Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Awards
Generic
Emily Nielsen

Emily Nielsen

Woodbury

Summary

Dedicated mental health professional committed to leading with empathy and driving positive change. Focused on enhancing skills to provide exceptional support while advocating for mental health awareness. Emphasizes clear communication, effective mentoring, and strategic planning to build motivated teams, encouraging innovation to improve service delivery and advance mental health practices.


Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

988 Video Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD
05.2025 - Current
  • Facilitated communication between clients and services using American Sign Language (ASL).
  • Provided crisis intervention support to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
  • Developed skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with callers and address concerns.
  • Developed individualized safety plans addressing unique needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients.


  • De-escalated client distress with encouraging advice and situational empathy.

Part-time Case Manager Associate

Deaf Mental Health Services
09.2022 - Current
  • Delivered comprehensive case management services for adults with mental health disorders, ensuring access to resources and support.
  • Advocated for client rights and facilitated communication with service providers.
  • Assessed client needs and developed individualized treatment plans.
  • Monitored client progress and evaluated treatment effectiveness.
  • Counseled individuals in crisis using empathy and active listening.
  • Provided culturally competent care to diverse populations.

Deaf Crisis Line Counselor

DeafLEAD
02.2022 - 05.2025
  • Crisis intervention to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) callers through videophone services, which provided timely support to individuals facing various challenges and victimization.
  • Assisted callers in de-escalating crisis situations by using active listening and culturally competent communication, helping to create a safe space and reduce tension effectively.
  • Coordinated appropriate resources and referrals, connecting callers with essential services and support systems, which ensured that they received the help they needed for their specific situations.
  • Maintained detailed and confidential records of calls, ensuring adherence to ethical and organizational standards, which contributed to the integrity of our service and supported continuous improvement.

988 Video Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD
02.2022 - 12.2023
  • Crisis intervention and support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) callers videophone services.
  • Assisted callers in de-escalating crisis situations by employing active listening and culturally competent communication.
  • Coordinated appropriate resources and referrals to connect callers with essential services and support systems.
  • Maintained detailed and confidential records of calls, ensuring adherence to ethical and organizational standards.

Mental Health Support Specialist

Mental Health People Incorporated
05.2018 - 05.2021
  • Administered medications and employed person-centered approaches to support clients’ mental health needs.
  • Demonstrated and advocated for effective mental health management skills through prompts and role-playing techniques.
  • Encouraged clients in developing residency and survival skills to foster independence and stability.
  • Observed and monitored clients’ behaviors and patterns to assess progress and needs.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure the safety, stability, and effectiveness of mental health services.
  • Communicated with staff to update and review client treatment plans, meeting program requirements for mental health services.

Mental Health Practitioner

Mental Health People Incorporated
06.2020 - 12.2020
  • Developed leadership roles within the program, fostering a cohesive and effective team environment, which enhanced collaboration and overall team performance.
  • Communicated team updates and client information clearly to ensure seamless collaboration and service delivery, helping everyone stay informed and focused on client needs.
  • Administered medications with a strong emphasis on accuracy and client well-being.
  • Conducted weekly one-on-one client meetings to discuss treatment goals, progress, and overall development, allowing clients to feel supported and engaged in their own care.
  • Managed various office tasks efficiently to support program operations, ensuring that administrative functions ran smoothly and effectively.
  • Provided tailored assistance, prompts, and interventions to address clients’ mental health needs, which helped them navigate challenges and improve their well-being.
  • Collaborated with the program team to coordinate services and maintain a high standard of care, which ensured clients received comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.

English Peer Tutor

NTID Learning Center
09.2011 - 05.2017
  • Delivered customized academic support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students, which enhanced their learning experience and engagement.
  • Assisted students in editing essays and clarifying course assignments, helping to improve their comprehension and overall academic performance.
  • Developed personalized learning strategies and recommended effective resources, resulting in better study habits and increased student success.
  • Responded promptly to student inquiries, fostering understanding and boosting their academic confidence.
  • Supported students in preparing for examinations through targeted guidance, which contributed to their readiness and improved exam outcomes.

Direct Support Professional

PKT Enterprises
11.2015 - 08.2016
  • Provided direct support and guidance to mental health clients in a group-home setting, which enhanced their daily well-being and independence.
  • Promoted client efficiency and productivity by offering tailored support, helping them achieve their personal goals and desired outcomes.
  • Accurately completed daily client reports, including T-logs on Therap, Individual Support Plan data, and MARS records, which ensured that all documentation was up-to-date and reflective of client progress.
  • Maintained a clean driving record and ensured compliance with transportation requirements, including holding auto insurance and using a personal vehicle for work-related tasks, which facilitated safe and reliable client transportation.

Psychology Intern

University of Rochester; Deaf Wellness Center
05.2015 - 08.2015
  • Participated in mental health counseling sessions with deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) clients, which enhanced my understanding of their unique needs and improved their access to support.
  • Observed rotations in clinical and social work, gaining valuable exposure to diverse therapeutic approaches, which broadened my perspective on effective interventions.
  • Managed office duties and contributed to the development of workshop presentations as a volunteer, helping to create informative resources that benefited both clients and staff.
  • Identified and reviewed various mental health issues and disorders in collaboration with clinical social workers, which deepened my knowledge and informed my practice as an intern.
  • Engaged in group psychotherapy and mindfulness activities, supporting clients’ mental well-being, which fostered community and strengthened coping skills among participants.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
12.2018

Associate Degree - Applied Liberal Arts

Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
05.2013

Skills

  • Collaboration
  • Organization
  • Critical Thinking
  • Leadership
  • De-escalation
  • Person-centered
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Active listening
  • Cultural Competence
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Self-Awareness
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Child protection
  • Youth engagement
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Inbound call management

Certification

  • Driver's License
  • First Aid, AED, Adult/Infant CPR
  • Other certifications in training completed at People Incorporated and DeafLEAD

Languages

English and American Sign Language - Expert

Timeline

988 Video Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD
05.2025 - Current

Part-time Case Manager Associate

Deaf Mental Health Services
09.2022 - Current

Deaf Crisis Line Counselor

DeafLEAD
02.2022 - 05.2025

988 Video Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD
02.2022 - 12.2023

Mental Health Practitioner

Mental Health People Incorporated
06.2020 - 12.2020

Mental Health Support Specialist

Mental Health People Incorporated
05.2018 - 05.2021

Direct Support Professional

PKT Enterprises
11.2015 - 08.2016

Psychology Intern

University of Rochester; Deaf Wellness Center
05.2015 - 08.2015

English Peer Tutor

NTID Learning Center
09.2011 - 05.2017

Associate Degree - Applied Liberal Arts

Rochester Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Rochester Institute of Technology

Awards

Dean's list - 05/2013 - 3.0 GPA above, Varsity Cheerleading - 05/2011, NLLC Leadership & Literacy - 12/2005