Dawn Marie Kangas
Boise,ID
Summary
Compassionate counselor with extensive experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and group counseling. Known for exceptional communication skills and a strong ability to implement tailored treatment plans that foster personal growth. Proven strengths in active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention have led to significant improvements in clients’ mental health. A dedicated professional committed to continuous learning and achieving impactful outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor
Kuna Counseling Center
KUNA, ID
01.2025 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies for individuals facing difficult situations or events.
- Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with referral sources, including physicians, schools, and community agencies.
- Helped couples work through serious issues and restore relationships or part amicably.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
- Developed treatment plans to address client needs.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health issues, career concerns, and personal development.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed about the latest counseling techniques and theories.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up sessions and adjusted treatment plans as necessary.
- Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
- Created an environment that was safe, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students.
- Established collaborative relationships with parents and guardians in order to provide effective care for their children.
- Obtained or maintained proper licensure or certification to meet state requirements.
Program Manager
Clarvida
Boise, ID
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Conducted regular meetings with team members to review progress and address any issues or concerns arising from the program execution process.
- Oversaw the resolution of issues and challenges impacting program delivery, facilitating problem-solving and decision-making processes.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing processes, procedures and systems related to the program delivery cycle.
- Created presentations outlining proposed solutions for addressing challenges encountered during program execution.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive program management plans, incorporating strategies for risk mitigation and contingency planning.
- Established and maintained relationships with vendors and external partners, negotiating contracts to support program objectives.
- Fostered a collaborative program environment, promoting teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.
- Implemented best practices in order to maximize efficiency of operations.
- Conducted risk assessments, developing and implementing risk management strategies to minimize impact on program objectives.
- Directed the development and maintenance of comprehensive program documentation, including plans, reports, and presentations.
- Led the recruitment, training, and development of program staff, building high-performing teams committed to achieving program success.
- Monitored and reported on program financial performance, implementing cost-control measures to stay within budget constraints.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards throughout the program lifecycle.
Counseling Intern
Kuna CounselingCenter
Kuna, ID
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Utilized proven methodologies to deliver effective counseling tailored to individual needs.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to foster positive behavior changes.
- Tracked goal progress through evidence-based assessment tools.
- Developed tailored service strategies per client's needs.
- Worked alongside colleagues to provide thorough client support.
- Provided individual, family, and group counseling sessions to clients.
- Worked alongside community partners to sustain uninterrupted client care among different caregivers.
- Collaborated with other staff members to ensure proper communication between all parties involved in a client's care plan.
- Conducted intake assessments and interviews with clients to determine their needs.
- Assisted with crisis intervention when needed and provided referrals to appropriate resources.
- Created presentations on various topics related to mental health awareness and education.
- Organized recreational activities that promoted healthy coping strategies among participants.
- Delivered treatments to improve client functionality and environmental adjustment.
- Developed treatment plans in collaboration with other professionals on the team.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all services provided according to agency standards.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Counseled clients physical, mental factors impacting personal success.
- Observed licensed clinicians providing therapy services to gain insight into best practices for working with clients.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress notes and treatment plans.
- Met with clients to understand individual needs and develop personalized counseling plans.
- Complied with federal and corporate guidelines to safeguard continuous level of patient confidentiality.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
Psych Technician
Intermountain Hospital
Boise, Idaho
09.2022 - 09.2023
- As a Psych Tech 4 I assist with planning and implementing services for an assigned program, which involves defining and implementing treatment goals as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and providing continuous patient care, observation, interaction, and role modeling to patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse and Program Manager
Owner
DMarie's Love Cakes
Eagle, Idaho
07.2021 - 08.2022
- I owned and operate a European bakery in Eagle Idaho
- We provide baked goods to my customers, schedule consultations, answer phones, handle bookkeeping and accounting matters, and customer service
- I also am the head baker and cake decorator
- I specialize in cupcakes, cakes, Italian macaron, eclairs, cream puffs, and European cakes
Administrative Assistant
Oregon Department of Corrections
Umatilla, Oregon
12.2019 - 04.2022
- My duties for the past 3 years for the Oregon Department of Corrections was to maintain case plans/files for 900 - 1000 inmates for the Oregon Information and Sentencing Computation
- (OISC) The primary purpose of the position is to manage and coordinate the process of all OISC Institution Records offices including security, maintenance, and court processes and data management as well as provide administrative support for the OISC Central Unit in an office with offsite management
