Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Debra K. Polodna

Oviedo,FL

Summary

Empathetic professional with proven track record of strong therapeutic skills and dedication to providing emotional support while possessing unwavering commitment to adapting strategies to meet diverse student needs in a multicultural environment. Skilled in academic policies, procedures, and guidelines to help students achieve their educational goals. Recognized for exceptional mentorship and leadership skills, evidenced by training and managing a large volunteer team in children’s ministry setting.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Mental Health Couselor Intern

Tree of Life Counseling Care
02.2025 - Current
  • Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
  • Recorded ongoing client progress to monitor therapeutic effectiveness and mental health developments.
  • Managed approximately 25 clients, balancing workload and prioritizing client needs.
  • Provided individual counseling to a diverse clientele dealing with a wide range of medical conditions and personal challenges.

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Broken Wings Ministry
08.2024 - 02.2025
  • Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
  • Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
  • Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
  • Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.

Counselor Intern

Aspire Health, Women's Residential
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Deliver therapeutic interventions in both individual and group settings to support client mental health and substance addiction recovery. Collaborate with clinical team to address and assist with client needs, ensuring holistic approach to treatment. Meticulously document treatment details and client progress within electronic health record system.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, aiding up to 15 women in overcoming mental health and substance addiction challenges.
  • Contributed to development of treatment plans that align with individual client goals and recovery milestones.
  • Enhanced therapeutic techniques and adapted strategies to meet diverse requirements of residential population.

Children's Director

First Baptist Church Kissimmee
10.2017 - 12.2020
  • Recruited and mentored a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver engaging educational content for small and large group settings. Developed comprehensive safety protocols to ensure nurturing and secure atmosphere for children and their families. Coordinated with church leadership to align children's ministry goals with broader organizational objectives.
  • Streamlined administrative processes to enhance program efficiency and volunteer coordination.
  • Trained and managed a team of 25+ volunteers, enhancing children's ministry's capacity for outreach and education.
  • Designed and implemented innovative programs that fostered spiritual growth among young congregants.

Teacher

Orange County Public School
01.1996 - 05.2000
  • Facilitated engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for students.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.

Education

Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Palm Beach Atlantic University
Orlando, FL
12.2023

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
12.1995

Skills

  • Strong Relationship Building
  • Individual & Group Counseling
  • Academic Policies & Procedures
  • Communication & Outreach Events
  • Mentorship & Leadership
  • Individualized Treatment Plans
  • Progress Documentation
  • EMDR counseling

Certification

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) 2023
  • State of Florida Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern 2024

Timeline

Registered Mental Health Couselor Intern

Tree of Life Counseling Care
02.2025 - Current

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Broken Wings Ministry
08.2024 - 02.2025

Counselor Intern

Aspire Health, Women's Residential
01.2023 - 12.2023

Children's Director

First Baptist Church Kissimmee
10.2017 - 12.2020

Teacher

Orange County Public School
01.1996 - 05.2000

Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

University of Central Florida

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