Heli Pandini
Lake Worth,USA
Summary
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 25 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field, specializing in support for emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth and their families. Proven expertise in supervising residential direct care staff, with 12 years of experience overseeing teams of 18-24, along with over 2 years of clinical supervision for master's level therapists and interns. Holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, providing a strong educational foundation to complement extensive practical experience. Committed to expanding knowledge and fostering professional growth within the mental health sector.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Therapist
Sondermind, Florida
Florida
01.2026 - Current
- Conduct remote therapy sessions for couples and families, providing support to clients aged 6 and older.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to enhance client outcomes.
- Assisted families and clients in identifying and understanding issues. Conducted intake and biopsychosocial assessments to gather necessary information. Created treatment plans and maintained case documentation in a computerized database according to Medicaid and private insurance standards.
Program Supervisor
Children’s Home Society/CINS/FINS
West Palm Beach, FL
10.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw community-based counseling program for youth aged 6-17 addressing truancy and behavioral challenges.
- Provided leadership and support to 5 case managers and counselors to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
- Conducted risk assessments for the youth and acted accordingly.
- Executed quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy and compliance of documentation.
- Supervised program staff, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to increase program visibility and engagement.
Licensed Therapist
Sondermind, Florida
09.2025 - 10.2025
- Provided individual, couples, and family therapy via Telehealth for clients ages 6 and older.
- Conceptualized and analyzed issues presented by the family/client; conducted intake assessments, biopsychosocial assessments, and prepared treatment plans; maintained case documentation using a computerized database following Medicaid and private insurance standards.
Reach Therapy Program Manager
Pace Center for Girls, Florida
West Palm Beach, FL
11.2024 - 07.2025
- Directed therapy program for at-risk girls aged 11 to 17, ensuring tailored support and guidance.
- Provided mentorship and support to therapists and interns to ensure quality care delivery.
- Conducted risk assessments for the youth and acted accordingly.
- Executed quality assurance processes for documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Early Childhood Education Teacher
City of Helsinki- Daycare Borgstromminmaki, Finland
Finland
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Created and organized daily activities aligned with pedagogical goals to enhance children's learning experiences.
- Oversaw daily operations and provided direct supervision for 28 children aged 3-5 in an early childhood education center.
- Coordinated with parents, guardians, and staff, alongside the director, to ensure successful attainment of children's targeted learning objectives.
Early Childhood Education Caretaker
Seure Inc, Finland
Finland
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Facilitated morning and afternoon activities while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 1-6.
- Worked collaboratively with parents/guardians, other staff, and the director to fulfill the child’s targeted learning outcomes.
Licensed Outpatient Therapist
Chrysalis Health
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Facilitated telehealth therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families, addressing the needs of clients from age 3 onward.
- Led comprehensive assessments to identify client and family issues. Developed and implemented treatment plans based on biopsychosocial evaluations. Maintained accurate case documentation in compliance with Medicaid and private insurance standards.
Licensed Outpatient Therapist
BetterHelp
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided individual, couples, and family therapy through telehealth for clients aged 16 and older. Supported clients facing challenges related to substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring disorders.
Co-located Therapist
Marriage and Family Services
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Facilitated positive outcomes for students through targeted individual therapy sessions, enhancing their emotional well-being. Improved classroom environments by conducting observations and providing timely support during crises. Strengthened parent engagement through regular communication and involvement in meetings. Contributed to smooth school operations by assisting with breakfast, lunch, and dismissal, while collaborating effectively with behavioral health team and school administration.
Clinical Coordinator/Therapist
Sunview Medical Day
12.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated group, individual, and family therapy for up to 40 adult clients in an outpatient setting. Supported clients facing substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. Collaborated with insurance companies to address client needs and developed treatment plans in accordance with Joint Commission and DCF standards. Prepared discharge summaries, progress notes, biopsychosocial assessments, and risk assessments. Made informed decisions regarding Baker Acts and implemented necessary actions. Assisted court-ordered clients by attending court hearings and managing cases. Conducted assessments for new clients to determine appropriate levels of care while collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team.
Primary Therapist
Recovery Village
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Provided clinical support through individual, group, and family therapy for clients facing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Delivered therapy sessions in person and via telehealth in compliance with CDC guidelines.
Therapist
Thriveworks
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Facilitated therapeutic sessions for individuals, families, and couples, utilizing telehealth and in-person methods to promote mental well-being in accordance with CDC standards.
Residential Counseling Coordinator
Palm Beach County, Youth Services Department, Highridge Family Center
02.2009 - 02.2021
- Responsible for supervisory, administrative, and clinical work at Palm Beach County’s Highridge Family Center. Work involved managing and directing day-to-day operations of up to 60 at risk youth (ages 11-16) residential facility.
- Supervised 18 residential direct care staff and organized daily tasks. Provided immediate support to interdisciplinary team members, including therapists and nursing staff, during behavioral crises and emergencies.
