Heather Rix McKenzie
8418 Theodolite Drive Baldwinsville,NY
Summary
Passionate MSW graduate and human services professional with 5 years of experience. Possesses a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues and the systems impacting marginalized communities. Committed to delivering high-quality services that support communities most in need. Utilizes trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to deliver person-centered care to vulnerable individuals with serious mental health conditions and complex psychosocial needs. Skilled in providing home and community-based interventions, including therapy, crisis response, and case management. Dedicated to advocacy and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners to enhance care and support recovery efforts.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Brief Strategic Family Therapist
Liberty Resources Family Services
Oswego County, NY
05.2024 - Current
- Provide culturally responsive, home based family counseling to families of at-risk youth working referred through the Department of Child and Family Services
- Observe, assess and diagnose problematic family interactions to reframe maladaptive approaches and provide families with new skills to improve family functioning and support ongoing recovery
- Engage in BSFT certification training, participating in weekly supervision and recorded session reviews with certified coach
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with other service providers and community organizations in the interest of client and program goals
- Contribute to program development by assisting in the creation of best practices, documentation forms, and outreach materials
Mobile Crisis Responder, Per Diem
Liberty Resources Crisis Services
Oswego And Onondaga Counties, NY
02.2024 - Current
- Provide in person home and community based crisis stabilization, de-escalation, and safety planning to individuals experiencing a crisis, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and/or legal involvement
- Provide empathetic support during critical moments, assessing individual needs and connecting clients with appropriate community resources for long-term stability
- Professionally collaborate with law enforcement, community agencies and other service providers to ensure comprehensive care and support
- Assist with assessing need for emergency care or further evaluation in collaboration with clinical staff
- Work closely in professional collaboration with law enforcement, first responders and other community agencies as needed
Field Placement - Intern Clinic Therapist
Liberty Resources Integrated Healthcare
Fulton, NY
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided onsite and telehealth individual psychotherapy to a caseload up to 6 individuals of varying ages from 14 to 60+
- Completed intakes and comprehensive assessments for incoming referrals and collaborated with staff to assign cases based on best fit
- Independently managed schedule and caseload
- Attended regular supervision, mentoring and observed experienced clinicians
- Processed learning experiences and developed mutually supportive community with other interns at the clinic
- Collaborated and built relationships with other human services professionals internally and within the greater community through participation in interdisciplinary meetings, workgroups and committees focused on mental health, social needs and/or diversity and equity
Adult Health Homes Care Manager / Program Supervisor
Liberty Resources HCBS
Syracuse And Fulton, NY
09.2021 - 05.2024
- Conducted home visits to assist individuals with serious mental health and/or chronic health conditions with coordination of care and obtaining necessary services and resources in the community
- Performed ongoing assessments, created person centered care plans, and facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration to address diverse client needs and improve care outcomes
- Rapidly advanced to Program Supervisor role, demonstrating leadership potential and ability to drive team performance in complex healthcare scenarios
- Supervised a team of 8 Care Managers across 2 counties with mixed acuity caseloads of up to 40 clients each, conducting regular supervision and staff management including employee development and corrective feedback
- Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance care quality
Youth Advisor, YES Shelter/PATH
Oswego County Opportunities
Fulton, NY
02.2019 - 11.2021
- Provided overnight and weekend supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless and runaway youth ages 14-21 in a shelter setting
- Provided crisis intervention, supportive counseling and responded to the Homeless Services Hotline
- Developed creative approaches to engage youth in life skills activities, such as preparation of meals, housekeeping, healthy communication and goal setting
- Completed shift documentation, basic house maintenance and other administrative tasks as required
Internship - Shelter Staff
Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter
Syracuse, NY
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Worked closely with case management staff, observing and assisting with intakes, crisis support and discharge planning
- Assisted with day-to-day activities, meal times, administrative and clerical tasks
- Created motivational/educational displays and presented educational demonstrations
Education
Master of Social Work -
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY08.2025
B.A. - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga, NY01-2021
A.S. - Human Services
Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, NY01-2019
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Crisis Response
- Supportive Counseling
- Resource Navigation
- Community Partnerships
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Other Activities & Experiences
• Chadwick Residence for Women and Children, Volunteer (2017)
• New York State Bureau of Early Intervention Parent Partners Training (2018)
• Hand To Hold NICU Family Support, Volunteer Peer Mentor (2017-2021)
• New York State Care Management Coalition Annual Training Conference, Attendee (2023)
• New York State Trauma Informed Network Conference – Join The Journey, Attendee (2024)
Timeline
Field Placement - Intern Clinic Therapist
Liberty Resources Integrated Healthcare
06.2024 - 01.2025
Brief Strategic Family Therapist
Liberty Resources Family Services
05.2024 - Current
Mobile Crisis Responder, Per Diem
Liberty Resources Crisis Services
02.2024 - Current
Adult Health Homes Care Manager / Program Supervisor
Liberty Resources HCBS
09.2021 - 05.2024
Youth Advisor, YES Shelter/PATH
Oswego County Opportunities
02.2019 - 11.2021
Internship - Shelter Staff
Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter
01.2019 - 05.2019
Master of Social Work -
Syracuse University
B.A. - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
A.S. - Human Services
Onondaga Community College