Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Dr. Echo Dixon

Biddeford,ME

Summary

Bilingual clinical social worker with a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Southern California (USC). Expertise in community participatory research and business development, focusing on domestic violence and coercive control. Part-time faculty member dedicated to educating and training future social workers.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Part-Time Faculty

University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME
09.2024 - Current
  • Developed engaging lesson plans tailored for diverse student groups.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum design and delivery.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to cultivate a positive learning environment.
  • Integrated technology into lessons, promoting an interactive learning experience.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet students' diverse needs.

Owner

Clinical Consultation
11.2023 - Current
  • Educated individuals, groups, systems, and communities on coercive control dynamics.
  • Analyzed domestic violence and coercive control impacts on relationships and individuals.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to craft trauma-informed best practices.
  • Facilitated workshops for providers on contemporary research and clinical practices.
  • Delivered expert testimony supporting victims and survivors after a comprehensive experience analysis.

Owner

Private Practice
06.2013 - Current
  • Delivered individual, family, and group therapy sessions to diverse client populations.
  • Collaborated with Greater Portland DBT to implement Dialectical Behavior Therapy programs.
  • Supervised conditionally licensed social workers pursuing full licensure as therapists.
  • Contracted with the State of Maine to provide counseling services for deaf individuals experiencing abuse.
  • Served as coordinator of care for Deaf individuals and ASL interpreter support after the Lewiston mass shooting.

Individual Therapist

Maine Behavioral Healthcare
Portland, USA
05.2011 - 05.2018
  • Provided individual therapy for Deaf community, including survivors of institutional abuse.
  • Developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy specifically for Deaf individuals.
  • Educated students at Maine’s Deaf School on emotional awareness and expression.
  • Conducted training sessions on Deaf culture, rights, and American Sign Language.
  • Facilitated group sessions teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to both hearing and Deaf participants.

Program Manager

Goodwill of Northern New England
Portland, USA
08.2009 - 02.2011
  • Managed community skills program for Deaf individuals with mental health diagnoses and neurodiversity.
  • Provided clinical oversight of Person-Centered Plans to establish client-centered support.
  • Supervised and developed staff, enhancing the performance of sixteen employees.
  • Facilitated weekly team meetings addressing institutional abuse impacts on staff and clients.
  • Oversaw budget planning and development to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Director of Social Services

Aroostook Health Center
Mars Hill, USA
06.2008 - 08.2009
  • Oversaw admission, skills care, long-term care, and discharge planning for a fifty-bed medical facility.
  • Provided clinical support to patients, including end-of-life care assistance.
  • Delivered clinical mental health information to enhance decision-making for the medical team.
  • Facilitated care team meetings with facility staff and patient families.
  • Supported patients in advocating for care with insurance providers.

Case Manager

Sweetser
Brunswick, USA
06.2006 - 06.2008
  • Managed a case load of twenty-five adults with mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Coordinated individualized treatment plans to identify short-term and long-term goals.
  • Assisted clients with food, housing, medical, employment, and financial needs.
  • Monitored best practices to ensure comprehensive client care.
  • Advocated for clients' needs on individual, family, and organizational levels.

Claims Consultant

Baxter Compensation Authority
Augusta, USA
09.2002 - 06.2006
  • Consulted with hundreds of former students from Maine's Deaf Schools regarding abuse claims.
  • Composed individual claims aligned with the statute established by the Maine State Legislature.
  • Presented claims to a panel commissioned by the Maine State Legislature for compensation determination.
  • Attended community events to raise awareness about the effects of institutional abuse.
  • Participated in Disability Rights Commission to develop services for former students.

Program Manager

Goodwill of Northern New England
Portland, USA
06.2000 - 09.2002
  • Oversaw drop-in center and independent support program for Deaf individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities.
  • Supervised six full-time and twelve part-time staff, ensuring effective program delivery.
  • Organized community events to enhance engagement and support for Deaf individuals.
  • Developed and maintained program budget, adhering to financial constraints and goals.
  • Participated in weekly clinical supervision sessions within Maine's first consortium of treatment providers for Deaf individuals.

Crisis Intervention Worker

Ingraham
Portland, Maine
06.1998 - 09.2000
  • Provided immediate support to individuals in crisis situations.
  • Collaborated with community services to enhance support networks.
  • Conducted follow-up sessions to ensure ongoing client well-being.
  • Provided referrals to community organizations such as shelters or substance abuse treatment centers.
  • Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.

Education

Doctor of Social Work - Social Work

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
11.2023

Master of Social Work -

University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME
06.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Maine
Presque Isle
05.2008

Skills

  • Fluent in American Sign Language
  • Social innovation
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Collaboration with communities and systems
  • Curriculum design
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Assessment strategies
  • Individual counseling
  • Community outreach
  • Team collaboration
  • Program management
  • Client advocacy
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Effective communication
  • Leadership development
  • Empathy building
  • Problem solving
  • Multitasking
  • Time management
  • Analytical skills
  • Dependability and responsibility
  • Remote office availability
  • Attention to detail
  • Calm under pressure
  • Task prioritization
  • Organizational skills

Affiliations

  • Organized a healing conference for American Sign Language interpreters after the Lewiston, ME, mass shooting.
  • Coordinated mental health support for the Deaf community and interpreters impacted by the tragedy.
  • Served on the board of directors for the Maine Center on Deafness (now Disability Rights Maine).
  • Campaigned to serve on the legislature.

Certification

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LC13247

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
American Sign Language
Full Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Part-Time Faculty

University of Southern Maine
09.2024 - Current

Owner

Clinical Consultation
11.2023 - Current

Owner

Private Practice
06.2013 - Current

Individual Therapist

Maine Behavioral Healthcare
05.2011 - 05.2018

Program Manager

Goodwill of Northern New England
08.2009 - 02.2011

Director of Social Services

Aroostook Health Center
06.2008 - 08.2009

Case Manager

Sweetser
06.2006 - 06.2008

Claims Consultant

Baxter Compensation Authority
09.2002 - 06.2006

Program Manager

Goodwill of Northern New England
06.2000 - 09.2002

Crisis Intervention Worker

Ingraham
06.1998 - 09.2000

Doctor of Social Work - Social Work

University of Southern California

Master of Social Work -

University of Southern Maine

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Maine