Cathy Pappas
Price,UT
Summary
Over 20 years of progressive experience as a Master of Social Work, with expertise in healthcare, education, child welfare, behavioral health, and community settings. Proficient in conducting psychosocial assessments, providing trauma-informed care, and executing crisis intervention strategies while delivering therapy and case management services to vulnerable populations. Renowned for building strong therapeutic alliances and collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams to foster resilience and recovery. A crisis intervention specialist dedicated to client-centered care, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, integrity, and compassion while maintaining composure under pressure to achieve positive outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Medical Social Worker
- Provide psychosocial support, counseling, and crisis intervention to hospice patients and their families across the end-of-life continuum
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments addressing emotional, spiritual, financial, and caregiver needs
- Support families with anticipatory grief, end-of-life decision-making, and bereavement planning
- Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team including nurses, physicians, chaplains, aides, and volunteers to develop and implement individualized care plans
- Advocate for patient dignity, comfort, and self-determination while navigating complex family dynamics
- Assist with community resource linkage, advance care planning, and coordination of services
- Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with hospice regulations and ethical standards
Therapist
Pinnacle School
Price, UT
01.2022 - Current
- Provide individual and group therapy to students addressing emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans tailored to student needs.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success and well-being.
- Deliver crisis intervention and safety planning for at-risk students.
- Facilitate groups focused on social-emotional learning, coping skills, and resilience.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation in compliance with school and state standards.
Crisis Worker
Four Corners Community Behavioral Health
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Responded to crisis calls, walk-ins, and emergency referrals, providing immediate risk assessment, de-escalation, and intervention.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments, developed safety plans, and connected individuals to appropriate treatment services.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, hospitals, and emergency responders to ensure client and community safety.
- Provided short-term counseling, stabilization, and follow-up support for individuals in acute distress.
- Delivered culturally competent, trauma-informed care under high-pressure situations.
Recovery Coach / Case Manager
Operation Recovery, Four Corners Community Behavioral Health
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provide trauma-informed case management and recovery coaching for clients navigating substance use disorders.
- Facilitate recovery groups that promote coping skills, self-awareness, and relapse prevention.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments, identify barriers to treatment, and develop individualized intervention strategies.
- Coordinate care with medical, nursing, and mental health providers, as well as legal and probation systems.
- Educate clients on MAT options and monitor adherence to dosing and treatment plans.
- Maintain accurate Medicaid documentation, progress notes, and confidential records.
Social Worker / Lead Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
Price, UT
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Conducted family and child safety assessments, risk evaluations, and psychosocial interviews.
- Developed treatment and service plans addressing mental health, parenting, and family stability.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including schools, therapists, legal professionals, and medical providers.
- Testified in court hearings, monitored treatment compliance, and maintained detailed reports.
- Supported families through reunification, permanency planning, and child well-being services.
- Provided leadership and mentoring for team members.
Support Coordinator
Community Support Coordination & Advocacy
Price, UT
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Advocated for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, ensuring access to community services.
- Completed home, school, and program visits to monitor client progress and well-being.
- Assisted clients in developing person-centered goals and coordinated interdisciplinary support plans.
- Oversaw budgets, rights compliance, and service delivery while promoting inclusion and self-determination.
Self-Contained / Resource Aid
Sally Mauro Elementary School
Price, UT
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Supported students with intellectual and physical disabilities through academic and behavioral interventions.
- Collaborated with educators and families while maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Licensed Foster / Adoptive Parent
Division of Child & Family Services
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Provided a trauma-informed, stable home environment for children experiencing abuse/neglect, advocating for permanency and reunification.
Social Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Conducted assessments, treatment planning, and supervised family visits; collaborated with courts and service providers.
Youth Advocate Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Mentored and supported at-risk youth, promoting positive coping skills and community engagement.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Utah State University
Logan, UT01.2023
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
Utah State University
Logan, UT01.1999
Associate of Science - undefined
College of Eastern Utah
Price, UT01.1996
Skills
- Crisis intervention expertise
- Individual and group support
- School social work
- Trauma-informed practice
- Psychosocial assessments
- Care coordination
- Support for medication-assisted therapy
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Documentation and reporting compliance
- Cultural awareness
Certification
Mindful-Somatic Approaches to Trauma Therapy
Timeline
Crisis Worker
Four Corners Community Behavioral Health
06.2024 - 06.2025
Therapist
Pinnacle School
01.2022 - Current
Recovery Coach / Case Manager
Operation Recovery, Four Corners Community Behavioral Health
01.2020 - 01.2022
Social Worker / Lead Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
01.2017 - 01.2020
Support Coordinator
Community Support Coordination & Advocacy
01.2014 - 01.2017
Self-Contained / Resource Aid
Sally Mauro Elementary School
01.2012 - 01.2014
Licensed Foster / Adoptive Parent
Division of Child & Family Services
01.2005 - 01.2010
Social Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
01.1999 - 01.2005
Youth Advocate Worker
Division of Child & Family Services
01.1994 - 01.1999
Hospice Medical Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
Utah State University
Associate of Science - undefined
College of Eastern Utah
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Utah State University