CELESTE WARE
Murrieta,California
Summary
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and experience providing trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy in recovery and mental health treatment settings. Skilled in individual, group, and family therapy, crisis intervention, relapse prevention, and treatment planning for individuals with substance use disorders, trauma histories, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with 23+ years of experience in neurorehabilitation, pediatrics, and school-based services. Experienced in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, dementia, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental or neurological diagnoses. Known for strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective implementation of therapeutic interventions.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
Thrive Well Trauma Center
Temecula, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Provide trauma-informed individual, group, and family therapy for clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and related mental health concerns.
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Utilize evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused interventions.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and treatment progress notes in compliance with HIPAA and ethical standards.
- Collaborate with supervisors and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate client care.
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to appropriate levels of care.
- Interviewed children and families and provided counseling services to parents with child-rearing issues
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Hemet Unified School District
Hemet, CA
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Provided school-based occupational therapy services to students in special education programs.
- Implemented therapy interventions aligned with student IEP goals.
- Collaborated with OTRs, teachers, aides, and parents to support student progress.
- Assisted OTs with implementing individual treatment plans to help patients function independently.
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Rancho Milagros Recovery Center
Temecula, CA
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted intake assessments and gathered client history related to substance use, mental health, and family dynamics.
- Provided individual, group, and family therapy under supervision, utilizing CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
- Assisted clients in developing relapse prevention plans and coping strategies.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups on addiction recovery, trauma, and healthy relationships.
- Conducted risk assessments for suicidal ideation, self-harm, and co-occurring disorders.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation in compliance with HIPAA and ethical standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.
- Participated in weekly supervision and case consultation.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Perris Elementary School District
Perris, CA
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Delivered occupational therapy services across 9 schools serving K–5 students.
- Supported students in mild to moderate special education classrooms.
- Addressed fine motor development, sensory processing, and classroom participation skills.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Riverside County Office of Education – Special Education
Riverside, CA
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed caseload of 70+ students across multiple school sites.
- Provided occupational therapy services to Pre-K through 8th grade students including virtual therapy.
- Collaborated with OTRs, teachers, aides, and parents to implement treatment goals.
- Implemented behavioral and sensory strategies aligned with IEPs.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Outpatient Rehabilitation
Loma Linda, CA
07.2002 - 06.2014
- Provided therapy services for patients with neurological and developmental conditions including autism spectrum disorder, dementia, and traumatic brain injury.
- Implemented ADL training, functional mobility exercises, and fine motor strengthening.
- Utilized sensory integration and self-regulation techniques to improve functional outcomes.
- Educated patients and families in home exercise programs and therapeutic strategies.
- Delivered specialized hand therapy for adult and pediatric patients.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA04-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA08-2020
Associate of Arts - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA03-2001
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cognitive behavioral therapy expertise
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Effective motivational interviewing
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
- Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Relapse Prevention Planning
- Case management expertise
- Clinical Documentation (HIPAA compliant)
- Psychoeducation & Therapeutic Group Facilitation
- IEP Implementation
- SEIS Documentation
- Autism intervention strategies
- Fine Motor Coordination (FMC) Training
- Sensory intervention strategies
- Team Collaboration
- Organization & Time Management
- Flexible & Adaptable
Accomplishments
Sensory Processing
Pediatric Feeding
Autism
Suicide
Stroke
Diabetes
PTSD
Substance Abuse
Affiliations
NBCOT
Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology
CAMFT- in process of renewing
Certification
- Licensed AMFT - Aug 2025-Present
- Licensed COTA - Jan 2003-Present
Timeline
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
Thrive Well Trauma Center
10.2025 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Hemet Unified School District
02.2025 - 08.2025
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Rancho Milagros Recovery Center
09.2024 - 04.2025
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Perris Elementary School District
10.2023 - 05.2024
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Riverside County Office of Education – Special Education
10.2022 - 06.2023
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Outpatient Rehabilitation
07.2002 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California Baptist University
Associate of Arts - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Loma Linda University
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology
California Baptist University
Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology, 2025
I graduated with an honors GPA of 3.87 and was inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. I worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for 24 years with both pediatric and adult populations. My experience includes neurorehabilitation, sensory integration, feeding therapy, and working with individuals with autism and other related disorders.
I enjoy making cold process soaps, jams, and baked goods, as well as spending time in nature. I’m also an avid Disneyland fan and love visiting with my extended family—especially when we wear matching shirts and ears—and spending days at the beach relaxing in the California sun.
I am married to a retired USMC officer and am proud of his service and of our three children: two sons in college and a daughter in middle school. Our family also includes our pets—one Pomeranian and a Persian cat.