Christian Meléndez-Cruz
Kennewick,WA
Summary
Dynamic psychology professional with a proven track record in delivering impactful mental health interventions and therapeutic programs. Recognized for a collaborative approach and adaptability in fast-paced environments, consistently achieving positive patient outcomes. Expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy and crisis intervention is complemented by a compassionate demeanor and strong communication skills. Committed to fostering supportive communities through meaningful spiritual guidance and teamwork, ensuring effective collaboration and responsiveness to diverse needs.
Professional with significant experience and readiness for pastoral leadership. Skilled in delivering meaningful sermons, providing spiritual guidance, and fostering supportive community. Strong focus on teamwork and adaptability, ensuring effective collaboration and responsiveness to changing needs. Trusted for reliability, empathetic communication, and conflict resolution.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Psychologist Licensed in WA
Diocese of Yakima
05.2024 - Current
- Provided mental health consultation services to individuals in need, enhancing their emotional well-being
- Counseled clergy assigned by Bishop of Yakima on mental health issues
- Supported seminarians, deacons, and priests in addressing their psychological well-being
Pastor Associate at St. Joseph’s Church, Kennewick
Catholic Priest
05.2024 - Current
- Administered sacraments, fostering spiritual growth among community members
- Chaplain of Knights of Columbus, Kennewick Council 8179
- Chaplain of St. Joseph Chapel Beatification Mission
- Provided support to St. Joseph Catholic School, enhancing educational initiatives
- Administered sacraments across parishes in Yakima diocese, strengthening community ties
Clergy Mental Health Consultant to Office of Canonical Concerns (OCC)
05.2024 - Current
- In charge of reviewing documents provided by the Office of Canonical Concerns to assess any issues related to Mental health that could inform the various processes of the OCC, most particularly formal marriage cases that could result in a declaration of nullity.
- Participates in workshops organized by the OCC to better equip priests, deacons, and qualified laypersons to assist with marriage cases and marriage preparation.
Clergy Member of the Vocation’s Office
05.2024 - Current
- Mental health support to seminarians, deacons, priests, and applicants/candidates for the diaconate/priesthood programs.
- Consultation with other mental health professionals.
Clergy Member of the Council of Priests for the Diaconate Program
05.2024 - Current
- In charge of mental health aspects.
- Function as a consultant.
Consultant as Destination Services Executive
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
San Juan, P.R.
05.2009 - 07.2009
- Coordinated services for national and international conventions, enhancing event execution.
- Provided customer service by offering insights into Puerto Rico’s history and culture; acted as liaison between clients and members.
- Facilitated communication for local and international calls to ensure effective information exchange.
Destination Services Executive
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
San Juan, P.R.
03.2008 - 12.2008
- Coordinated services for national and international conventions, enhancing client experience and event execution.
- Facilitated communication between local and international clients via phone, ensuring clarity and understanding.
- Provided customer service by sharing information about Puerto Rico’s history and culture; acted as liaison between clients and members.
Teller
Banco Popular
Carolina, P.R.
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Provided customer service by changing checks, receiving deposits, processing payments, and orienting clients.
- Guided clients to appropriate personnel to address their requests efficiently.
- Managed financial accounting tasks while selling and merchandising products and services.
Education
Bachelor - Sacred Theology
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Mundelein, IL05.2022
Master of Science - Faculty of Theology
San Dámaso University
Madrid, Spain06.2015
Psy. D. - Clinical Psychology
Carlos Albizu University
San Juan, P.R.07.2014
M.S. - Clinical Psychology
Carlos Albizu University
San Juan, P.R.01.2011
B.S. - Business Administration with a concentration in Finance
University of Puerto Rico
Carolina, P.R.05.2005
Skills
- Psychological assessments
- Psychological evaluation
- Intake assessments
- Crisis intervention
- Therapeutic techniques
- Therapeutic interventions
- Youth counseling
- Family therapy techniques
- Group interventions
- Psychotherapy techniques
- Developmental psychology
- Behavioral health
- Clinical research
- Clinical consultations
- Clinical documentation
- Bilingual communication
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Customer service and client relationship management
- Organizational skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Management and supervisory experience
- Leadership and collaboration
- Time management
- Interpersonal skills
- Psychological evaluation
- Psychotherapy techniques
- Intake assessments
Affiliations
American Psychological Association
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Clinical Psychologist Licensed in WA
Diocese of Yakima
05.2024 - Current
Pastor Associate at St. Joseph’s Church, Kennewick
Catholic Priest
05.2024 - Current
Clergy Mental Health Consultant to Office of Canonical Concerns (OCC)
05.2024 - Current
Clergy Member of the Vocation’s Office
05.2024 - Current
Clergy Member of the Council of Priests for the Diaconate Program
05.2024 - Current
Consultant as Destination Services Executive
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
05.2009 - 07.2009
Destination Services Executive
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
03.2008 - 12.2008
Teller
Banco Popular
09.2005 - 05.2006
B.S. - Business Administration with a concentration in Finance
University of Puerto Rico
M.S. - Clinical Psychology
Carlos Albizu University
Psy. D. - Clinical Psychology
Carlos Albizu University
Bachelor - Sacred Theology
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Master of Science - Faculty of Theology
San Dámaso University