Heidi Hinton
Atchison,KS
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Early Childhood Instructor with extensive experience in fostering the social, emotional, and developmental growth of young children. Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) with a strong background in therapeutic interventions, classroom management, and individualized support for children with diverse needs. Expertise in working with children experiencing developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and social-emotional difficulties. Skilled in designing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that promote learning, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions. Adept at collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create supportive, inclusive environments. Passionate about nurturing the whole child to ensure readiness for lifelong learning and success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LSCSW, Early Childhood CBS Supervisor
The Guidance Center
03.2023 - Current
- Trauma-Informed Care – Understanding how early childhood trauma affects development and implementing supportive interventions.
- Child Development Knowledge – Expertise in emotional, cognitive, and social development in young children.
- Behavioral Assessment & Intervention – Evaluating and addressing behavioral, emotional, and social challenges in young children.
- Mental Health Support – Providing early intervention for anxiety, attachment issues, ADHD, autism, and other developmental concerns.
- Crisis Intervention – Managing behavioral crises and providing de-escalation strategies.
- Family Engagement & Support – Collaborating with parents to promote positive parenting strategies and improve child outcomes.
- Collaboration with Educators & Staff – Consulting with teachers and early childhood professionals to support classroom management and individualized student needs.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Implementing SEL techniques to help young children develop emotional regulation, social skills, and self-awareness.
- Play Therapy & Expressive Techniques – Using therapeutic play to help children communicate emotions and experiences.
- Cultural Competency & Inclusion – Ensuring a supportive environment for children from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
- Curriculum Development – Designing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with developmental milestones.
- Classroom Management – Establishing structured, engaging, and nurturing classroom environments.
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS) – Utilizing reinforcement strategies to encourage positive behaviors.
- Early Literacy & Language Development – Promoting foundational literacy, communication, and speech skills.
- Hands-On Learning Techniques – Using play-based and experiential learning to enhance engagement.
- Observational & Assessment Skills – Monitoring child progress and adapting instruction accordingly.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Working with therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists to support student success.
- Individualized Support & IEP Collaboration – Adapting teaching approaches to meet the needs of students with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Parent & Community Engagement – Building strong relationships with families and promoting involvement in a child’s education.
- Professional Development & Mentorship – Providing training and support for colleagues in child development and behavioral strategies.
Clinician - Private Practice
Diakonos Counseling
03.2023 - 04.2024
- Company Overview: Diakonos is a private mental health counseling center instituting a healthy approach to healing life's problems through integrating sound principles for the mind, body & spirit
- I provided compassionate care for those struggling with painful emotions, distorted thinking, and troubling behavior, as well as those desiring personal growth and more satisfying relationships
- Treatment was personalized to meet the individual needs of each participant
- Diakonos is a private mental health counseling center instituting a healthy approach to healing life's problems through integrating sound principles for the mind, body & spirit
LMSW, LMAC - Admissions Manager/Admissions Counselor/Counselor II/Patient Centered Case Manager
Valley Hope
09.2019 - 03.2023
- Provides individual and group counseling, therapeutic intervention, and educational lectures to patients and family members to assist them in recognizing problems and causal factors related to substance abuse and developing alternative/coping behaviors
- Develops, revises, and implements treatment plans in cooperation with patients to assist them in remaining substance free
- Performs assessments of patients' needs, motivations, and backgrounds; prepare substance abuse bio-psycho-social/assessment summaries
- Functions as a key member of the multi-disciplinary admissions team; works collectively to support the needs of prospective patients
Juvenile Justice Liaison/YPP Group Leader/TCM II
The Guidance Center
05.2014 - 09.2019
- Coordinated and provided group therapy, individual therapy, and anger management courses to youth under the supervision of Atchison and Leavenworth KDOC Juvenile Justice system
- Responsible for individual treatment plans, progress reports, and court appearances in Atchison and Leavenworth counties
Unit Team Case Manager
CCA - Federal Holding Facility
08.2012 - 05.2014
Juvenile Justice Authority Probation/Parole Officer
Atchison County Community Corrections
01.2003 - 08.2012
Youth Case Manager
The Guidance Center
06.2002 - 01.2003
Dispatcher
Atchison County Communications Center
04.2001 - 06.2002
Juvenile Intake Officer/Mentor/Community Service - Class Instructor
Atchison County Community Corrections
04.1999 - 04.2001
Education
Master - Social Work
Kansas University
Lawrence, KS05.2019
B.S. - Criminal Justice/Emphasis in Juvenile Delinquency
Missouri Western State College St. Joseph
Saint Joseph, MO07.2002
Skills
I am equipped with a unique set of skills that combine clinical expertise with early childhood education
Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) Skills Early Childhood Instructor Skills Key Strengths for This Position:- Bridging Clinical & Educational Perspectives – Ability to apply clinical expertise to enhance early childhood education
- Whole-Child Approach – Supporting children’s emotional, social, and academic development
- Strong Communication & Advocacy – Effectively collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams
- Data-Driven & Evidence-Based Practices – Implementing strategies backed by developmental psychology and social work research
Accomplishments
I earned my Master is Social Work at Kansas University in 2019, with a GPA of 3.850. Since then I have been licensed as an LMSW and LMAC and completed the required 2 year Clinical Supervision to test and earn my LSCSW.
A year ago, I achieved one of the most meaningful milestones in my life: becoming a licensed foster parent. The process was rigorous and required months of training, home studies, and emotional preparation. When I welcomed my first placement—a young boy who had experienced significant trauma—it was both a humbling and transformative moment for me.
My family and close friends were incredibly supportive throughout the process. The licensing agency staff and caseworker were also instrumental in helping me navigate this new role.
This accomplishment is significant because it allowed me to make a direct, positive impact on a child's life. It taught me invaluable lessons about patience, empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Witnessing the child's growth and sense of safety over time reaffirmed my purpose in life and my dedication to providing a loving and stable environment for children in need.
Certification
LSCSW
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer
Timeline
LSCSW, Early Childhood CBS Supervisor
The Guidance Center
03.2023 - Current
Clinician - Private Practice
Diakonos Counseling
03.2023 - 04.2024
LMSW, LMAC - Admissions Manager/Admissions Counselor/Counselor II/Patient Centered Case Manager
Valley Hope
09.2019 - 03.2023
Juvenile Justice Liaison/YPP Group Leader/TCM II
The Guidance Center
05.2014 - 09.2019
Unit Team Case Manager
CCA - Federal Holding Facility
08.2012 - 05.2014
Juvenile Justice Authority Probation/Parole Officer
Atchison County Community Corrections
01.2003 - 08.2012
Youth Case Manager
The Guidance Center
06.2002 - 01.2003
Dispatcher
Atchison County Communications Center
04.2001 - 06.2002
Juvenile Intake Officer/Mentor/Community Service - Class Instructor
Atchison County Community Corrections
04.1999 - 04.2001
B.S. - Criminal Justice/Emphasis in Juvenile Delinquency
Missouri Western State College St. Joseph
Master - Social Work
Kansas University
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