Seeking an adjunct professor position to teach Psychology and related fields to students and provide support to the management policies and procedures. QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY I have been an Adjunct Faculty for the past 4 years in the Behavioral Sciences Department at Antelope Valley College with a strong commitment to diversity and cultural competency. I have successful experience teaching in blended programs with both on-ground and online components. Additionally, experienced Child Welfare Leader with a heart for improving organizational systems to support increasing hope and healing for children and families. Skilled in up-to-date learning and development trends that support improved organizational health and child welfare practice. I possess a Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2015, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology (MFT track) from National University, and a Bachelor’s in English from USC. I am license-eligible and approved for the California State Board of Psychology licensure examination. Through my prior teaching experience, I have been able to enrich courses by sharing theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject, encouraging direct application to the workplace within the field of Psychology for the appropriate degree level. In addition to my teaching experience, I have also worked in the capacity of a Correctional Clinical Psychologist (unlicensed) at the California Department of Corrections for 5 years, earning my pre-and post-doctoral clinical licensure hours. I have exemplary professional experience working within a forensic setting, law enforcement, social services military, and governmental positions. Additionally, I possess advanced computer knowledge (email, outlook, Canvas, PowerPoint, internet searches, research in library databases). I have extensive experience with Canvas and Blackboard.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Faculty Professor
ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
08.2019 - Current
Instruct students via in-person and virtually in the Behavioral Sciences Division
Responsible for sharing theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject, encouraging direct application to the workplace within the field of Psychology for the appropriate degree level
Responsible for reviewing and improving syllabi, understanding students' needs, developing engaging lesson plans, and ensuring the relevant learning resources are available
Engage students in the Psychology curriculum through discussion and assignments as outlined in the course syllabi
Responsible for reviewing and improving syllabi, understanding students' needs, developing engaging lesson plans, and ensuring the relevant learning resources are available
Preparing students for assessments and providing helpful performance feedback
Providing extra support to students who require it and scheduling consultation times where questions and concerns can be voiced
Answering students’ questions and providing feedback on assignments or essay drafts.
Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
Examined and graded assignments and assessments to report grades to appropriate personnel.
Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
Created and implemented course agendas, lesson plans and activities to successfully meet course objectives.
Integrated current events and cultural themes into course materials to contextualize subject matter and facilitate lifelong learning.
Used technological equipment to enhance process of students' learning.
Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
Psychologist
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
11.2015 - 04.2021
Used therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport and guide discussion with patients.
Interviewed, observed and surveyed patients to gain necessary information for psychological diagnosis.
Conducted patient observations by monitoring behavior and documented physical health, family history and medications in mental health assessment reports.
Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
Cooperated with other practitioners to conduct research, devise improvements and discuss treatment innovations.
Disseminated reports and briefings for program management and to drive patient care improvements.
Managed caseload of individual clients, couples, and family therapy sessions.
Trained future psychologists on best practices, counseling techniques, assessment and consultation.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care plans and implement continuity of care.
Identified psychological, emotional or behavioral issues and diagnosed disorders using information obtained from evaluation techniques.
Facilitated group therapy sessions to provide interactive and supportive environment for clients to process experiences and learn new coping skills.
Led psychoeducational classes, workshops and seminars.
Clinical Psychologist
COUNSELING PRACTICUM STUDENT, Child Net Youth & Family Services
04.2006 - 09.2006
In the Administration Segregation Unit (Ad-Seg), Enhanced Outpatient Unit Level of Care
Facilitated daily structured group therapy that teaches patients cognitive processes, developmental psychology, criminal thinking and behavior, and moderate group discussions
Provided weekly individual therapy that teaches various areas of psychology, such as personality traits, the capacity to learn, cognition, behavior, development, and abnormal psychology
Observed and monitor patient behavior and responses to treatment
Developed lesson plans and curriculum on improving coping skills, developing victim empathy, and ways to modify his non-adaptive forms of behavior to re-integrate into the community
Created and implemented course agenda, lesson plans, and activities to meet group treatment plan objectives and goals
Assessed the progress of approximately 6-8 inmates/patients at a time and completed written performance assessments on each patient
Monitor the progress of inmates/patients at the clinical designation site, including proper medication compliance, and monitoring signs of decompensation
Provided daily written clinical progress documentation, including face-to-face contacts, and development of individual mental health treatment plan
Performed mental status examinations in face-to-face clinical interviews that included brief tests for memory, cognition, and ability to do verbal abstraction to determine inmate’s current mental status
Selected, administered, scored, and interpreted a battery of projective and/or objective tests including personality, intelligence, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and other psychological tests, and wrote reports regarding diagnoses, and prognoses and developed treatment plans
Established the confidence and cooperation of staff from all classifications to enhance the quality of professional working relationships
Wrote clear, logical, accurate, and concise reports to enhance the quality of treatment delivery, communicate findings, and comply with departmental policies and procedures
Maintained patient attendance, and other required records., Provided individual, group, and family therapy to clients from the agency
Conducted psychological assessments referred through Child Welfare Services
Completed treatment plan, and detailed written case note log activity
Participated in individual and group supervision to enhance therapeutic skills and to develop an integrated theory of counseling
Utilized short-term and long-term modalities with adolescents that were Juvenile Dependent court-ordered clients
Co-facilitated group therapy planned and carried out clinical interventions and developed and implemented treatment plans for foster care youth
Conducted psychological assessments addressing referral questions including diagnostic clarification and cognitive and personality functioning
Utilized a variety of approaches including Interpersonal, Cognitive Behavior, Gestalt, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic
Presented cases, participated in individual therapy, and participated in group supervision.
