Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

GARY A. SALDANA

San Antonio,TX

Summary

With over three years of experience as a peer support specialist, I have dedicated my career to empowering individuals who face mental health as well as alcohol and drug addiction challenges. I use my own lived experience of recovery and resilience to provide hope, guidance, and advocacy for those who seek my help. I believe that everyone deserves compassion, respect, and dignity, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my peers.

Work History

Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist

Form Communities
09.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced client recovery by providing personalized support and sharing lived experiences.
  • Contributed to the development of treatment plans for better mental health outcomes.
  • Assisted clients in identifying personal strengths and setting realistic goals for their recovery journey.
  • Empowered clients by teaching them coping strategies and self-help techniques.
  • Conducted peer-led support groups, fostering a safe and supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
  • Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional and practical support in both group and one-on-one settings.
  • Mentored new peer support specialists, sharing best practices and modeling effective techniques for supporting diverse client populations.

Salon Receptionist

JCPenny
10.2015 - 05.2021
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting clients and efficiently managing appointments.
  • Streamlined salon operations for increased efficiency by handling administrative tasks such as inventory management and staff scheduling.
  • Boosted client retention with superior communication skills, providing a welcoming atmosphere and addressing concerns in a timely manner.
  • Facilitated smooth transactions, accurately processing payments and maintaining balanced cash registers daily.

Online Support Team Leader

Wachovia/Wells Fargo
05.2007 - 11.2010
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
  • Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
  • Led cross-functional teams to execute projects on time, within budget, and with high-quality outcomes.
  • Streamlined workflows for increased efficiency, reducing turnaround times for critical tasks.

National Accounts Manager

Citibank
10.1997 - 02.2004
  • Boosted sales performance by identifying and securing new national accounts.
  • Developed long-lasting relationships with key clients for increased account retention and growth.
  • Expanded market share by implementing strategic sales initiatives and targeting underserved industries.
  • Negotiated advantageous contracts, ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction.

Education

Connection Center At The San Antonio Clubhouse
San Antonio, TX

General Studies -

University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
1985

High School Diploma -

Thomas A. Edison High School
San Antonio, TX
06.1984

Skills

  • Instills self-advocacy in individuals to make their own choices and decisions
  • Recovery Planning
  • Resource Navigation
  • Community Outreach
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Emotional Support
  • Interview Coaching
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Self-Care Strategies
  • Tracking Client Progress
  • Mental Health Support
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Developing Relationships
  • Facilitating self-care support groups
  • Creative Thinking
  • Living Skills Assistance
  • Facilitating

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist

Form Communities
09.2021 - Current

Salon Receptionist

JCPenny
10.2015 - 05.2021

Online Support Team Leader

Wachovia/Wells Fargo
05.2007 - 11.2010

National Accounts Manager

Citibank
10.1997 - 02.2004

Connection Center At The San Antonio Clubhouse

General Studies -

University of Texas At San Antonio

High School Diploma -

Thomas A. Edison High School

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GARY A. SALDANA