Elisha Smithwick-Bey
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated human services professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and extensive experience supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and behavioral needs. Recognized for high productivity and efficiency in task completion, with specialized skills in cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and therapeutic relationship building. Proven ability to foster trust-based relationships with clients and interdisciplinary teams, empowering individuals through person-centered care that enhances mental wellness and quality of life. Committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends to drive organizational success and growth.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Navigator
EMBRACE Initiative UMB / Department of Social Services Contractor
Baltimore Md
08.2025 - Current
- Provide social, emotional, and therapeutic support to caregivers and families navigating kinship care systems.
- Facilitate caregiver support groups, creating safe spaces for participants to share experiences and receive guidance.
- Provide case management services, including needs assessments, follow-ups, service planning, and documentation.
- Connect families to community resources, including housing support, safety modifications, childcare resources, and financial assistance programs.
- Advocate for families while working with government agencies, social services, schools, and community organizations.
- Assist caregivers with navigating government systems, online applications, and service programs to access benefits and resources.
- Plan and support community outreach events that provide education, resources, and connection for caregivers.
- Maintain accurate case documentation and service records according to program and agency guidelines.
- Developed navigation strategies to enhance client engagement and service efficiency.
- Engaged with interdisciplinary teams to streamline and optimize support initiatives for diverse populations.
- Facilitated timely resource allocation by streamlining communication channels between departments.
Assistant Creative Director
Ella Mae's Catering
Baltimore, Maryland
01.2019 - Current
- Reviewed and critiqued creative work, providing constructive feedback to ensure alignment with brand standards and creative excellence.
- Developed creative strategies and concepts in collaboration with the Creative Director.
- Directed creative vision and strategy for branding initiatives, ensuring cohesive brand messaging across all platforms.
- Presented creative concepts and strategies to senior management and clients, effectively communicating the vision and rationale behind creative decisions.
- Created custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
Security Officer
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, USA
12.2020 - 08.2025
- Functioned as a critical security officer focused on ensuring campus safety for all individuals.
- Monitored activities across various buildings to ensure security, along with transporting individuals along campus.
- Utilized multiple computer systems to perform tasks efficiently.
- Managed back office operations in dormitory for handling lockouts and emergencies.
- Handled individuals in critical situations efficiently.
- Engaged in regular communication with customers.
- Guarded restricted areas to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Patrolled crowds during events to preserve order and promote security.
- Monitored CCTV systems to ensure safety and security of premises.
- Adhered to daily patrol schedules to support consistent security presence throughout property.
- Maintained accurate logs of all security related activities.
- Provided 24-hour emergency support.
- Supported individuals experiencing diverse mental health challenges.
Intern
Support by Design
Baltimore, Maryland
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Educated clients about available resources and support systems within the community.
- Gathered and researched information about community mental health needs or resources used in conjunction with therapy.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Developed therapeutic relationships with clients through active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, trustworthiness, cultural sensitivity, and nonjudgmental attitudes.
- Referred patients or clients to community resources or specialists.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills while interacting with clients, families, colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals in the field of mental health.
- Supported family members by providing education about mental health disorders.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Determined consumer needs to provide products and services appealing to larger market.
- Monitored operations and reviewed records and metrics to understand company performance.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
- Analyzed company's expenditures and developed financial models.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
Intern
T.I.M.E. Organization INC
Baltimore, USA
12.2022 - 05.2023
- Assisted in organizing and facilitating group meetings.
- Conducted client intake and ensured accurate completion of related forms.
- Supported urine analysis processes and completed corresponding documentation.
- Assisted with providing individual counseling and conducting crisis interventions.
- Observed operational workflow by shadowing various professionals across departments on-site.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Assisted with counseling clients or patients individually or in group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, adjust to life, or make changes.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of client progress notes and records according to agency policy and procedures.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations regarding confidentiality of patient information.
- Collected information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
Bear Builder
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Baltimore, USA
03.2018 - 07.2021
- Provided assistance and entertainment to customers of all ages.
- Specialized in engaging with children, particularly younger ones.
- Elevated to lead the organization and execution of all events.
- Operated machinery and offered product recommendations to enhance sales.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Specialized in engaging with children, particularly younger ones.
- Elevated to lead the organization and execution of all events.
Sales Associate
IT'SUGAR
Baltimore, USA
07.2017 - 08.2020
- Arranged new merchandise with signage and appealing displays to encourage customer sales and move overstock items.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Handled returns and exchanges according to company policies.
- Watched for and recognized security risks and thefts to prevent or handle situations.
- Assessed customer needs to provide assistance and information on product features.
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
- Recommended, selected and located merchandise based on customer desires.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
One on One Aide
Building Communities Today for Tomorrow
Baltimore, USA
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Received training in mental health during my time in this career.
