Carleen Bridges
Roanoke,VA
Summary
Organized and detail-oriented individual with proven ability to effectively manage and motivate individuals through concerns and challenges, as well as, motivating them to success.
Collaborates with fellow professionals to promote positive outcomes fostering positive self-esteem and confidence.
Offers strong organizational skills while including individuals in the process. Reliable and knowledgeable educator with experience in developing and delivering results.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher (City-wide and Building Sub)
ESS And Roanoke City Public Schools
10.2018 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Followed this protocol throughout the school and on every grade level including the preschool classes
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities and other learning challenges.
Therapeutic Foster Parent
Hope Tree Family Services, Alliance Family Service
03.2012 - 10.2023
- Managed household finances responsibly while meeting all requirements set forth by licensing agencies, maintaining stability in the home environment.
- Promoted positive behaviors through reinforcement strategies, contributing to the overall well-being of children in my care.
- Supported educational goals by working closely with school staff and providing necessary resources at home.
- Organized and participated in regular family meetings to discuss progress, concerns, and future goals for each child in my care.
- Addressed behavioral challenges using therapeutic techniques, resulting in improved coping skills for the child.
- Coordinated medical appointments and therapy sessions, prioritizing the health needs of each child in my care.
- Provided consistent structure and routine, enabling children to feel secure and develop healthy habits.
- Provided emotional support to children during difficult times, offering a compassionate ear and guidance when needed.
- Cultivated trusting relationships with caseworkers and other professionals involved in supporting children's immediate needs.
- Conducted regular safety assessments on living conditions to ensure a secure environment for every child placed in my home.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for each child.
- Managed challenging behavior through crisis intervention techniques while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure situations.
- Maintained detailed documentation of each child''s progress, ensuring accurate records for future reference and treatment planning.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to stay current on best practices for therapeutic foster parenting and enhance my skills as a caregiver.
- Served as an advocate for the children in my care during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
Day Counselor in Girl's Residential Facility
Intercept Youth Services-Group Home
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Assisted residents in crisis, set and achieve goals for independent living through basis life skills training.
- Ordered, administered and provided daily medications for each resident as needed and when changed.
- Transported and scheduled residents to medical, dental appointments and counseling sessions.
Mental Health Supports Counselor (QMHP)
Family Preservation Service Inc.
12.2006 - 06.2010
- Worked with the child within the daily/weekly school's environment with some additional contact with the parents in the home and by phone.
- Assisted clients in setting behavioral goals, developed action plans, and monitored progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Stayed in close relations and communication with the parents in the hopes of uniting the school's and agency's behavioral plan with that of the home and family's plan and strategy.
Resident's Personal Advocate/ Case Manager
Total Action Against Poverty/Roanoke Redevelopment
10.2002 - 06.2005
- Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders by facilitating open dialogue regarding shared objectives and individual perspectives and goals.
- Identified gaps in existing services or supports for clients, working proactively to address these challenges through creative problem-solving techniques.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized support, guidance, counseling and assistance in navigating through their personal process and family's self-sufficiency.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and available resources within various systems, as well as determining their personal place in their own process.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging situations, promoting resilience and self-advocacy skills and better coping.
- Monitored client progress regularly, adjusting advocacy strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist/Coordinator
Blue Ridge Behavioral Heathcare
08.1986 - 03.1998
- Reduced substance abuse rates by implementing effective prevention strategies and educational programs.
- Implemented prevention strategies for youth, teens, adults and total community,
- educated the masses on the health and social risk of chemical dependency and its effects and harm and cost on the family and the community-at-large
- Mentored and trained new Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists, sharing expertise and best practices for improved service delivery.
- worked with specific populations and specific communities to bring change and revelation that the stigma and problem of substance use and abuse could be changed and overcome through personal desire, education, hard work, spirituality and resource programs like AA, NA, Alonon, etc.
- Monitored local trends in drug availability, usage patterns, and risk behaviors to inform strategic planning efforts for future interventions.
- Promoted positive youth development through engaging after-school programs and activities designed to build protective factors against substance abuse.
- Collaborated with local organizations for a more comprehensive approach to substance abuse prevention in the community.
- Enhanced community awareness of substance abuse issues through organizing outreach events and informational sessions.
- Organized workshops focused on building resilience skills among vulnerable groups, empowering individuals to make healthier choices regarding substance use.
- Leveraged grant funding opportunities to expand program offerings and reach a wider audience within the community.
- Established partnerships with schools, businesses, and government agencies to promote a coordinated response to substance abuse issues in the community.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/ Journalism
University of The District of Columbia
Washington, DC06.1960
Skills
- Adaptable/flexible
- Organizational abilities
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Relationship building and case management
- Participant Engagement
Timeline
Substitute Teacher (City-wide and Building Sub)
ESS And Roanoke City Public Schools
10.2018 - Current
Day Counselor in Girl's Residential Facility
Intercept Youth Services-Group Home
10.2015 - 06.2016
Therapeutic Foster Parent
Hope Tree Family Services, Alliance Family Service
03.2012 - 10.2023
Mental Health Supports Counselor (QMHP)
Family Preservation Service Inc.
12.2006 - 06.2010
Resident's Personal Advocate/ Case Manager
Total Action Against Poverty/Roanoke Redevelopment
10.2002 - 06.2005
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist/Coordinator
Blue Ridge Behavioral Heathcare
08.1986 - 03.1998
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/ Journalism
University of The District of Columbia
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