Debra Holloway, ABD, LMHC
Shirley,MA
Summary
With well over ten thousand hours of experience in organizational development and learning, I am a results-oriented professional specializing in driving organizational growth and enhancing employee development. Skilled in developing and implementing training programs, performance management systems, and organizational change strategies. Experienced in conducting needs assessments, identifying skill gaps, and designing tailored solutions for improved organizational effectiveness. Adept at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and utilizing data-driven insights to achieve strategic goals. Proven track record of building strong cross-functional relationships and delivering innovative solutions to meet business objectives. Passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and driving transformative change within organizations. Proficient in using organizational psychology principles to enhance human resources, administrative, and management strategies. Skilled in policy planning, organizational development, and data analysis. Effective at problem-solving, relationship-building, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Organizational Consultant and Leadership Coach
Groton, MA
09.2012 - Current
- I excel as a coach and mentor for senior-level executives, focusing on enhancing their leadership abilities and improving overall organizational performance
- I conduct individual and team coaching sessions to support leadership development, self-awareness, and effective communication and collaboration skills
- Additionally, I analyze various aspects of the organizations' structures, cultures, policies, procedures, and operations to identify areas for improvement
- Based on these analyses, I provide valuable recommendations and solutions to help achieve organizational goals and objectives
- I also evaluate diversity and equity practices, policies, and culture to foster a more inclusive environment
- Furthermore, I assist executives in setting goals, strategic planning, assessing skills and competencies, and providing actionable feedback.
Professor of Social Sciences
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Massachusetts, MA
09.2012 - Current
- Developed course curriculum informed by adult learner research, focused on inspiring creative and critical thinking in learners.
- Developed instructional design based on active learning methodologies, emphasizing learning by doing.
- Implemented inquiry-based learning strategies to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Utilized authentic learning practices to create real-world relevance and enhance student engagement.
- Provided rich and detailed feedback within 48 hours of assignment submissions.
- Monitored academic progress and implemented personalized 1:1 coaching strategies to support and ensure success.
- Conducted thorough skills assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and learning among students, leading to targeted training initiatives and personalized development plans.
- Courses include Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development throughout the Lifespan, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Self, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Human Services, Research Methods, and Psychology of Aging.
- Advised students on academic issues and career paths.
- Engaged with colleagues in scholarly activities at professional conferences.
- Collaborated with staff members to design curricula for new courses or programs.
- Mentored faculty members in teaching methods and best practices.
- Participated in departmental committees that address curriculum development, assessment strategies or technology initiatives.
- Mentored and motivated students to increase class participation.
- Formulated well-structured syllabus of course content to detail learning goals and expected outcomes.
- Structured assignments with clear goals and criteria for assessment.
- Advised students in personal matters, driving academics, attendance and behaviors.
- Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and online discussions and providing academic advisement.
- As a highly qualified and motivated professor of social sciences, I excel in employing real talk pedagogy, authentic learning, and an active classroom approach to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment
- With expertise in student-centered and inquiry-guided learning, I enhance the educational experience for diverse students
- My proficiency extends to teaching a range of social science courses, such as sociology, psychology, psychology of self, abnormal psychology, and human growth and development throughout the lifespan
- In my current role, I demonstrate a profound understanding of theory and research methods, ensuring high-quality instruction
- Provide exceptional learning experiences.
- Created a sense of belonging within the classroom setting leading to positive academic outcomes.
- Conducted research related to the field of education.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Private Practice
Groton, MA
08.2009 - Current
- Established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional counseling services, resulting in a client base generated solely through word-of-mouth referrals
- Fostered collaborative relationships with area psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective coordination of care and holistic treatment for clients
- Demonstrated exceptional networking skills, resulting in increased referrals and a growing client base
- Maintained a high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards in all aspects of practice management
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet everyone's specific and varying needs.
Dean of Students & Student Success Coordinator
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Provided culturally competent guidance to students, teachers, and staff, while monitoring student engagement and interactions
- Developed personalized teaching plans to improve teacher-student interaction and teacher retention rates
- Implemented professional learning initiatives to enhance performance, streamline operations, assess learning gaps in faculty and staff, and foster an atmosphere of empowerment, accountability, cultural competence, and belonging
- Aligned federal and additional budgets to impact student performance, support teacher development and activate community involvement; achieved strategic goals and prioritized academic programming
- Selected Accomplishments: Developed and onboarded Restorative Justice policies and procedures
- Ensured compliance with ADA and 504 legislation and enhanced the learning for students with disabilities
- Collaborated with a variety of stakeholders to offer support and guidance to up to 400 students, improving student focus and implementing school wide assessments
- Created, implemented, and served as the first advisor to school's diversity club
- Designed and implemented teacher training/coaching program focused on “connecting” with students
- Designed and implemented professional development training on topics related to pedagogical practices.