- Supported numerous students with diverse disabilities within general education settings.
- Navigated high-pressure and critical scenarios with composure.
- Enhanced adaptability and problem-solving skills by working closely with people with unique challenges.
- Assisted in developing behavioral plans for challenging behaviors exhibited by some clients.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills with both verbal and nonverbal cues while interacting with clients, supervisors, and other staff members.
- Planned and led activities to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Supported special education programs by assisting with individualized instruction plans.
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Implemented behavior management plans to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Assisted neurodiverse students with classwork and activity preparation.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
- Created positive learning experiences through engaging classroom activities, feedback, and encouragement.
- Assisted students with special needs in completing tasks and understanding material.
- Actively listened to clients in order to provide support and understanding.
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of distress or emergency situations.
Camp Counselor
Recs and Parks
Baltimore, USA
05.2018 - 07.2018
- Encouraged camper participation in recreational activities through enthusiastic leadership style.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events, such as talent shows and full fun days, enhancing the camp experience.
- Provided guidance and support to ensure the safety of all campers in a variety of outdoor settings.
- Assessed needs and interests of individuals and groups and planned activities accordingly.
- Cultivated effective relationships with campers and other camp counselors by utilizing active listening and dynamic interpersonal skills.
- Documented camp activities and progress of campers for administrative records and communication with parents.
- Explained principles, techniques and safety procedures and demonstrated use of materials and equipment.
- Helped campers build confidence and self-esteem through consistent guidance and mentoring.
- Tracked attendance, checking off present individuals.
- Managed inventory and maintenance of camp equipment and supplies, ensuring resources were available and in good condition.
- Met with staff to discuss rules, regulations and work-related problems.
Hostess
Eggspectation
Owings Mills, USA
08.2016 - 10.2017
- Appointed as lead hostess responsible for overseeing events and parties.
- Greeted customers, provided menus, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Verified reservations and wait times with customers.
- Resolved any customer complaints or issues quickly and professionally.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Monitored dining area to assess server capacity and estimate wait times.
- Answered phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations, record takeout orders and respond to service questions.
- Supported serving staff, food runners and bussers to keep dining room presentable and ready for guests.
College Readiness Trainer
Kipp Ujima Village Academy / University of Baltimore
Baltimore, USA
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Collaborated on recurring summer roles across 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
- Trained and coached incoming college students.
- Adapted strategies to ensure students were adequately prepared for their first year of college.
- Assisted in developing programs that encourage college readiness among transitioning students.
- Organized workshops for students related to college readiness and success strategies.
- Provided guidance on college readiness programs.
- Organized activities related to goal setting and decision making skills for college readiness.
- Encouraged collaboration between peers through group projects focused on college readiness topics.
- Led workshops on topics such as goal setting, stress management and college readiness for both mentors and mentees alike.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD12-2023
Associate's degree - General Studies
The Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD12-2018
Skills
Crisis Intervention
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Case Management
Support Group Facilitation
Community Outreach & Events
Autism & Developmental Disabilities Experience
Client Advocacy
Client Intake & Documentation
Community Resource Coordination
Therapeutic Relationship Building
Special Education Support
Customer Service & Communication
Leadership & Team Collaboration
Data Entry & Computer Literacy
Certification
- Human Service, 12/01/18, Present
- CPR Certification, 06/01/23
- Stop The Bleed, 06/01/23
Timeline
Family Navigator
EMBRACE Initiative UMB / Department of Social Services Contractor
08.2025 - Current
Intern
Support by Design
08.2023 - 12.2023
Intern
T.I.M.E. Organization INC
12.2022 - 05.2023
Security Officer
University of Maryland, Baltimore
12.2020 - 08.2025
One on One Aide
Building Communities Today for Tomorrow
10.2019 - 07.2020
Assistant Creative Director
Ella Mae's Catering
01.2019 - Current
Camp Counselor
Recs and Parks
05.2018 - 07.2018
Bear Builder
Build-A-Bear Workshop
03.2018 - 07.2021
Sales Associate
IT'SUGAR
07.2017 - 08.2020
College Readiness Trainer
Kipp Ujima Village Academy / University of Baltimore
05.2017 - 07.2017
Hostess
Eggspectation
08.2016 - 10.2017
Associate's degree - General Studies
The Community College of Baltimore County
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
Coppin State University
Additional Information - Volunteer Experience
- Volunteered at summer camps and youth programs, 2009-2012
- Volunteered with the homeless and cleaning up the community with my religious congregation
- Volunteered at the YMCA helping individuals with MS, Fall semester of 2018
- Volunteered with daily care and needs with elderly individuals
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer