Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards Recognition
Timeline
Generic

Dena McKenna

St. Petersburg,FL

Summary

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong record of innovation in mental health services, including the development and successful implementation of a specialized transitional program for students in Pinellas County Schools who are unable to attend traditional school due to severe anxiety and related mental health challenges. This program, now expanded to multiple sites, reflects my dedication to creating practical, results-driven solutions that meet clients where they are. With experience in both individual and group therapy, I provide compassionate, goal-oriented care that empowers clients to build confidence, improve functioning, and achieve lasting personal growth.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

School Social Worker

Pinellas County Schools
Pinellas County, USA
03.2013 - Current
  • Spearheaded the creation of a successful transitional program, PATHS, for students with mental health concerns that impaired their ability to attend traditional school programs.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to students and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or social challenges that impact school engagement and achievement.
  • Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and mental health professionals to create individualized support and behavior intervention plans.
  • Conducted bio-psychosocial assessments, behavioral observations, and administered behavior rating scales to inform educational planning.
  • Delivered professional development and psychoeducation for school staff, students, and families on topics such as mental health, communication skills, trauma, and crisis response.
  • Served as a crisis response team member, coordinating services and interventions during school-wide or individual emergencies.
  • Partnered with community agencies to provide wraparound support, referrals, and services to students and families.
  • Advocated for students’ needs in school placement and intervention planning, including dropout prevention and alternative education options.

Social Worker

Empath Health Hospice
Tampa Bay, USA
07.2005 - 03.2013
  • Assessed patient and family psychosocial needs related to end-of-life issues, including coping strategies, mental health, financial concerns, and caregiver support.
  • Provided individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, and bereavement support throughout the hospice care journey.
  • Collaborated with the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) to develop and adjust patient care plans ensuring comfort and dignity.
  • Assisted families with accessing financial resources, Medicare/Medicaid benefits, and long-term care arrangements.
  • Guided patients and families through advance directive planning and memorial arrangements.
  • Took part in an on-call rotation to provide emergency support and continuity of care.

Education

Master of Social Work -

University of South Florida
St. Petersburg, FL
05-2010

Bachelor of Science - Community Health Education

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
12-2005

Skills

  • Areas of Expertise:
    Anxiety Disorders (specializing in Social Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    Grief and Loss
    Depressive Disorders
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    Exposure Therapy
    Group Therapy Facilitation

Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida, SW17101, 02/01/20

Awards Recognition

Cooperman-Bogue Kids First Award, Juvenile Welfare Board, 2022

Timeline

School Social Worker

Pinellas County Schools
03.2013 - Current

Social Worker

Empath Health Hospice
07.2005 - 03.2013

Master of Social Work -

University of South Florida

Bachelor of Science - Community Health Education

University of Florida

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