Clinical Coordinator of DMH, Community Healthlink
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
Groton, MA
09.2009 - 08.2012
- Provided leadership and oversight to family and client workers
- Developed and implemented evaluating programs and services; provided direct family and individual psychotherapy; worked with clients, families, staff, and other professionals to ensure best practices were followed and that quality patient care was provided
- Selected Accomplishments: Developed and implemented process to assess learning gaps in support staff, coached staff in skill development
- Developed and implemented training program for support staff to assess skill deficits in their clients
- Developed and implemented training based on Ross Greene's Explosive Child.
Program Coordinator and Advocate
Food Pantry and Emergency Services
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the all-client services, included overseeing program development, implementation, staff and volunteer supervision, training and development, budgeting, and coordination with other departments
- The Program Coordinator will ensure that the organization's goals and objectives are met in a timely and efficient manner
- Selected Accomplishments: Developed, implemented, and evaluated programs to ensure program objectives are met
- Developed and implemented program wide training in cultural competency
- Supervised, mentored, and trained staff to ensure quality program delivery
- Developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders, such as government, funding agencies, and community partners
- Developed and implemented program newsletter
- Developed and implemented marketing material for capital campaign
- Worked with stakeholders in raising 1.5 million dollars for capital campaign
- Secured funding for various programs through private donations, grants, and in-kind donations.
Program Coordinator and Advocate
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Provided program support for families with young children through relationship building, program coordination, and resource provision
- Developed and maintained relationships with families in the program, coordinated program activities to ensure they were in line with program objectives, and provided resources and services to families to facilitate successful program outcome
- Worked collaboratively with other staff to ensure program quality and success, attended and participated in community events to ensure visibility of the program, monitored program progress and provided feedback and updates to stakeholders, conducted assessments and evaluations of families to track progress, developed and implemented plans for families to address identified needs, and provided case management and advocacy for families in the program
- Selected Accomplishments: Secured initial funding for program
- Developed and implemented multiple programs for families of young children, including playgroups, 1:1 family support mentor, early reading program, parenting education, and young mom's support group and workshops
- Designed and facilitated cultural competency workshops for staff including 1:1 mentoring/coaching.
School-based Therapist
School, Community Healthlink
01.2006
- Dedicated and experienced clinical mental health therapist providing counseling services to students in a school-based setting
- Collaborating closely with school staff to identify and address mental health issues that may be impacting student academic and social-emotional functioning
- Developing personalized treatment plans utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help students cope with mental health challenges
- Responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records in compliance with HIPAA regulations
- Responsibilities: Provide counseling services to students in a school-based setting
- Work closely with school staff to identify and address mental health issues impacting student academic and social-emotional functioning
- Develop personalized treatment plans to assist students in achieving their goals
- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help students cope with mental health challenges
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Partial Hospital Manager, Program Manager
Health Alliance Hospital Burbank Hospital
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team
- Partnered in design of wellness psycho-education group series
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients
- Led counseling group to discuss topics such as eating disorders and relationship issues
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork
- Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership And Learning
Rivier University
New Hampshire01-2025
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology -
Rivier University
06-2006
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Organizational Psychology And Development
Fitchburg State University
Skills
- Highly knowledgeable and skilled at utilizing adult learning theory
- High level Interpersonal Skills and Communicationnonverbal and verbal
- Creating Teamwork and Collaboration
- Highly skilled at facilitating transformative change
- Highly skilled at instructional design
- Expert leven of human behavior and motivation
- Highly skilled at building rapport and sense of belonging with diverse individuals and groups
- Highly skilled in organization effectiveness and change management strategies
Certification
- Mental Health Counselor Massachusetts License #6557
- Certified Professional & Leadership Coach, Growth
Additional Information
Fitchburg State University - Fitchburg, MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), State of Massachusetts Certified Professional & Leadership Coach, Growth
Affiliations
- Dissertation work focused on the role of positive emotions and sense of belonging.
Timeline
Dean of Students & Student Success Coordinator
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
09.2018 - 05.2020
Organizational Consultant and Leadership Coach
09.2012 - Current
Professor of Social Sciences
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
09.2012 - Current
Clinical Coordinator of DMH, Community Healthlink
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
09.2009 - 08.2012
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Private Practice
08.2009 - Current
School-based Therapist
School, Community Healthlink
01.2006
Program Coordinator and Advocate
Food Pantry and Emergency Services
01.2000 - 01.2006
Program Coordinator and Advocate
Massachusetts
01.1996 - 01.2000
Partial Hospital Manager, Program Manager
Health Alliance Hospital Burbank Hospital
Doctor of Education - Leadership And Learning
Rivier University
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology -
Rivier University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Organizational Psychology And Development
Fitchburg State University
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