Certified peer support specialist seeks part time career appointment that adds quality of life to those served in the immediate community.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Hope Network
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2022 - 08.2024
Encouraged open communication between all parties involved in the client's case.
Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
Enhanced client self-reliance by developing and implementing personalized recovery plans.
Documented client interactions and outcomes, maintaining accurate and confidential records.
Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety for all involved parties.
Educated family members about mental health conditions and available resources, fostering understanding and support networks for clients.
Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
Conducted workshops on coping strategies, equipping clients with tools for managing stress and anxiety.
Facilitated peer support groups, creating a safe space for open discussion and shared experiences.
Encouraged client participation in therapeutic activities, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Contributed to positive organizational culture by embodying recovery principles in daily interactions.
Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
Attended classes and seminars to enhance knowledge of equipment and operating systems.
Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
Advisory Board Member/Trainer Coordinator
Sheldon House Clubhouse - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2001 - Current
Gained award for work at Sheldon Clubhouse and Hope Network from Governor Whitmer Administration on April 11, 2024
Provided members and staff resources in housing, food, transportation, technology, education, employment, social security advocacy and insurance.
Monitored progress on ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion according to established deadlines.
Trained and mentored 6 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles as well as trained members on a daily basis in Broadcast Journalism, Hospitality and Business functions.
School Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2011
Integrated current events into the curriculum to help students understand real-world implications of their studies.
Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
Developed communicative relationships with students and parents to support learning.
Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
Enhanced classroom management skills, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and relevant training sessions, ensuring the most current practices were utilized in the classroom setting.
Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Offered supplemental and individualized instruction for at-risk and struggling students.
Championed the integration of technology into the classroom, facilitating access to digital resources for both students and staff members.
Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques.
Developed positive rapport with students through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of school.
Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to address individual needs.
Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced core concepts across multiple subjects.
Organized extracurricular clubs and activities, providing students with additional opportunities for growth and enrichment beyond regular coursework.
Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
Met and exceeded class-wide achievement and proficiency standards as established by state testing departments.
Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
McKinney-Path Assistant
Touchstone Innovare
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2004 - 01.2009
Answered incoming calls and directed them to appropriate personnel or departments.
Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.
Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.
Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals in a timely manner.
Strengthened client relationships through consistent follow-up communication and efficient problem resolution.
Assisted managers in decision-making processes based on thorough research and analysis of available data.
School Teacher
Wyoming Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2000
Integrated current events into the curriculum to help students understand real-world implications of their studies.
Developed communicative relationships with students and parents to support learning.
Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and relevant training sessions, ensuring the most current practices were utilized in the classroom setting.
Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
Distributed and collected classroom materials such as worksheets, quizzes, and tests.
Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Office Support
Grand Valley State University
01.1995 - 01.1997
Provided general office support to the team such as filing documents, photocopying, data entry, and preparing mailings.
Supervised office support staff, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment for maximum efficiency.
Enhanced patient experience by providing efficient back office support and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
Served as an integral part of the office support system, consistently delivering high-quality results under pressure.
Improved communication between front office personnel, back office support staff, credit officers, compliance managers, auditors, IT specialists during quarterly reviews.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient front office support and addressing inquiries promptly.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely and efficient front office support.
Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing efficient and courteous front office support.
Supported administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and document management to maintain an organized office environment.
Served as liaison between store management and corporate office personnel, fostering positive collaboration that supported ongoing business success.
Supported overall office operations by assisting with additional tasks or special projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability within the role.
Supported the office with administrative tasks, including client intake and scheduling appointments, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.