CHERYL PONTON
PETERSBURG,VIRGINIA
Summary
Highly motivated professional who desires a work-life balance, and demonstrates the ability to develop and implement successful plans of action to address individual needs. Possesses strong problem-solving skills to reduce barriers. Committed to helping individuals and families. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Case Manager Behavioral Health
CVS Health/Aetna
Richmond, VA (Remote)
01.2025 - Current
- Through the use of clinical tools, information/data review, and the utilization of advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, facilitate appropriate member physical health and behavioral healthcare through conducting thorough patient assessments and care planning, direct provider coordination/collaboration, coordination of psychosocial wraparound services and providing appropriate resources and support for post-discharge care to promote effective utilization of available resources and optimal, cost-effective outcomes, thus reducing hospital readmission rates
- Applies clinical judgment to the incorporation of strategies designed to reduce risk factors and address complex clinical indicators which impact care planning and resolution of member issues.
- Performs crisis intervention with members experiencing a behavioral health or medical crisis and refers them to the appropriate clinical providers for thorough assessment and treatment, as clinically indicated. Provides crisis follow up to members to help ensure they are receiving the appropriate treatment/services.
- Empowered patients to take an active role in their own care by providing education on available resources, rights, and responsibilities within the healthcare system.
- Enhanced care coordination for patients with complex medical needs through effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Rula Health (formerly Path Mental Health)
10.2022 - Current
- Currently works part-time as a 1099 Contractor, delivering high-quality mental health care to individuals, couples, and families via a telehealth platform
Licensed Professional Counselor
SaVida Health-Petersburg
Petersburg, VA
05.2023 - 10.2024
- Previously responsible for providing mental health and outpatient opioid and alcohol addiction treatment services to clients in an outpatient and virtual setting
- Completed all relevant paperwork in a timely fashion as required by agency, regulatory bodies and managed care organizations; this includes but is not limited to: intake paperwork, psychosocial assessments and client mental health and substance use disorder treatment history, treatment plans, session notes, discharge and aftercare plans, collaborative forms and assessments, billing forms, and insurance authorizations
- Provided continuity of quality care as evidenced by documentation/communication with collaborative providers and agencies
- Provided referrals for alternative levels of care as needed
- Acted as a client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations
- Documented all clinical content per agency requirements
- Reviewed client progress on a quarterly basis and update treatment plans to reflect changes in treatment plan goals
- Ensured and maintained the confidentiality and safe keeping of all client records and information related to treatment
Career Pause
Rula Health
02.2023 - 05.2023
- An intentional pause to focus on full-time caregiving to an elderly relative while maintaining connections to the mental health industry through part-time clinical employment (Rula Health)
Interim Program Director
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
Petersburg, Virginia
12.2022 - 02.2023
- Served in a dual role of both Interim Program Director and Clinical Director
- Formerly responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the mental health and outpatient opioid treatment program
- Ensured adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
- Oversaw daily program operations and offered assistance where needed
- Oversaw the appropriate application and adherence to Organizational and Program Standards, outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manuals, as well as regulatory procedures issues by applicable regulatory authorities
- Monitored personnel time and responded to requests for PTO
- Met with program leadership to develop Quality/Performance Improvement plans specific to the program
- Coordinated with internal and external persons and agencies to inform, improve, or supplement service provision
Licensed Professional Counselor
Rula Health
Los Angeles, CA (remote)
10.2022 - Current
- Currently works part-time as a 1099 Contractor, managing a caseload of diverse clients and delivering high-quality mental health care to individuals, couples, and families via a telehealth platform, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
- Conduct thorough assessments to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring intervention or support.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.
- Develops strong rapport with clients, fostering a supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
- Enhance client well-being by utilizing evidence-based therapy techniques and individualized treatment plans.
- Improve client outcomes through the implementation of effective crisis intervention strategies during high-risk situations.