- The position receives and reviews documents pertaining to their caseload and must evaluate, determine application, and forward to the appropriate person
- Must be able to interpret and explain laws, rules, policies and procedures of confidential inmate records and transport processes to attorneys, Department of Justice, Social Security Administration, DOC employees, Community Corrections, and other law enforcement agencies
- Respond to subpoenas, court orders and public records/information requests
- Independent judgement is required to analyze and apply precedents and information responses to attorneys, inmate families, other state and federal agencies and general public
Correctional Officer
Oregon Department of Corrections
Pendleton, Oregon
06.2013 - 12.2019
- My duties for the past 6 years at the Oregon Department of Corrections is to manage 80 to 107 inmate's case- plan in a secure facility and a housing unit
- Identify inmates who pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the institution as well as unit
- Understand and have knowledge of inmate behaviors as well as staff or inmate assault history
- Responding to inmate requests, interviewing, and counseling inmates within the guidelines of the Oregon Department of Corrections rules, policies, and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations
- These OAR's like that of CCM and CORE assist me to work in a more collaborative team atmosphere in order to address the objectives of an individual's case-plan upon correctional intake
- It is also my objective to track and follow up with counselors, teacher's security and BHS in order to meet the inmate's correctional objective in the areas of work, education, programming, family, drug and alcohol, financial and reentry into the community
- Monitor case plans as created by current counselor and assist them with information gathering or interviewing
- Use motivational interviewing skills in order to listen to the inmate and help other staff find solutions
- In addition, it is also my responsibility as an officer to promptly respond to inmate's personal problems and emergencies by working closely with other institution staff to meet the desired goal regarding safety
- I am knowledgeable of the Oregon Department of Corrections rules, regulations, and policies, as well and DOC work and education programming
- Practice cognitive based progressive discipline when dealing with inmate's behavior problems
- For example through intervention, communication, writing conduct orders, and other disciplinary reports when needed
- I follow the case plan if an inmate has been designated one
- Document inmate behavior through accurate record keeping in unit logs and DOC400
- Keep thorough records and files of inmates who transfer onto the unit from segregation, another facility, or within the unit
- Professionally respond and within specified timelines to inmate grievances and to other requests by inmates
- As an officer I research, investigate, develop, write, and document a variety of inmate reports in order to provide a clear summary of the inmate's behavior and conduct
- Reports include, but not limited to daily log, conduct orders, misconduct reports, stir reports, memos, etc
- Attend important meetings as required by administration in order to maintain a good working relationship as well as to provide important operational information and concerns in-regards to changes in inmate's behavior and unit operations through collaboration, multidisciplinary teams, log notes, and monitoring
- Provide investigatory information to a variety of sta
- Completes daily safety inspections of work area in order to maintain and safe and secure working environment as well as a clean and organized facility
- Ensuring that the work area meets safety standards by correcting and reporting safety issues and concerns
- Maintain a professional, clean, and required to complete thorough and accurate searches of inmates, inmate's property, and the facility
- Be available to address inmate's inquiries, questions and concerns, as well as clearly and quickly think in high stress situation
- Oversea inmate orderlies at work assignments as well as assisting with the unit work schedules
- I have also created questions & conducted inmate interviews on the unit for orderly positions before recommending they be hired for positions
- Working with IWP in the recommendations of hiring inmates for facility jobs as well as their dismissal for utilizing their job for misconduct
- Conducting searches of inmates & work areas
- Being available for emergency callback situations at any time
- Utilize outlook calendar to keep accurate schedule as a flex officer as well as trades I may have conducted to ensure my dependability
- I have also been a Field Training Officer for the past year where you also have to maintain accurate logs of trainees as well as write monthly evaluations of their performance Being actively engaged in the success of our new officers by instructing at Basic Corrections Course so that we can meet the goals of the department to provide the best training we can and to help retain the best and brightest employees we can
Correctional Officer
Idaho Department of Corrections
Boise, Idaho
09.2008 - 12.2008
- My duties for 4 months at the Idaho Department of Corrections were to supervise 100 to 200 inmates in a secure facility and housing unit
- Identify inmates who pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the institution as well as unit
- Understand and have knowledge of inmate's prior behaviors as well as staff and inmate assault history
- Provide counsel, advice and guidance to inmates within the guidelines of the Idaho Department of Corrections rules, policies, and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations
- It is also the duty of an officer to promptly respond to inmate's personal problems and emergencies by working closely with other institution staff to meet the desired goal
- Be knowledgeable of the Idaho Department of Corrections rules, regulations, and policies, as well and DOC work and education programming
- Practice cognitive based progressive discipline when dealing with inmates behavior problems
- For example through intervention, communication, writing conduct orders, and other disciplinary reports when needed
- Document inmate behavior through accurate record keeping in unit logs as well as DOC400
- Keep thorough records and files of inmates who transfer onto the unit from segregation, another facility, or within the unit
- Professionally respond and within specified timelines to inmate grievances and to other requests by inmates
- An officer will research, investigate, develop, write, and document a variety of inmate reports in order to provide a clear summary of the inmate's behavior and conduct
- Reports include, but not limited to daily log, conduct orders, misconduct reports, stir reports, memos, etc
