Cynthia Tapia-Rodriguez
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Overview
1
1
Language
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Prevention Family Counselor
Broward County Public Schools
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
05.2010 - Current
- Implemented evidence-based strategies for reducing substance misuse and bullying among youth.
- Conducted workshops educating youth and families on addiction risks, brain development, good decision-making, coping and refusal skills, bullying and parenting.
- Developed prevention programs addressing substance misuse and violence prevention.
- Advocated for policy changes enhancing community health initiatives related to substance use, influencing local prevention strategies.
- Collaborated with local organizations to promote awareness of prevention resources, increase awareness about drugs and alcohol, bullying and mental health.
- Facilitated collaborations between law community partners, law enforcement, health care providers, parents, teachers, to enhance substance misuse prevention efforts.
- Organized school-wide and community-wide events to promote substance misuse, violence and mental health prevention awareness.
- Evaluated existing programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of substance misuse/bullying among young people.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments.
- Advised school administrators on best practices for preventing underage drinking and drug use among students.
- Participated in media campaigns designed to raise public awareness about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol consumption.
- Represented the organization at conferences and meetings focused on addressing current issues surrounding substance misuse.
- Assessed community needs through surveys and focus groups for program improvement.
- Trained staff on best practices in violence prevention strategies and support services.
- Developed and implemented violence prevention programs for community outreach initiatives.
- Developed and implemented a violence prevention program for at-risk youth.
- Participated in coalition meetings focused on reducing rates of domestic abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence.
- Created educational materials related to violence prevention for distribution in the community.
- Established partnerships with local organizations and secure funds for our prevention programs
- Assisted with grant writing activities necessary for securing funding needed for implementing new initiatives focused on reducing rates of violent crime.
- Led community engagement initiatives through public speaking events, raising awareness of services for victims of violent acts. of the community through public speaking events aimed at raising awareness about available services designed specifically for victims of violent acts.
- Led community engagement initiatives through public speaking events, raising awareness of services for victims of violent acts. of the community through public speaking events aimed at raising awareness about available services designed specifically for victims of violent acts.
Therapist/Summer Work
Bilingual Consultants
New Jersey, NJ
06.2007 - 08.2015
- Conducted individual therapy sessions addressing emotional and psychological challenges.
- Developed treatment plans tailored to client needs and cultural backgrounds.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate holistic care strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during critical situations for clients.
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to ensure effective therapeutic interventions.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and wellness practices for improved mental health.
- Maintained accurate client records in compliance with ethical standards and regulations.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills to better manage symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Provided psychoeducation on topics such as stress management, anger management, parenting skills.
Family Counselor
Broward County Public Schools
Fort Lauderdale, FL
09.2004 - 05.2010
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of family distress or trauma.
- Provided counseling services to students and families in diverse school settings.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to enhance student communication and social skills.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to address student behavioral issues effectively.
- Conducted workshops for parents on effective parenting and communication strategies.
- Advocated for students' needs within the school system to ensure necessary resources were available.
- Maintained comprehensive records of counseling sessions and student progress reports.
- Provided education about addiction issues related to substances or behaviors, such as gambling or pornography.
Program Director
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
New York, New York
11.2003 - 09.2004
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop strategic initiatives for organizational growth.
- Managed program budgets, ensuring resource allocation aligned with project goals.
- Supervised staff, providing training and support for professional development.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments and feedback collection.
- Coordinated events to promote awareness of community resources and services available.
- Led team meetings to discuss project progress, challenges, and collaborative solutions.
- Hired and developed staff members to collaboratively achieve program goals.
- Created and implemented new policies and procedures for the program.
- Developed strategic plans to ensure successful program operations.
- Recruited, hired, trained, supervised, coached, evaluated, and disciplined personnel.
- Monitored program operations for compliance with policies and procedures, applicable standards and relevant contractual policy.
- Managed budgeting processes, including creating forecasts and tracking expenses.
- Oversaw administrative support staff to facilitate day-to-day program activities.
Related Service Bilingual Social Worker
New York City Department of Education
New York, New York
11.2001 - 09.2004
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop support plans.
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions for at-risk students.
- Advocated for student rights and access to educational services.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate student records.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement appropriate interventions for students facing social or academic difficulties.
- Counseled individuals and groups in specific problem areas.
- Maintained confidential case documentation.
- Advised teachers on strategies for working with difficult students or those exhibiting challenging behaviors.
- Assisted teachers with identifying, referring and supporting students.
- Counseled parents about their children's behavior problems and provided referrals when necessary.
- Assisted in the development of IEPs for students with special needs.
