Dr Valerie Howard-Richardson
Cherry Hill
Summary
Seasoned Educator and Mental health professional with demonstrated track record of successfully working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings both in school and outpatient settings. Specializes in working in the field of Special Education and Mental Health.
Experienced healthcare leader, prepared for pivotal role in clinical management. Proven track record in developing and implementing effective treatment programs, enhancing patient care, and driving team collaboration. Strong focus on strategic planning, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, with adaptive approach to changing needs. Known for leadership, communication skills, and fostering productive work environment.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IBHS Clinical Director
Community Council Health Systems
02.2025 - Current
- Overseeing clinical services for the Community Council IBHS department
- Supervision of clinical staff and behavior health technicians
- Conducts department onboarding
- Ensures IBHS compliance with state and local regulations and policies.
- Program development/ Staff Development and training.
- Provides direction and assistance with client crisis emergencies and crisis intervention.
- Develops department budget
IBHS Associate Director
Community Council Health Systems
03.2022 - Current
- Provides clinical support, supervision, and training to the IBHS clinical team.
- Develops and implements IBHS clinical training.
- Conducts biweekly agency IBHS onboarding training.
School Based Lead Clinician, Clinical Support Supervisor
Community Council MHMR
01.2007 - 03.2022
- Selected and compiled relevant information and resources for clients to support them in overcoming mental and emotional problems.
- Conducts weekly group and individual sessions with students.
- Assessed and wrote treatment plans and daily progress notes for each client assigned to caseload.
- Worked with clinical psychologist to draft evaluations for a caseload of 32 clients.
- Referred clients to outside social service providers to address psychiatric and personal issues.
- Implemented therapeutic plans for each child and recorded the child’s progress in case file.
- Communicated regularly with family members and significant others during the treatment process.
Behavior Specialist Consultant/ Mobile Therapist
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
01.2005 - 09.2008
- Conducted individual counseling sessions to address physical, mental, social and emotional problems caused by substance abuse.
- Communicated with local agencies, schools, churches, courts and employers regarding client involvement and attendance in programs.
- Developed case files and treatment plans under the supervision of the facility's clinical psychologist.
- Conferred with parents and guardians, teachers and administrators to resolve clients' behavioral and academic problems.
Special Education Teacher/ Therapist
Northern Homes
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Served as Special Education teacher in a CARE program. Provided educational training and therapeutic intervention to children in the program.
- Wrote student IEP's and Treatment plans.
- Served as liaison to between the family, school and outside agencies for the children.
Behavior Specialist/ Mobile Therapist/ Outpatient Therapist
Northwestern Human Services
01.2004 - 12.2004
- Served as the BSC and MT for adults and children assigned to the caseload.
- Completed client treatment plans, concurrent reviews, evaluation reports.
- Maintained communication and served as a resource for the school and family.
- Provided group and individual therapy, as well as outpatient therapy.
Special Education Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
08.1987 - 01.2004
- Taught AS, LS, Life Skills Support, Emotional Support, MHLSS, served as H.S. Vocational Itinerant Teacher
- Prepared student IEP, FBA
- Completed student assessments, progress monitoring.
Education
Ph.D. - Special Education
National University
La Jolla, CA09-2023
Master of Arts - Special Education
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney, Pennsylvania01.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Experimental Psychology
Cheyney University
Cheyney, Pennsylvania01.1987
ABA Certification - ABA Certification
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA08-2025
Skills
- Experience navigating Child Protective Services systems
- Performing comprehensive suicide evaluations
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Clinical therapeutic expertise
- K-12 special education instructor
- Behavioral assessment training
- Applied behavior analysis expertise
- Individualized education program expertise
- Safety training specialist
- Proficient in DSM-V diagnostic guidelines
- Team dynamics analysis
- Certified in CPR
- Facilitation of conflict resolution strategies
- CBT proficiency
Accomplishments
- Effectively managed caseloads of numerous clients at any given time.
- Earned Clinician of the Year award
- Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society
Affiliations
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
- Member of the Delaware Valley PA Chapter of the LINKS Inc.
- Member of Cheyney University of PA- Alumni Association
- Member of National University- Alumni Association
- Member of The National Association of University Women
Certification
CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
First Aid/ CPR
Safety Care (Trainer)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
IBHS Clinical Director
Community Council Health Systems
02.2025 - Current
IBHS Associate Director
Community Council Health Systems
03.2022 - Current
School Based Lead Clinician, Clinical Support Supervisor
Community Council MHMR
01.2007 - 03.2022
Behavior Specialist Consultant/ Mobile Therapist
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
01.2005 - 09.2008
Special Education Teacher/ Therapist
Northern Homes
01.2005 - 01.2006
Behavior Specialist/ Mobile Therapist/ Outpatient Therapist
Northwestern Human Services
01.2004 - 12.2004
Special Education Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
08.1987 - 01.2004
Master of Arts - Special Education
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Experimental Psychology
Cheyney University
Ph.D. - Special Education
National University
ABA Certification - ABA Certification
Arcadia University
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