Cora Smith
Portsmouth,VA
Summary
Dedicated, client-centered mental health professional with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through emotional and behavioral challenges. Trained in anxiety, family conflict, and life transitions, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused methods. Skilled in creating a safe, engaging therapeutic environment that promotes emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful change. Additionally, over 21 years of experience in program management, client counseling, and employee development, with proven capabilities in remote supervision, compliance, and resource optimization.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident in Counseling
Transforming Hearts, LLC
01.2026 - Current
- Provide outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults under clinical supervision
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
- Support clients experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, and family conflict
- Implement evidence-based interventions, including CBT, solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques
- Maintain timely, ethical, and compliant clinical documentation
Programs Manager
City of Norfolk
01.2026 - Current
- Led a team of Self-Sufficiency Specialists to support client enrollment in educational programs
- Provided clients with job search assistance and community resource referrals
- Conducted assessments to identify employment barriers and review case accuracy
- Generated weekly program reports and oversaw the Child Care program
Benefit Programs Supervisor, Sr
City of Norfolk
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Led a team of Self-Sufficiency Specialists to support client enrollment in educational programs
- Provided clients with job search assistance and community resource referrals
- Conducted assessments to identify employment barriers and review case accuracy
- Generated weekly program reports and oversaw the Child Care program
Benefit Programs Supervisor
City of Norfolk
09.2016 - 03.2024
- Supervised and evaluated a team of 10, ensuring effective training and development
- Managed a $17.5 million budget, optimizing resource allocation for childcare services
- Provided expert counseling to diverse clients, enhancing self-sufficiency and satisfaction
- Ensured program compliance with state and local policies, maintaining program integrity
- Generated detailed weekly reports on program performance and client outcomes
Benefit Programs Specialist II
City of Norfolk
09.2014 - 09.2016
- Managed over 100 cases with precision in VaCMS, ensuring accurate eligibility determinations
- Processed applications and managed approvals, denials, and closures efficiently
- Conducted detailed family interviews to assess service eligibility
- Maintained comprehensive case notes and provided ongoing case management
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA12-2025
Master of Arts - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, IL05-2011
Skills
- Treatment Planning
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Program leadership
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Clinical Documentation
Internship
Transforming Hearts, LLC
05/2025 - 12/2025
Timeline
Resident in Counseling
Transforming Hearts, LLC
01.2026 - Current
Programs Manager
City of Norfolk
01.2026 - Current
Benefit Programs Supervisor, Sr
City of Norfolk
03.2024 - 01.2026
Benefit Programs Supervisor
City of Norfolk
09.2016 - 03.2024
Benefit Programs Specialist II
City of Norfolk
09.2014 - 09.2016
Master of Arts - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Regent University