Debra Kahler
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Highly motivated, empathetic professional who enjoys connecting with those seeking assistance on their personal life journey by utilizing various skills to enable growth and healing in their process.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
The Salvation Army - Harbor Light Center
06.2023 - Current
- Coach 11 team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance and care of clients in program.
- Establish team priorities, maintained schedules and monitor performance.
- Maintain caseload of up to four clients in treatment for Substance Use Disorder.
- Facilitate psychoeducational and CBT groups for clients residing in treatment program.
Independent Counselor
Christian Counselors Collaborative
02.2020 - Current
- Create environment of authenticity, trust and safety in person or virtually
- Provide various art materials that meet needs of various skills and abilities.
- Assist in interpretation of artistic creations to inform client treatment plans and goals
- Utilized various modalities to facilitate client awareness, growth and change
- Prepare up to 8 clients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities
- Established long and short-term goals for therapeutic services to encourage patient progress
- Documented and filed patient health reports and charts.
Adjunct Professor
Carlow University
12.2019 - Current
- Designed exams, lecture material and writing assignments.
- Develop art expressive techniques to explore various population needs
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses to groups of up to 14 students
- Evaluated student progress and assigned grades
- Encouraged students to develop individual artistic style
- Guided students through exploration and analysis of different art forms and implemented hands-on approach in therapeutic art process.
Supervisor
Light of Life Rescue Mission
03.2020 - 06.2023
- Develop and oversee program for up to 25 homeless, dual diagnose populations.
- Review service plans, ensuring goals are results-oriented, and interprets e results to help client to heal
- Established and enforced clear goals to keep team working collaboratively
- Establish mutual trust, and safe, authentic environment for all clients and team member
- Facilitate art and psychoeducational groups that meet needs of various personalities and skills
- Provide case management with appropriate clinical notes (DAP).
Family Development Coordinator
Light of Life Rescue Mission
07.2012 - 03.2020
- Provide creative outlets for families to work, learn and grow together
- Educated clients and families on tools to communicate better and negotiate issues for improved family relationships
- Met with clients to determine necessary services and make treatment recommendations
- Managed creative parent support groups addressing topics such as positive discipline and parenting styles.
Education
Master Degree - Art Therapy
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Coll
Terre Haute, IN12.2014
Undergraduate - Art/Art Therapy/Psychology
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA05.1995
Skills
Application of CBT approach
Knowledge of DDAP requirements
Creative arts application
Associations
- American Art Therapy Association.
- Art Therapy Credentials Board
- American Christian Counselors Association
Volunteer Experience
Events Coordinator; Trauma Art Ministries
Timeline
Program Manager
The Salvation Army - Harbor Light Center
06.2023 - Current
Supervisor
Light of Life Rescue Mission
03.2020 - 06.2023
Independent Counselor
Christian Counselors Collaborative
02.2020 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Carlow University
12.2019 - Current
Family Development Coordinator
Light of Life Rescue Mission
07.2012 - 03.2020
Master Degree - Art Therapy
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Coll
Undergraduate - Art/Art Therapy/Psychology
Carlow University
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