Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Work Availability
Interests
Work Preference
Quote
Timeline
OfficeManager
Cindy Howell

Cindy Howell

Richmond,CA

Summary

Dynamic Senior Psychiatric Technician with over 45 years of extensive experience with the U.S. Army, Prison Health Services, Contra Costa and Marin County Child and Adult Behavioral Health Services, excelling in crisis management and patient advocacy. Proven ability to develop effective treatment plans and conduct thorough patient evaluations. Skilled in medication management, support and fostering a culturally competent care environment, ensuring dignity and respect for all clients.


Knowledgeable Certified Health Coach with expertise in plant based cooking, individualized self care plans, personalized wellness plans and client education. Proven track record in guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles through tailored programs and self advocacy.

Overview

47
47
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Health Coach

Self Employed
03.2013 - Current
  • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, allowing for thorough analysis of progress over time.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to client care.
  • Organized and led group coaching sessions, fostering a supportive community environment for participants.
  • Educated clients on stress management techniques for improved mental wellbeing.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to empower clients in making lasting lifestyle changes.
  • Improved client health outcomes by designing and implementing personalized wellness plans.
  • Promoted holistic wellness by incorporating mindfulness practices into coaching sessions.
  • Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting strategies as needed for optimal results in their wellness journey.
  • Facilitated goal-setting workshops, enabling clients to establish achievable health objectives with clear action steps.
  • Designed targeted detoxification protocols that helped cleanse the body and improve overall wellbeing of clients.
  • Conducted workshops on healthy eating habits for sustainable weight loss results.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing ongoing support and accountability through regular checkins.
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex dietary restrictions, ensuring adherence to individualized meal plans.
  • Delivered engaging presentations on various health topics at local community events and conferences.
  • Assisted clients in finding new ways to inspire healthier habits.
  • Maintained records of clients' health progress and compared to health goals.
  • Supported implementation of patient health plan, weight loss programs and personalized fitness and exercise programs.
  • Recommended nutrition and fitness modifications to improve overall health of clients.
  • Assisted with development of improved seminars and training materials.
  • Conducted health screenings and assessments to identify health needs and risk factors for individuals and communities.
  • Established and maintained partnerships with community organizations to promote health education programs.
  • Gave public talks on importance of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Taught health education classes for community workers and members of public.
  • Designed and conducted health education surveys to assess health needs and risk factors within communities.

Licensed Psychiatric Technician

Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services
02.1995 - 03.2023
  • Administered PPD and IM injections according to protocol
  • Daily documentation and progress reporting during inpatient hospitaliztion
  • Recommended continuing care and medications to clients and communicated with family members on treatment and discharge plans
  • Assisted and counseled 30 patients daily
  • Assessed clients upon admission and discharge from Crisis stabilization unit to inpatient care
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices
  • Applied interventions when necessary, including clients wanting to leave against medical advice (AMA)
  • Ensured that clients and families were treated with respect and dignity
  • Supervised care for 20-30 mental health patients in 30-bed in patient facility
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior
  • Worked with department heads, staff and faculty to develop engaging curriculum and advance instruction for all nursing programs
  • Skillfully developed departmental goals, objectives, standards of performance, policies and procedures
  • Provided case management services, counseling, education and life-skills training to diverse, at-risk student population
  • Improved delivery of patient care through reviewing and implementing improvements to clinical approaches
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
  • Ensured safety and well-being of patients
  • Responsible for primary care, case management, and medication management and support
  • Developed care plans and made referrals as necessary for students with health concerns or injuries
  • Investigated and reported issues relating to patient care or conditions that might hinder patient well-being
  • Coordinated nursing department activities to ensure availability of appropriate clinical and support staff for resident care
  • Routinely collaborated with department managers to correct problems and improve services
  • Assisted patients with bathing, dressing, hygiene and grooming
  • Provided patient education
  • Delivered in-home care to disabled children and adults
  • Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs
  • Engaged patients with games, crafts, cooking, music, reading and other activities
  • Provide COVID-19 testing and monitoring per hospital and state protocols.
  • Provided skillful behavioral management techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.
  • Continuously updated clinical knowledge and skills through attendance at workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Licensed Psychiatric Technician-Per Diem