Offered individual outpatient therapy to adult clients with wide range of psychological problems.
Provided psychotherapy incorporating cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and play-therapy to treat wide range of psychological problems in patients.
Consulted with and trained highly skilled mental health and medical staff.
Used imaging and relaxation techniques to develop strengthening and safe zones to facilitate processing of trauma.
Conducted psychological assessments for adults and children to help address variety of clinical concerns and performed educational testing to inform courts of intelligence and personality assessment results.
Linked clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes.
SOCIAL WORKER III
CHILDREN’S, County of
01.2007 - 10.2015
Conducted a full range of client-related and case management services, assessments, and investigations throughout the life of the referral/case by (a) collecting relevant information (e.g., observing the child's well-being and living environment; interviewing reporting parties, clients, suspected perpetrators; collateral contacts; service providers; consulting with colleagues, supervisors; conducting home inspections and assessment of prospective caregivers; monitoring visitations; researching case history files, court reports, official personal records; Identifying, diagnosing, developing and implementing safety and accident prevention programs including training for the Department as associated with everyday risk exposures due to the arduous/dangerous work performed by employees within the department
Assisted in the analysis and interpretation of Federal and State regulations regarding children's services programs and ensured departmental compliance
Assessed for the presence of risk and safety factors in determining the appropriateness of children’s placements
Completed on-site visits to foster homes, and community agencies to ensure State, Federal, and County guidelines
Developed placement resources for mentally disturbed adolescents and adult family members and coordinators appropriate housing and mental health planning
Worked collaboratively with natural parents considering relinquishment of their unborn or born children by helping them to evaluate alternatives that may result in adoption planning or other course of action that best meets the needs of the parent and child
Conduct interviews and disseminate resources and referrals to families
Participated in and mediated case conferences and interfaced with therapists, psychiatrists, and medical and school personnel
Ensured and monitored the quality of care for children and caregivers and provided resources to foster permanency and facilitate family reunification
Counseled children and their families to help them understand and assume responsibility for their behavior
Investigated and completed court recommendations in cases involving child sexual abuse, death of another child in the family, serious physical abuse of children under the age of 5, physical abuse, and child neglect including domestic violence and parental substance abuse
Implement Departmental Policies and Procedures to ensure compliance with Federal and State child protection guidelines
Conducted ages 0-5yr
And 6-18yr
Mental health assessments and provided clinical diagnosis
Participated in weekly group supervision, and biweekly training.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centred care.
Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
SUPERVISING FOSTER PARENT COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Child Net Youth & Family Services
12.2004 - 04.2007
Conducted and facilitated 8-hour weekly class training on various topics related to foster care supervision of child welfare clients for foster home certification
Conducted administrative reviews and/or investigations and prepared reports on professional services, workload, procedures, employee performance, and other matters, as needed
Coordinated and conducted training for management, foster agency social workers, and administrative staff.
SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER
Child Net Youth & Family Services
12.2004 - 12.2006
Supervised and monitored certified foster homes
Supervised social workers and monitored daily work activities to meet policy standards
Developed individual emotional, social, and academic goals for children detained by DCFS
Reviewed and evaluated the needs of psychiatric case management services
Developed and maintained contacts with agencies such as the Regional Center, DCFS, and courts, and other outlets for information and effectiveness
Completed detailed progress notation, and phone-call documentation, and coordinated parent-monitored meetings with children detained by DCFS
Provided foster parent training and certification hours
Provided crisis counseling and facilitated group therapy
Consulted with the interdisciplinary team relative to patient therapy and treatment plans.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centred care.
Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR
Lorraine’s Courtesy House
02.1998 - 03.2000
Managed the daily operations of an adult-licensed board and care home facility
Provided direct specialized staff assistance, including budget analysis and preparation, and/or contract analysis
Reviewed, evaluated, and prepared reports related to the implementation of new and revised procedures in departmental programs to determine their impact
Created programs including training manuals, protocols, rules, and regulations for service
Monitored the daily distribution of medication for adult mentally ill patients
Supervised other direct staff with the personal care of residents, assisting residents with social and recreational activities
Responsible for conflict resolution, organization, and flow of operational activities
Worked collaboratively with community organizations (e.g., MediCal, Child Welfare Services, and Regional Center).
Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
Monitored and evaluated personnel performance to complete annual reviews, recommend advancement, or address productivity concerns.
Assisted management with special projects to complete all tasks by deadlines.
Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments to keep organization running smoothly.
Prepared detailed documents and reports in adherence administrative processes.
Developed and implemented organizational systems to streamline daily operations.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Barbara Dawson Educational Center
07.2001 - 03.2002
Managed students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
Designed and implemented a new syllabus for students each semester
Provided professional consultation for students when needed
Participated in and conducted student academic testing
Conducted parent-teacher conferences and developed dual relationships with parents to ensure classroom effectiveness
Provided direction to staff regarding teaching methods, techniques, and policy interpretation
Participated in conferences and meetings with DCFS management and outside agencies and personnel in planning and implementing programs
Wrote treatment plans, plans of care, monthly reports, and documentation of client’s behavior.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic
06.2000 - 04.2001
Assisted students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
Monitored classroom environment to ensure safety
Substituted in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms as needed
Supervised clients & and implemented behavior modification systems.
Used computers, audiovisual aids and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Contributed to classroom learning by preparing and implementing daily lesson plans.
Organized and supervised games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
Communicated regularly with students and parents through telephone, email and student-parent meetings.
Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
Psychologist Assistant
Children’s Center of Antelope Valley
10.2011 - 12.2012
Conducted patient observations by monitoring behavior and documented physical health, family history and medications in mental health assessment reports.
Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
Implemented sound, peer-reviewed methodologies and interventions to foster psychological health.
Performed research on effectiveness of interventions and proposed changes to intervention structures based on evaluation outcomes.
Presented implementation guides to clinicians outlining interventions focused on various specific issues.
Managed caseload of individual clients, couples, and family therapy sessions.
Documented diagnoses, interventions implemented and outcomes across outpatient clinics.
Cooperated with other practitioners to conduct research, devise improvements and discuss treatment innovations.
Led psychoeducational classes, workshops and seminars.
Counseled individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse or family situations to modify behavior to improve personal adjustment.
Pre-Doctoral Practicum, Clinician
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc
09.2010 - 08.2011
Updated records and prepared reports to outline program actions, results and recommended improvements.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care plans and implement continuity of care.
Interacted with clients to assist in gaining insight, defining goals and planning action to achieve effective personal development and adjustment.
Identified psychological, emotional or behavioral issues and diagnosed disorders using information obtained from evaluation techniques.
Counseled individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse or family situations to modify behavior to improve personal adjustment.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
DCFS Assessment Specialist & Mental Health Clinician I
Star View Community Services
03.2008 - 04.2009
Assessed client’s needs abilities or behavior using a variety of methods including interviews, and direct services observation
Conducted psychological batteries with clients using WAIS-III/WISC-IV, Rorschach, TAT, incomplete sentences, and drawings
Compiled and analyzed results of testing, under supervision
Oversaw, coordinated, investigated, and completed reports on cases referred to the Department of Children & Family Services
Analyzed data regarding at-risk you and made recommendations to management and juvenile dependency court regarding placement and parental rights mission and transform to a recovery focus through Mental Health
Provided direct specialized staff assistance, including budget analysis and preparation, and/or contract analysis
Coordinated professional activities and maintained liaison with other County and private agencies and community groups, including school, advisory, and state boards
Psychotherapy with adult and adolescent inpatients, psychological assessment of in and outpatients
Completed Department of Mental Health (DMH) billing on a weekly basis
Provided individual & family therapy to chronic and severe Axis I and Axis II disorders including Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Mood Disorders, Substance dependence Disorders, and multiple Axis II diagnoses including personality disorders and mental retardation
Conducted Multi-Disciplinary Assessments (MAT) to youths and families who were newly opened court cases with the Department of Children and Family Services
Completed detailed reports with recommendations and summary of findings to Juvenile Dependency Court that addressed the identified strengths and needs of the family as well as placement appropriateness
Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside education professionals, health visitors, and occupational therapists, and monitored appropriate programs and treatment, including therapy, and counseling advice, in collaboration with colleagues
Performed assessments with clients throughout the agency addressing referral questions including risk for dangerous behavior, trial competency, malingering, diagnostic clarification, functional behavioral analysis, and cognitive and personality functioning
Provided consultation to other professionals, encouraging a psychological approach in their work
Assessed for the presence of risk and safety factors in determining the appropriateness of children’s placements
Developed treatment plans, plans of care, monthly reports, and extensively documented clients’ behavior
Facilitated family crisis sessions, individual crisis sessions, and group therapy.
Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
REHABILITATION SPECIALIST
Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services
01.2004 - 09.2004
Facilitated social skills groups with adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral problems
Monitored adolescents’ progress by writing weekly Department of Mental Health (DMH) reports and billing with an emphasis on goal development and attainment
Facilitated daily sexual education groups and engaged in clinical interactions with residents
Supervised male & and female adolescents (15-18 yrs.) with substance abuse, aggression, and sexual perpetration issues
Intervened in crisis situations to de-escalate the adolescent and promoted conflict resolution
Facilitated weekly social skills group to address substance abuse and low self-esteem issues with high-risk youth at Level 12 and Level 14 residential treatment facilities
Supervised clients created a therapeutic milieu and utilized a token economy system.
Executed and complied with policies regarding patient admission, care and records to maintain standards of excellence for patients and families.
Evaluated and screened patients to determine needs and provide necessary support.
Maintained safe environment for 14-patient facility with continuous surveillance.
Prepared and maintained records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence.
Consulted with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, establish medical clearance and determine optimal timing of further interventions.
Planning Committee Member and Evaluation Team Coordinator
Spirit of Truth Baptist Church
06.2008 - Current
Developed and distributed assessments to evaluate learning and overall conference experience
Analyzed data from evaluations.
Worked directly with production personnel to resolve production scheduling issues and conflicts.
Engaged in both long and short-term project planning, strategizing for on-time, high-quality deliverables.
Managed successful day-to-day operations of projects by maximizing productivity from available resources.
Developed comprehensive plans for large-scale projects that involved coordinating multiple teams.
Monitored and tracked progress of projects using Gantt charts and project management software.
Recognized potential issues with inventory and quality control and engineered changes.
Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Education
Psy.D. Doctorate of - Clinical Psychology
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGYLos Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
08.2015
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Los Angeles, CA
06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - English
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, CA
06.2000
Skills
Mental Health Expert
Group Therapy
DSM-V Classification
Patient Screening
Analytical Thinking
Integrated Healthcare Models
Treatment Implementation
Family Counseling
Crisis Management
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Mental Health Assessment
Therapeutic Treatment
Patient Needs Assessment
Clinical Documentation
Program Management
Valid Driver's License
Affiliations
CAMFT California Association of Family and Therapists
APA American Psychological Association
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty Professor
ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
08.2019 - Current
Psychologist
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
11.2015 - 04.2021
Psychologist Assistant
Children’s Center of Antelope Valley
10.2011 - 12.2012
Pre-Doctoral Practicum, Clinician
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc
09.2010 - 08.2011
Planning Committee Member and Evaluation Team Coordinator
Spirit of Truth Baptist Church
06.2008 - Current
DCFS Assessment Specialist & Mental Health Clinician I
Star View Community Services
03.2008 - 04.2009
SOCIAL WORKER III
CHILDREN’S, County of
01.2007 - 10.2015
Clinical Psychologist
COUNSELING PRACTICUM STUDENT, Child Net Youth & Family Services
04.2006 - 09.2006
SUPERVISING FOSTER PARENT COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Child Net Youth & Family Services
12.2004 - 04.2007
SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER
Child Net Youth & Family Services
12.2004 - 12.2006
REHABILITATION SPECIALIST
Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services
01.2004 - 09.2004
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Barbara Dawson Educational Center
07.2001 - 03.2002
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic
06.2000 - 04.2001
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR
Lorraine’s Courtesy House
02.1998 - 03.2000
Psy.D. Doctorate of - Clinical Psychology
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGYLos Angeles
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts - English
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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