- Attend important meetings as required by administration in order to maintain a good working relationship as well as to provide important operational information and concerns in-regards to changes in inmate's behavior and unit operations
- Completes daily safety inspections of work area in order to maintain and safe and secure working environment as well as a clean and organized facility
- Ensuring that the work area meets safety standards by correcting and reporting safety issues and concerns
- Maintain a professional, clean, and organized work area at all times
- Is responsible for proper key control in order to prevent escape
- Is also required to complete thorough and accurate searches of inmates, inmate's property, and the facility
- Be available to address inmate's questions and concerns, as well as clearly and quickly think in high stress situations
Caregiver
Angeline Senior Living
LaGrande, Oregon
11.2004 - 02.2006
- During the 14 months at Angeline Senior Living supervising 15 to 20 clients my duties were to provide one on one case management care to individuals whom lived in a group home/facility
- Case management included planning daily care, schedules, monitoring and documentation of behavior, social needs, medical care and prescription distribution and tracking
- Document behavioral and medical changes on a individual basis
- Respond to phone calls
- Participated in face to face interviews with family members in-regards to the health and status of each individual
- Responsible for the charge and control of each individual within the facility, to prevent escape or self-injury
- Ensure that areas met safety standards by correcting or reporting any safety concerns
- Develop, write, and document a variety of reports to maintain accurate records of each individual's health status
- Administer and monitor medications on a case-by-case basis
- Notify family member and appropriate individuals of emergency situations in-regards to their family members, for example death, injury, or illness
- Prepare and monitor individual and group activities within the facility
- Attend meetings necessary for the safety and security of the individuals within the facility as well as the facility
- Identify individuals who pose a serious threat to themselves and others in the facility in order to maintain a safe and secure facility
- Make change or recommendations for client care plans
Residential Care Assistant
New Day Enterprises
LaGrande, Oregon
11.2002 - 11.2004
- My initial duties for the 24 months that I was employed at New Day Enterprises was to provide home care to approximately 4 to 8 mentally disabled adults living in a group facility
- Specific duties were to provide case management and assist clients on a case-by-case basis with their daily lives
- For example, guide and counsel individuals in the areas of work, hygiene, wellness, compliance with program and medication regimen in order to meet their daily needs
- Assist in the areas of meal preparation, grocery shopping, financial assistance, distribute medication, provide individual and group activities, and proper hygiene and cleanliness
- Work closely with those who were at higher risk to behavioral outbursts and safety concerns in order to provide direction to each individual to ensure his or her own success in the program as well as the safety of others in the facility
- Others duties which were at the work program facility was to provide work programs and jobs to approximately 20 to 30 individuals on a case by case basis within the facility and in the community
- Each work assignment or task was specifically designed for each individual in order for him or her to become successful as well as receptive to the work/rehabilitation program
- It was my duty to provide work programs that met the needs of each individual's capabilities and needs within the program
- It was our duty to facilitate individual and group work programs to each and every individual
- Take individuals out into the community in order to complete the jobs that we were able to create and provide for them through local businesses
- Determine each individual's goals and needs, special case factors, and risk factors in order to maintain a safe and secure work environment
- Document and maintain accurate records of individual behaviors or stressors in order to provide the best care to each individual and meet the goals of their programming
- Create and assist in programs such as sewing red shorts for prisoners in Oregon, building caskets for low-income families, or local contracts with facilities shredding important documents
- Each of these programs was a part of our daily duties as well as creating new programs on an individual basis
Education
Non-Degree Seeking - Masters in Mental Health Counseling
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, Idaho02.2025
Masters - Mental Health Counseling
Capella University
01.2023
Master of Arts - Psychology: Specializing Criminology and Justice Studies
University of the Rockies
Colorado Springs, Colorado12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado07.2008
Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Team management
- Team leadership
- Process improvement
- Compliance enforcement
- Scheduling and planning
- Training and development
- Documentation proficiency
- Problem-solving
- Onboarding and training
- Verbal and written communication
- Therapy
- Solution-focused counseling
- Psychoeducation
- Behavior modification
- Mental health support
- Suicide risk assessments
- Adolescent counseling
- Needs assessment
- Anger management
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Intake assessments
- Treatment plans
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
Affiliations
- Sum Cum Laude
Certification
- LPC
- Nail Technician
- Esthetician
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Counselor
Kuna Counseling Center
01.2025 - Current
Counseling Intern
Kuna CounselingCenter
09.2023 - 01.2025
Program Manager
Clarvida
08.2023 - 02.2025
Psych Technician
Intermountain Hospital
09.2022 - 09.2023
Owner
DMarie's Love Cakes
07.2021 - 08.2022
Administrative Assistant
Oregon Department of Corrections
12.2019 - 04.2022
Correctional Officer
Oregon Department of Corrections
06.2013 - 12.2019
Correctional Officer
Idaho Department of Corrections
09.2008 - 12.2008
Caregiver
Angeline Senior Living
11.2004 - 02.2006
Residential Care Assistant
New Day Enterprises
11.2002 - 11.2004
Non-Degree Seeking - Masters in Mental Health Counseling
Northwest Nazarene University
Masters - Mental Health Counseling
Capella University
Master of Arts - Psychology: Specializing Criminology and Justice Studies
University of the Rockies
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Colorado Technical University
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