Marin County Crisis Stabilization Unit
02.1998 - 02.2019
  • Assisted and counseled 15-20 patients daily.
  • As a Crisis Specialist 3, provided supervision as a Shift Leader role during emergency intake process.
  • Conducted thorough intake assessments to determine appropriate level of care for incoming patients.
  • Ensured that clients and families were treated with respect and dignity.
  • Provided skillful behavioral management techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.
  • Administer IM injections during crisis situations according to emergency hospital protocol.
  • Supervised care for 15 mental health patients in 15-bed facility.
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
  • Charted on each patient daily.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior.
  • Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
  • Ensured safety and well-being of patients.
  • Provided patient diagnoses under strict time constraints.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by sharing observations, insights, and recommendations regarding patient care.
  • Provided patient education.
  • Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Enhanced treatment plans by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and case managers.
  • Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
  • Facilitated on-going assessment of patient and family needs and implementation of interdisciplinary team care plan.
  • Maintained confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations while communicating pertinent information to appropriate team members.
  • Supported patient transition from an inpatient setting back into the community by providing ongoing education on medication management and self-care strategies.

Lead Licenced Psychiatric Technician

Prison Heath Services
01.1993 - 07.1998
  • Administered PPD and IM injections according to protocol.
  • Assisted and counseled 80 inmates daily.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior.
  • Conducted thorough intake assessments to determine appropriate level of care for incoming patients.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed documentation of patient progress, treatments, and interventions to support continuity of care.
  • Charted on each patient daily.
  • Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
  • Developed system of staff communication, enabling quicker implementation of treatment plans and improved comprehensive patient care.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, and managed patient behavior.
  • Administered prescribed medications accurately and monitored patients for side effects, contributing to effective treatment outcomes.
  • Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
  • Ensured patient safety and implemented crisis intervention strategies for de-escalation of agitated or aggressive individuals.
  • Enhanced treatment plans by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and case managers.
  • Administered job knowledge assessments and competency testing for certification-level training.
  • Implemented behavior modification plans designed by psychologists or psychiatrists to decrease maladaptive behaviors in patients while increasing adaptive ones.
  • Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.

Licensed Psychiatric Technician

East Bay Hospital
04.1986 - 07.1995
  • Assessed clients upon admission and discharge to detox; took blood draws for labs.
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
  • Assisted and counseled 50 patients daily.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior.
  • Ensured that clients and families were treated with respect and dignity.
  • Conducted thorough intake assessments to determine appropriate level of care for incoming patients.
  • Recommended continuing care and medications to clients and communicated with family members on treatment and discharge plans.
  • Charted on each patient daily.
  • Provided behavioral/emotional support and supervision for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.
  • Enhanced treatment plans by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and case managers.
  • Facilitated on-going assessment of patient and family needs and implementation of interdisciplinary team care plan.
  • Developed Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Positive Behavioral Intervention Plans (PBIP).
  • Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
  • Responded to Code Red pages and followed through on disposition of patients.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed documentation of patient progress, treatments, and interventions to support continuity of care.
  • Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
  • Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Facilitated timely check-in by greeting visitors and establishing purpose of visits.
  • Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to ensure client satisfaction and compliance with set standards.
  • Engaged patients with games, crafts, cooking, music, reading and other activities.
  • Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
  • Partnered with team of registered nurses to achieve overall well-being of all patients.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials.
  • Performed vitals/glucose testing and assisted in administering injections and urinalysis.
  • Assisted patients with bathing, dressing, hygiene and grooming.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Educated family members on the nature of mental illnesses and provided resources for additional support services as needed.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by sharing observations, insights, and recommendations regarding patient care.
  • Supported patient transition from an inpatient setting back into the community by providing ongoing education on medication management and self-care strategies.
  • Facilitated psychoeducational groups focused on topics such as stress management, anger management, interpersonal relationships, or symptom awareness.
  • Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.

