DONNA L SPENCER
Rancho Mirage,CA
Summary
Dynamic individual raised in a culturally rich background to Jamaican immigrant parents in Brooklyn, NY. Offering the benefits of diverse professional, educational, and personal experiences to others. Possessing hands-on experience as an educator, substance abuse counselor, and medical doctor with a talent for navigating challenges. Committed and engaging instructor with exceptional lecturing skills and expertise. Goal is to make meaningful contributions and advance organizational goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Adjunct Professor
The Kiloby Center for Recovery/Natural Rest House
02.2015 - 08.2022
- Instructed diverse client population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
- Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
- Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
- Developed improvement plans to solve problems and improve lagging areas.
- Fostered collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork to enhance patient outcomes.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Provide ongoing case management to all patients to ensure implementation of appropriate treatment plan, adherence to quality model and utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
Adjunct Professor
Fordham University
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Taught a large culturally diverse student body from a broad range of backgrounds at New York's Fordham University's Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter, providing stories from my personal experience to encourage inspiration, inclusivity, vision for personal growth and positive race consciousness
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor/Health Education Instructor
Odyssey House, Inc.
01.2006 - 12.2014
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
- As Health Educator: Developed and delivered weekly psycho-education lectures raising awareness about the dangers of addiction.
- Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
- Tobacco Dependence Treatment Specialist: Developed curriculum, ran comprehensive Tobacco Recovery Treatment Program for over 300 clients, integrated tobacco treatment into a very culturally diverse culture in Harlem, NY
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Facilitated client self-discovery and personal growth through reflective exercises and discussions.
- Improved client engagement by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques during counseling sessions.
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
American Institute for Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
09.1999 - 05.2012
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics including Psychopharmacology and Neurophysiology of Addiction for the 350 hour Credentialed Alcoholism and Addiction Training Course
- Enhanced clinical learning experiences by incorporating innovative teaching strategies and relevant case studies.
- Delivered high-quality instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles and individual needs of students.
- Evaluated student performance through ongoing assessment, providing constructive feedback and promoting academic growth.
- Inspired students to continue their education and professional development beyond graduation by sharing personal experiences and highlighting opportunities within the health field
- Increased student preparedness for licensure exams by implementing comprehensive review sessions that incorporated test-taking strategies and content-specific material.
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
Cicatelli and Associates
03.2007 - 03.2009
- Used technological equipment to enhance process of students' learning.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
- Promoted active learning by encouraging class participation and hands-on experiences during lessons.
Education
CASAC Diploma Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor - Addiction Counseling
Outreach Training Institute
Richmond Hill, NYM.D. - Doctor of Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine, New York University
Boston, MA1989
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Biology/Pre-Medicine
New York University
New York, NYSkills
- Diversity awareness
- Active Listening
- Lecturing
- Professionalism
- Syllabus Development
- Teaching Excellence
- Mentoring proficiency
- Classroom Management
- Student Mentoring
- Effective Communication
Certification
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling II/CADC II and ICADC #RA1190315 Expires 10/16/2019
- Certification in Natural Rest Advanced Mindfulness/Living Inquiries Facilitator
Timeline
Clinical Adjunct Professor
The Kiloby Center for Recovery/Natural Rest House
02.2015 - 08.2022
Adjunct Professor
Fordham University
09.2014 - 05.2015
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
Cicatelli and Associates
03.2007 - 03.2009
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor/Health Education Instructor
Odyssey House, Inc.
01.2006 - 12.2014
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
American Institute for Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
09.1999 - 05.2012
CASAC Diploma Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor - Addiction Counseling
Outreach Training Institute
M.D. - Doctor of Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine, New York University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Biology/Pre-Medicine
New York University
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling II/CADC II and ICADC #RA1190315 Expires 10/16/2019
- Certification in Natural Rest Advanced Mindfulness/Living Inquiries Facilitator
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