Gelza Salazar., M.S., AMFT
Rancho Cucamonga,CA
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience supporting families, children, adolescents, and adults facing developmental disorders, as well as court-ordered offenders and victims. Committed to making individualized differences in clients' lives while pursuing professional objectives within a dynamic organization. Passionate about empowering individuals and families to enhance quality of life across all domains. Eager to leverage expertise to create meaningful change and foster resilience in diverse populations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
S.O. Clinician
New Day Recovery Center
10.2022 - 04.2025
- Conducted 5 weekly groups and individual treatment sessions with sex offender utilizing recidivism prevention strategies to reduce re-offending. Provided guidance to house the homeless, crisis and self-harm intervention, substance abuse and LGBTQ+ clients. Trained and certified with CCOSO (California Coalition of Sex Offenders) and the R-N-R Model (Risk-Need-Responsivity) which refers to individual, personal influences that can enhance the treatment response to risk factors.
- LS/CMI and STABLE risk assessments certified as required by the Court and Probation. Participated in the Containment Monthly meetings and collaboration with the overall process of registered sex offenders with their Probation Officers in the San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties.
- Attended training ongoing courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
Clinician and Trainer
Bridge Vision
04.2020 - 09.2023
- Working as a psychotherapist with the CAPTS program from the San Bernardino Court. Treatment formality includes CBT, DBT, CBFT – Trauma Informed CBT, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Relapse Prevention, Grief and loss, Anxiety, PTSD, LGBTQ1 community and Group Parent Education.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and interventions.
Agency Social Worker
Ark Foster Family Agency
06.2019 - 04.2023
- Clinician for the UAC program. Before transferring, I worked as an Agency Social Worker-Intern by conducting weekly visits to foster children and youth. Writing quarterly NSPs, administering the CANS and weekly notes, SIRs as needed and attending CFTMs. Ongoing communication with County Workers and the team involved in each client's overall treatment and care. Experience working and monitoring ISFC and STRTP youth's WRAPROUND and therapeutic treatments utilizing principles of ABA, CBT, DBT, CBF – Trauma Informed, Suicide and Self-harm prevention, Grief and loss, Anxiety, PTSD and Evidence Based strategies to manage eating disorders, substance abuse and youth maladaptive behaviors. with youth and foster children. As a SAFE certified, I conducted home studies for new homes and adoption process.
Clinical Supervisor ABA
LCS Behavioral Health
05.2014 - 01.2017
- Conducted FBA intake assessments for children and adults ages 0 – adulthood to develop appropriate treatment plans at home and community.
- Provided feedback and monitored the programs according to consumers' progress to parents and staff every two weeks during clinical meetings.
- Provided in-home visits for teaching adaptability in living skills to promote confidence in the child's ability to make desired changes (Parent Training). Utilized principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Evidence Based programming for home and community environments.
- Conducted ongoing behavior assessment (FAB) to analyze the functions of the behaviors and develop effective and appropriate treatment.
Clinical Supervisor ABA Program
California PsychCare
05.2008 - 01.2014
- Supervised 5 -10 Behavior Interventionists to apply the individualized programs and interventions developed according to the Functional Behavior Analysis.
- Provided ongoing training to the Behavior Interventionists, Parents, and others involved in the clients' overall treatment utilizing Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Developed Functional Communication based on the PECS, VB-MAPP and ABLLS assessments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
WRAPAROUND FACILITATOR
EMQ Children and Family Services, San Bernardino, CA
09.2004 - 05.2006
- Provided intake assessments for children ages 0-5 and adolescents up to 18 years with standardized screening for diagnostic purposes and treatment planning. Parent/Guardian assessments were included. Worked closely with Foster Family Agencies completing referrals and reports. Provided therapy for dually diagnosed patients with comorbidity disorders and made treatment plans for children with PTSD and mood disorders. Conducted in-home and school visits as needed and developed treatment plans accordingly and collected data to ensure outcome goals. Referrals for medical care, learning remediation, legal, financial, housing, and other services as needed. Performed intake assessments of adults and families who had with substance abuse, physical and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, unemployment, legal issues, and homelessness. Provided short term crisis intervention counseling for adults and families as needed.
- Established rapport quickly with new clients through empathetic listening skills that foster trust between facilitator and family members.
- Contributed positively to organizational culture by participating in professional development opportunities and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
Education
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Chapman University Orange
Orange, CA01.2009
Master of Science - Child Development
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA05-2001
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of La Verne
La Verne 01.1999
Skills
- Brigance assessment expertise
- Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) And VB-MAPP
- Experience with Vineland assessments
- Functional communication expertise
- Proficient in PECS implementation
- Early Intervention Home-Based - Behavior Modification (PRT)Pivotal Response Training
- DTT - Discrete Trials Training
- VB MAPP
- NET – Naturalistic Environmental Teaching
- Certified in SAFE home study
- HIPAA Compliant
Certification
- Suicide/self-harm Prevention Training 2019
- Medical University South Carolina TF-CBT Certificate 2022
- STABLE and LSCMI Certified 2025
- Certification LGBTQ+ Certificate 2025
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
S.O. Clinician
New Day Recovery Center
10.2022 - 04.2025
Clinician and Trainer
Bridge Vision
04.2020 - 09.2023
Agency Social Worker
Ark Foster Family Agency
06.2019 - 04.2023
Clinical Supervisor ABA
LCS Behavioral Health
05.2014 - 01.2017
Clinical Supervisor ABA Program
California PsychCare
05.2008 - 01.2014
WRAPAROUND FACILITATOR
EMQ Children and Family Services, San Bernardino, CA
09.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of La Verne
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Chapman University Orange
Master of Science - Child Development
University of La Verne
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