Psychiatric Technician, Medic

U. S. Army
08.1978 - 08.1986
  • Supervised care for 60 mental health patients in 60-bed facility.
  • Ensured that clients and families were treated with respect and dignity.
  • Assessed clients upon admission and discharge to detox; took blood draws for labs.
  • Conducted initial intake assessments for new patients, gathering essential information needed for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Recommended continuing care and medications to clients and communicated with family members on treatment and discharge plans.
  • Assisted psychiatrists in administering medications, ensuring accurate dosages and monitoring side effects for optimal efficacy.
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
  • Encouraged patient independence by teaching self-care and life skills.
  • Charted on each patient daily.
  • Reduced incidents of aggressive behavior by implementing de-escalation techniques.
  • Assisted and counseled 12 patients daily.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications and managed patient behavior.
  • Investigated, provided and submitted information to Quality Department about special incidents, events and complaints.
  • Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Maintained detailed patient records, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and privacy laws.
  • Treated patients with strokes, head traumas, comas, and intracranial hematomas.
  • Managed caseload of 20 clients, providing education, treatments, IV therapy, venipuncture and wound care.
  • Took vital signs of newborns while assisting in NICU.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials.
  • Interviewed patients to obtain medical information, weight and height measurements and vital signs.
  • Confirmed accurate completion of forms and reports for admission, transfer and/or discharge of each resident.
  • Provided patient diagnoses under strict time constraints.
  • Practiced veterinary medicine with emphasis on preventative care, chronic disease management, and emergency medicine.
  • Engaged patients with games, crafts, cooking, music, reading and other activities.
  • Provided behavioral/emotional support and supervision for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.
  • Completed clinical rotations in Geriatrics.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Skillfully performed suture removals for patients of all ages.
  • Ordered and read lab tests, x-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, and EKGs.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient progress, facilitating effective communication among healthcare team members.
  • Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
  • Communicated goals, plans and progress to parents or guardians.
  • Administered medications and assisted in diagnostic testing for HIV-positive patients.
  • Facilitated on-going assessment of patient and family needs and implementation of interdisciplinary team care plan.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, and managed patient behavior.
  • Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
  • Transported patients to and from different departments.
  • Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to ensure client satisfaction and compliance with set standards.
  • Assisted in patient goal-setting and regularly monitored progress, celebrating successes and addressing barriers to achievement.
  • Provided compassionate support to patients during group therapy sessions, fostering trust and open communication.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, improving overall patient outcomes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in psychiatric care.
  • Facilitated recreational activities designed to promote socialization skills among peers while also encouraging healthy outlets for stress reduction.

Education

Associate of Arts - Nursing Education

Contra Costa College
San Pablo, CA

No Degree - Health Coaching

Institute of Integrative Nutrition
New York, NY
01-2013

Skills

  • Clinical judgment
  • Diagnosing illnesses (ICD Codes)
  • Patient evaluation
  • Life skills development
  • Culturally-competent care
  • Professional bedside manner
  • Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
  • Dosage calculation
  • Confidential case documentation
  • Treatment Planning
  • Medication Management
  • Behavioral Health
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Qualified daily living activity assistant
  • Positive behavior modeling
  • Applied behavioral analysis
  • Healthy meal preparation
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Crisis Management
  • Staff Management
  • Care Planning
  • Psychotropic Medicine
  • Self-motivation and discipline
  • Public speaking
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Continuing education commitment
  • Goal setting strategies
  • Interpersonal relationship building
  • Holistic wellness
  • Chronic disease prevention
  • Individualized program design
  • Nutrition expertise
  • Group coaching proficiency
  • Client assessment
  • Health promotion advocacy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Coaching
  • Goal establishment and monitoring
  • Menu planning
  • Individual and group coaching
  • Active listening
  • Effective communication

Certification

Received a Health Coach Certification from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s cutting edge Health Coach Training Program. This training has equipped me with extensive knowledge in holistic nutrition, health coaching and preventative health. I am able to facilitate workshops on health eating, cooking and stress management.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Interests

Cooking

Hiking

Teaching Workshops

Traveling

Motivational Speaking

Work Preference

Work Type

Part TimeFull Time

Work Location

Hybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekCareer advancementCompany CulturePersonal development programsPaid time off

Quote

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mohandas Gandhi

Timeline

Certified Health Coach

Self Employed
03.2013 - Current

Licensed Psychiatric Technician-Per Diem

Marin County Crisis Stabilization Unit
02.1998 - 02.2019

Licensed Psychiatric Technician

Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services
02.1995 - 03.2023

Lead Licenced Psychiatric Technician

Prison Heath Services
01.1993 - 07.1998

Licensed Psychiatric Technician

East Bay Hospital
04.1986 - 07.1995

Psychiatric Technician, Medic

U. S. Army
08.1978 - 08.1986

Associate of Arts - Nursing Education

Contra Costa College

No Degree - Health Coaching

Institute of Integrative Nutrition

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