Clinical Director (LPC)
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
Petersburg, Virginia
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Previously responsible for providing management of the counseling staff at a mental health and outpatient opioid treatment program, and provided clinical supervision in accordance with policies, procedures, and state regulations
- Provided consultation, instruction, and clinical supervision to a seven (7) member clinical team providing counseling services
- Ensured that all Individualized Treatment Plans, Discharge and After Care Plans, as well as other required clinical documentation were compliant
- Oversaw all Patient Screening, Assessment, and Admission services
- Worked with medical staff to ensure a safe but effective dosing regimen for all patients; Ensured compliance regarding all take-home medication
- Ensured charting/documentation compliance
- Ensured the proper and timely collection of all urine drug screens in accordance with Laboratory, State, and Federal standards
- Established, maintained, and oversaw the assembly of a weekly Clinical Treatment Team and its operation
- Assisted with the Clinical Quality Assurance team to address Quality Improvement issues; Assisted with the timely completion and maintenance of the clinical aspects of CARF/SOTA requirements
- Monitored and addressed, where needed, the day-to-day clinical aspects/needs of the program
- Addressed/oversaw Patient Rights, Responsibilities, and Complaints
- Ensured awareness of changes to regulations, available training opportunities, and other information impacting service delivery
- Developed a Counselor Training Manual to assist with the smooth transition of newly hired Counselors
- Created and effectively presented information and reports to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
- Assisted with the screening, interviewing, and hiring of prospective clinical staff
Substance Abuse Counselor
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
Petersburg, Virginia
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Gathered data, documented problems, and established course of treatment to adult patients of a mental health and outpatient opioid treatment program
- Managed a caseload of approximately 50 patients; Provided individual counseling and patient education relating to the illness of chemical dependency and the process of recovery
- Functioned as a liaison with other community-based agencies and law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of treatment (referrals) and compliance to legal obligations
- Completed individual chemical dependency assessment of new patients, to include Biopsychosocial/ASI Assessments, etc
- Developed the Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) for new patients within established timeframes of patients’ admission; Updated new patient charts within established time frames
- Coordinated with medical staff in securing urine samples for monthly/follow-up urinalysis
- Ensured that patient confidentially is protected by properly completing release of information to ALL outside referrals and contacts (i.e
- Medical, coordination of care, information from other facilities, etc.)
- Ensured confidentiality and compliance of patients’ files
- Discharged patients from program within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge and completed discharge documentation
- Contributed to the ongoing assessment and treatment planning process through participation in daily reports, case reviews, and treatment teams
- Provided supportive counseling or crisis intervention services in conjunction with medical and nursing service, as circumstances deemed necessary
Resident in Counseling
Lea & Associates Counseling Services, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
05.2019 - 02.2022
- Approved by the Virginia Department of Health Professions/Board of Counseling
- Completed 3400+ supervision hours in order to earn my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) License
- Supervision included: Face-to-Face counseling, individual and group supervision, and related activities (e.g
- Intake assessments, office orientation, case note writing, developing treatment plans, discharge planning, etc.) for various populations
Probation and Parole Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections-Interstate Compact
Richmond, VA
07.2014 - 10.2019
- Provided detailed case management to a high-volume of offenders placed under probation and parole supervision through the Interstate Compact Adult Offender Supervision
- Served as an Interstate Compact Unit Liaison to communicate and provide support to Virginia Institutional staff, Community Corrections (Probation and Parole Districts) staff, and Compact Offices throughout the United States, as a method to ensure efficient operations, and for monitoring and resolving Compact issues;
- Monitored and enforced compliance with Federal laws governing the interstate movement of offenders;
- Initiated interventions to address and correct non-compliance;
- Coordinated training and education regarding regulations of interstate movement of offenders;
- Effectively managed time in order to handle multiple assignments;
- Screened and made final approval decisions regarding the submittal of interstate compact activity items within prescribed deadlines;
- Evaluated, interpreted, and updated applicable databases (i.e
- VACORIS and ICOTS) to ensure completeness and accuracy;
- Researched and responded verbally and in writing, in a timely, accurate, and professional manner, to all involved parties;
- Exercised a high level of confidentiality with trusted information
- Actively attended and participated in Learning Teams
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Second Chances Comprehensive Services
Franklin, Virginia
03.2014 - 07.2014
- Provided direct mental health and behavioral support, coaching, and education services to identified clients and/or their families (adult and child) on a weekly basis for 9 to 10 hours per case
- Based on clients’ Individual Service Plans (ISP), prepared daily and quarterly reports
- Provided parent education and support
- Modeled and taught problem-solving techniques
- Provided a variety of interventions (behavioral, social, recreational) in client’s home and community as appropriate and necessary
- Provided linkage to community-based services
- Provided advocacy and support for families with these services; Taught and trained clients in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills through Mental Health Skills Building
Intern
Lea & Associates Counseling Services, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
05.2013 - 12.2013
- Completed a 600 hour supervised Internship that included the completion of the following: 240 hours of Face-to-Face counseling, 25 hours of both Individual and Group Supervision, and 310 hours of Related Activities (e.g
- Intake assessments, office orientation, case note writing, developed treatment plans, discharge planning, etc.)