- Developed treatment and intervention plans for students needing extra support.
Program Administrator
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
New York, New York
01.2002 - 08.2003
- Coordinated program logistics for community outreach initiatives within diverse populations.
- Facilitated workshops to educate participants on available resources and services.
- Oversaw budget tracking for various programs ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
- Responded promptly to inquiries regarding services available through specific programs initiatives.
- Recruited, trained and supervised personnel assigned to work on projects within the scope of the program.
- Developed and implemented program policies and procedures.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, workshops, and special events related to the program.
- Provided technical assistance to staff on operational issues related to the program.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders including government officials and representatives from partner agencies involved in delivering services through the program.
- Monitored financial resources, budgets, and expenditures for program activities.
- Prepared monthly reports summarizing progress towards goals and objectives of the program.
- Provided administrative support for program planning, implementation, and evaluation activities.
- Analyzed data from surveys, focus groups, interviews, or other sources to evaluate effectiveness of programs services.
- Managed day-to-day operations associated with running a successful program.
- Drafted documents such as proposals, reports, presentations, memorandums or letters related to programs operations.
Supervisor for Child Abuse Preventive Services
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
New York, New York
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Supervised daily operations of community programs and services.
- Coordinated staff schedules and managed workflow to ensure efficiency.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration.
- Monitored program compliance with organizational standards and regulations.
- Assisted in developing training materials for staff development initiatives.
- Resolved conflicts among team members to maintain a positive work environment.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Directed and supervised team of 15 employees in daily operations.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
- Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
- Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
- Developed strategies to improve team performance and productivity.
- Negotiated with vendors and suppliers to secure advantageous terms and pricing.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective resources.
Consultant/Bilingual Social Worker
Washington Heights Inwood Coalition
New York, New York
10.1998 - 06.2000
- Collaborated with local organizations to enhance resource sharing and support services.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in community resources and services.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts to strengthen community involvement and participation.
- Prepared reports summarizing program activities and recommendations for future initiatives.
Susbtance Abuse Caseworker/Social Worker
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
New York, New York
05.1997 - 01.1999
- Provided counseling to children and families of substance users.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups for alcohol and substance users women in relapse prevention, domestic violence, sex education, stress management, parenting skills, coping and refusal skills, etc.
- Completed comprehensive psychological assessment, risk assessment and UCRs - Uniform Case Record - comprehensive documentation and case management used by New York State to track child welfare cases.
- Provided support to participants in accessing social services and community resources.
- Conducted assessments to identify participant needs and develop personalized treatment plans.
- Maintained detailed case records and documentation for compliance and reporting purposes.
- Facilitated workshops to educate participants on available programs and resources.
- Conducted home visits to assess client needs, evaluate progress toward goals, and document service delivery.
- Provided casework services to participants, including conducting initial assessments and developing individualized case plans.
- Made appropriate referrals to other programs and agencies to provide clients with well-rounded support.
- Developed individualized service plans based on client's strengths and identified needs.
- Maintained updated progress notes and case record and documented children's progress in recreational activities, treatment plans and education.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University
New York, NY05-1998
Bachelor of Arts - Interpersonal Communication And Women's Studies
SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz05-1996
Skills
- Evidence strategies
- Substance education
- Program development
- Policy advocacy
- Community assessment
- Community engagement
- Workshop delivery
- Data analysis
- Data review
- Coalition building
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team collaboration
- Youth engagement
- Harm reduction
- Substance prevention
- Behavioral health
- Mental health awareness
- Problem solving
- Relationship building
- Peer training
- Substance prevention
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Accomplishments
- 2025 The Montana Institute Normi Award
- 2026 Broward County Public School Staff of Character Award
- 1999 Supervisor of the Year
- 1999 Worker of the Year Award
- New York State Bilingual School Social Worker License
- 2022 Tobacco Free Partnership Champion of the Year Smoke Free Initiative
Timeline
Prevention Family Counselor
Broward County Public Schools
05.2010 - Current
Therapist/Summer Work
Bilingual Consultants
06.2007 - 08.2015
Family Counselor
Broward County Public Schools
09.2004 - 05.2010
Program Director
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
11.2003 - 09.2004
Program Administrator
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
01.2002 - 08.2003
Related Service Bilingual Social Worker
New York City Department of Education
11.2001 - 09.2004
Supervisor for Child Abuse Preventive Services
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2002
Consultant/Bilingual Social Worker
Washington Heights Inwood Coalition
10.1998 - 06.2000
Susbtance Abuse Caseworker/Social Worker
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
05.1997 - 01.1999
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts - Interpersonal Communication And Women's Studies
SUNY New Paltz