Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Catherine Cruz

Goshen

Summary

Dynamic mental health and program management professional with expertise in evaluation, treatment, crisis intervention, and counseling for at-risk populations. Skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing federally funded programs, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards. Recognized for combining clinical insight with strategic leadership to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and improve program outcomes.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Program Director & PSA Compliance Manager

The Children’s Home of Kingston
01.2023 - 07.2025
  • Proven leader with experience directing federally funded programs, serving as primary liaison with ORR, immigration courts, ICE, and legal service providers.
  • Oversaw all aspects of program operations—including clinical, educational, medical, and recreational services—while prioritizing child safety, well-being, and high-quality care.
  • Ensured full compliance with ORR, public health, state licensing, and accreditation standards; served in dual capacity as PSA Compliance Manager enforcing child protection laws.
  • Managed intake, admission, discharge planning, and safe release of Unaccompanied Children, ensuring continuity of care through trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices.
  • Supervised, trained, and mentored multidisciplinary staff, strengthening team effectiveness and professional growth while fostering a culture of accountability.
  • Directed program finances and resource allocation, while implementing innovative, data-driven tools for evaluation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
  • Produced comprehensive reports for ORR and executive leadership, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with federal mandates.
  • Recognized for balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and driving service excellence without compromising quality.

Assistant Program Director

The Children’s Home of Kingston
06.2020 - 01.2023
  • Supported the Program Director in managing daily operations of ORR-funded programs, ensuring smooth delivery of services and compliance with federal standards.
  • Served as secondary liaison with ORR representatives, maintaining clear communication regarding program requirements and individual client cases.
  • Supervised Case Managers and Program Aide staff, providing regular oversight and guidance to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinated trauma-informed, culturally sensitive mental health and case management services, prioritizing the safety and well-being of Unaccompanied Children.
  • Oversaw accurate case documentation in physical files and the UC Portal, ensuring adherence to ORR policies and reporting standards.
  • Managed intake processes, daily reporting, and interdisciplinary staffing meetings, fostering collaboration among clinicians, case managers, and federal partners.
  • Responded to client emergencies, including after-hours incidents, demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and commitment to youth safety.
  • Assumed full Program Director responsibilities as needed, maintaining continuity of operations and quality of care.

Counselor

Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc.
11.2017 - 11.2018
  • Delivered home-based crisis intervention, intake assessments, and counseling, managing caseloads of individual and group therapy sessions each week.
  • Specialized in treating a wide range of issues, including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, bullying, anger management, suicide prevention, self-harm, stress, self-image, and LGBTQ inclusivity.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans and therapy processes, encouraging patients to explore emotions and experiences while building coping strategies and personal insight.
  • Fostered a holistic approach to mental health, addressing both mind and body while helping patients access resources to achieve personal goals.
  • Coordinated care with healthcare providers, agencies, and community organizations to create comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans.
  • Provided case management, advocacy, and referrals to psychiatrists, treatment facilities, and community support services.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings and maintained 24/7 availability for crisis intervention, ensuring patient safety and immediate response to emergencies.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of treatment plans, sessions, and discharges, while tracking monthly statistics and contributing to administrative meetings, training, and conferences.

Mental Health Clinical Intern
08.2013 - 12.2016
  • Company Overview: Facilities: Mental Services Administration of Health and Addiction (ASSMCA), Integral Psychology Office, Center for Multidisciplinary Education Institute (IMEC)
  • Delivered individual and group psychotherapy to diverse populations—including children, adolescents, students, geriatric clients, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with substance use disorders—under supervision of licensed Clinical Psychologists.
  • Conducted biopsychosocial evaluations, psychometric testing, risk assessments, and structured interviews to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Applied a range of evidence-based treatment approaches such as behavior modification, motivational therapy, stress reduction techniques, and psychotherapy, tailoring interventions to client needs and developmental stages.
  • Developed and monitored treatment plans, making adjustments as needed to support progress and improve client outcomes.
  • Provided case management, psycho-social assessments, referrals, and discharge planning, collaborating with physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers for coordinated care.
  • Partnered with school staff, parents, and social workers to address student mental health and behavioral needs; participated in IEP planning using standardized assessment tools.
  • Supported geriatric clients through on-site visits to aging centers, delivering hygiene support, skill retraining, and adapted therapeutic interventions for cognitive or physical limitations.

Administrative Assistant & Human Resources

Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC
09.2001 - 11.2011
  • Provided administrative and HR support across Sales, Human Resources, and Finance functions, assisting a staff of 20 employees.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained staff while conducting performance reviews, salary administration, and goal setting to strengthen team performance.
  • Planned and coordinated meetings, conferences, and calls, ensuring smooth communication and efficient scheduling across departments.
  • Built and developed a high-performing administrative team, delivering coaching, training, and ongoing professional development.
  • Supported employees with daily work challenges, applying analytical and motivational strategies to resolve complex problems.
  • Strengthened cross-departmental collaboration by streamlining administrative processes and promoting organizational efficiency.

Education

PsyD - Clinical Psychology (ABD)

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Arecibo, PR

Master of Science - Clinical Psychology

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Arecibo, PR
01.2015

Skills

  • Bilingual/ Spanish
  • Adept in written and verbal communication skills
  • Enthusiastic and Empathetic virtues
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Appreciation
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity and cultural awareness
  • Organizational/Time Management skills
  • Strong listening skills
  • Emotional Quotient
  • Adept in thinking creatively and critically
  • Critical thinking skills

Accomplishments

  • Directed federally funded child welfare programs, overseeing clinical, educational, medical, and recreational services while ensuring child safety, compliance, and quality care.
  • Served as primary liaison with ORR, ICE, immigration courts, and legal providers, ensuring alignment with federal mandates and strengthening interagency collaboration.
  • Enhanced program compliance and accountability as PSA Compliance Manager by developing audit systems, enforcing child protection laws, and ensuring adherence to ORR and state standards.
  • Led and mentored multidisciplinary teams, recruiting, training, and supervising staff to improve performance, professional development, and service delivery outcomes.
  • Implemented data-driven tools for program evaluation and reporting, strengthening quality assurance, transparency, and continuous improvement.
  • Provided trauma-informed, culturally sensitive counseling and crisis intervention to at-risk populations, including youth, LGBTQ clients, and individuals facing substance use or mental health challenges.

Certification

  • Student Exchange Program Universidad de la Mística, City of Ávila, Spain (USA Accredited)
  • Professional Coach Certification
  • Integrated Studies in Human Spirituality, Psychology, and Anthropology

Languages

English

Timeline

Program Director & PSA Compliance Manager

The Children’s Home of Kingston
01.2023 - 07.2025

Assistant Program Director

The Children’s Home of Kingston
06.2020 - 01.2023

Counselor

Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc.
11.2017 - 11.2018

Mental Health Clinical Intern
08.2013 - 12.2016

Administrative Assistant & Human Resources

Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC
09.2001 - 11.2011

Master of Science - Clinical Psychology

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

PsyD - Clinical Psychology (ABD)

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

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