Christina Testa
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Motivated School Psychologist successful at helping students cope with academic and social pressures. Excellent communication, problem-solving and relationship building skills. Offering 25+ years in education. Results-focused supporting youth through formative years. Thoughtful facilitator of student achievement through simultaneously holistic and clinical approach to overcoming obstacles. Systematic and detail-oriented bookkeeper with industry-standard medical record system and exactingly accurate data retention protocols.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Psychologist
Amphitheater School District
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Met with students to conduct individual assessments and determine academic and mental health needs.
- Completed required documentation and reports for compliance and treatment planning.
- Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Collaborated with social workers to help students grow in social and emotional capacities.
- Observed students in classroom and play environments.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to assess goals and progress.
- Built positive and productive relationships with students, parents, educators and community resources.
- Implemented prevention-oriented support groups for students.
- Conducted group and individual counseling sessions for key issues.
- Implemented prevention-oriented support groups for [Type] students.
- Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to diagnose conditions and assess eligibility for special services.
- Led staff and faculty training and development to support program objectives.
- Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Clinician
La Frontera
04.2019 - 07.2019
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Behavioral Health Counselor
Center For Life Skills Development
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from [Type] and [Type] diseases and issues.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Behavioral Health Technician
CPES Novelles
01.2017 - 10.2017
- Facilitated on-site activities, support groups, and outings for clients.
- Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Communicated with clients to assess mental health needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and treatment plans of clients.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients manage mental health difficulties.
Guest Teacher
Sahuarita School District
03.2014 - 12.2016
- Managed classrooms of up to 35 students in schools in Sahuarita.
- Instructed students in lesson plans that had been created by teacher.
- Promoted positive learning environment in classrooms for students in grades k to 12.
- Answered questions from students regarding instruction material.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to accommodate varied student learning styles.
Education
Master of Arts - School Psychology
California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CABachelor of Arts - Psychology
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Classroom Observation
- Instructional Techniques
- Differentiated Instruction
- BIP Understanding
- 504 Plans
- Data Collection
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Interdisciplinary Meetings
- IEP Compliance
- Individual and Family Support
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Data Analysis
- School Policies
- Mental Health Assessments
- Educational Evaluation
- Positive Interactions
- Team Collaboration
- School Counseling
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- Learning Improvements
- Educational Support
- Organizational Abilities
- Group Counseling
- Cultural Competency
- Parent Consultation
- Testing Protocols
- Behavior Modification
- Crisis Situations
- Response to Intervention Training
- Psychologist Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Technology Integration
- Preschool Programs
- Instructional Strategies
- Documentation
- Positive Learning Environment
- Multitasking Strengths
- Intervention Planning
- Suicide Prevention
- Latest Industry Trends
Certification
- Certified School Psychologist in AZ and CA, Current
Timeline
School Psychologist
Amphitheater School District
07.2019 - 05.2023
Clinician
La Frontera
04.2019 - 07.2019
Behavioral Health Counselor
Center For Life Skills Development
10.2017 - 04.2019
Behavioral Health Technician
CPES Novelles
01.2017 - 10.2017
Guest Teacher
Sahuarita School District
03.2014 - 12.2016
Master of Arts - School Psychology
California State University - Northridge
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Loyola Marymount University
- Certified School Psychologist in AZ and CA, Current
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