Mental Health Technician
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center
Emporia, VA
10.2008 - 07.2010
- Completed intake documentation for new admissions, and maintained detailed records of patient progress and interactions, ensuring accurate documentation; Updated treatment plans accordingly
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
- Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive community among patients.
Probation and Parole Officer
Probation and Parole-District 7
Petersburg, Virginia
10.2006 - 03.2014
- Interpreted statutes, regulations, policies & standards in order to effectively supervise and counsel diverse clients in a community setting; Monitored clients’ adjustment and documented case activities
- Effectively communicated verbally and in writing with clients, other staff, and interested stakeholders (i.e
- Wardens, jails, law enforcement);
- Effectively managed time when handling multiple tasks (i.e
- Interviewing clients, gathering and verifying information, etc.), in order to accurately prepare Pre-sentence Investigations, Sentencing Guidelines and/or other recommendations within prescribed deadlines;
- Developed and implemented Supervision/Case Plans; Conducted COMPAS Assessments and Mental Health Screenings
- Evaluated, interpreted, and updated applicable databases (i.e
- VACORIS, ICOTS) to ensure completeness and accuracy;
- Exercised a high level of confidentiality with trusted information;
- Conducted home and community contacts in accordance with policy, case/treatment needs and supervision plan;
- Investigated, reported, and followed up on alleged client violations to determine available and appropriate sanctions;
- Provided offenders placed on probation and/or parole with appropriate referrals to community resources based on their individual level of risk and identified treatment needs;
- Researched and responded accurately to correspondence;
- Administered urine drug screens/Collected Fingerprints and DNA;
- Testified in Court proceedings;
- Assisted with the training of newly hired staff and volunteers; Served as District Point Person and Trainer for ICOTS (Interstate Compact Offender Tracking System); Conducted VCIN/NCIC searches on offenders as deemed appropriate and necessary
Education
Masters of Arts - Professional Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12-2013
Bachelor of Science - Human Services Counseling
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12-1996
Advanced Studies Diploma -
Brunswick Senior High School
Lawrenceville, VA06-1992
Skills
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Clinical documentation
- Clinical assessment
- Mental health counseling
- Individual therapy
- Resource linkage
- Discharge planning
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Group therapy
- Substance abuse counseling
Certification
- Virginia Board of Counseling
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Fully licensed by the Virginia Board of Counseling February 2022
Timeline
Clinical Case Manager Behavioral Health
CVS Health/Aetna
01.2025 - Current
Licensed Professional Counselor
SaVida Health-Petersburg
05.2023 - 10.2024
Career Pause
Rula Health
02.2023 - 05.2023
Interim Program Director
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
12.2022 - 02.2023
Licensed Professional Counselor
Rula Health
10.2022 - Current
Licensed Professional Counselor
Rula Health (formerly Path Mental Health)
10.2022 - Current
Clinical Director (LPC)
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
02.2022 - 12.2022
Substance Abuse Counselor
Crossroads Treatment Centers-Petersburg
08.2020 - 02.2022
Resident in Counseling
Lea & Associates Counseling Services, LLC
05.2019 - 02.2022
Probation and Parole Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections-Interstate Compact
07.2014 - 10.2019
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Second Chances Comprehensive Services
03.2014 - 07.2014
Intern
Lea & Associates Counseling Services, LLC
05.2013 - 12.2013
Mental Health Technician
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center
10.2008 - 07.2010
Probation and Parole Officer
Probation and Parole-District 7
10.2006 - 03.2014
Masters of Arts - Professional Counseling
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services Counseling
Old Dominion University
Advanced Studies Diploma -
Brunswick Senior High School
Similar Profiles
Wendi BognarWendi Bognar
Project Manager, Program Design and Strategy at CVS Health / Aetna / Coventry Health CareProject Manager, Program Design and Strategy at CVS Health / Aetna / Coventry Health Care
Nathaniel Capo-DeimlingNathaniel Capo-Deimling
Prior Authorization Rep at CVS Health/AetnaPrior Authorization Rep at CVS Health/Aetna
Tinnell HarrisTinnell Harris
Claims Specialist at CVS Health(Aetna)Claims Specialist at CVS Health(Aetna)