Director

Camp Morning Grief and Loss Camp
01.2023 - Current

Assistant Professor

Azusa Pacific University
06.2018 - Current

Certified Child Life Specialist

Trinity Kid's Palliative Care
09.2016 - 05.2018

Certified Child Life Specialist

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
10.2007 - 06.2018

Master of Art in Education - Educational and Clinical Counseling

Azusa Pacific University

Master of Science - Child Life Specialist

Loma Linda University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Azusa Pacific University

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