- Continually assessed the program effectiveness by attending and leading multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings, clinical group supervision meetings, resident level meetings, direct care staff line staff meetings and by having a general presence in the therapeutic milieu.
- Facilitated continuous staff training and program development initiatives.
- Fostered ongoing partnerships with outside agencies and local organizations to enhance community engagement.
- Oversaw comprehensive scheduling for residents and counseling staff to enhance program delivery. Managed logistics for specialized group activities, guest speakers, summer programming, and tutoring initiatives.
- Assisted in issuing counseling forms and disciplinary actions. Addressed employee and client complaints and grievances. Supported recommendations for hiring, termination, and promotion of staff. Managed personnel-related matters including ADA, FMLA, and worker’s compensation.
Child Caretaker & Teacher's Assistant
Seure Inc., & City of Espoo, Finland
Finland
09.2007 - 02.2009
- Provided after school activities for middle school aged children and a child with a physical disability.
- Facilitated classroom instruction by substituting for absent educators.
- Facilitated individualized assistance to enhance learning experiences for a behaviorally challenged student.
- Facilitated engaging activities and provided supervision for children aged 4-5 in a daycare environment.
Licensed Family Therapist
Palm Beach County, Public Safety Department, Highridge Family Center
03.2006 - 08.2007
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions for up to 12 at-risk adolescent girls and their families in a residential environment.
- Formulated and executed comprehensive family treatment plans, including discharge summaries, to facilitate effective transitions.
- Performed regular assessments of treatment plans to enhance intervention strategies and track progress of children and families in achieving specific objectives.
- Provided leadership and direction to other staff relevant to the clinical needs of the children and their families as appropriate.
- Evaluated crisis situations and implemented strategic action plans for adolescents and families in need.
- Assisted in preparing documentation to outline case status. Supported implementation of written policy.
Residential Youth Counselor
Palm Beach County, Public Safety Department, Highridge Family Center
10.2000 - 03.2006
- Oversaw daily care and supervision of at-risk youth aged 11-15 in a residential environment.
- Facilitated cognitive behavioral group, community group, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, behavior management and modification.
- Collaborated with treatment team weekly to design tailored treatment plans and assess residents' progress.
- Maintained accurate documentation of residents’ progress daily.
- Facilitated diverse therapeutic activities to enhance holistic development of residents.
- Maintained a safe and orderly living environment and supervised residents in all aspects of life in the residential center.
Education
Florida License - Mental Health Counseling
State of Florida
FL03-2006
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL08-2000
Bachelor of Art - Psychology
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL08-1997
Skills
- Skilled in Microsoft Office applications, basics in Excel
- Bilingual in English and Finnish, basic Spanish
- Trained in, a Core Team Member and Train the Trainer of Trauma Informed Approach (Sanctuary Model) by Sanctuary Institute from August 2016 - February 2021
Team Palm Beach County Golden Palm Award 2017
"The difference between success and failure is often determined by one's dedication". Received the PBC Golden Palm Award for 12 years of collaboration with Norton Art Museum, Palm Beach, who as a result provided weekly Art Classes and Summer Programming to our Youth, displaying Youth's Art Work at the Museum and by taking the Youth to Field Trips and Events at the Museum. Palm Beach County saw this as my commitment to the County's Success and therefore earning the County's Highest Esteem.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Finnish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Licensed Therapist
Sondermind, Florida
01.2026 - Current
Program Supervisor
Children’s Home Society/CINS/FINS
10.2025 - 01.2026
Licensed Therapist
Sondermind, Florida
09.2025 - 10.2025
Reach Therapy Program Manager
Pace Center for Girls, Florida
11.2024 - 07.2025
Early Childhood Education Teacher
City of Helsinki- Daycare Borgstromminmaki, Finland
01.2024 - 06.2024
Early Childhood Education Caretaker
Seure Inc, Finland
09.2023 - 01.2024
Licensed Outpatient Therapist
Chrysalis Health
01.2023 - 05.2023
Licensed Outpatient Therapist
BetterHelp
11.2022 - 05.2023
Co-located Therapist
Marriage and Family Services
08.2022 - 10.2022
Clinical Coordinator/Therapist
Sunview Medical Day
12.2021 - 06.2022
Primary Therapist
Recovery Village
05.2021 - 12.2021
Therapist
Thriveworks
03.2021 - 05.2021
Residential Counseling Coordinator
Palm Beach County, Youth Services Department, Highridge Family Center
02.2009 - 02.2021
Child Caretaker & Teacher's Assistant
Seure Inc., & City of Espoo, Finland
09.2007 - 02.2009
Licensed Family Therapist
Palm Beach County, Public Safety Department, Highridge Family Center
03.2006 - 08.2007
Residential Youth Counselor
Palm Beach County, Public Safety Department, Highridge Family Center
10.2000 - 03.2006
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Art - Psychology
Florida Atlantic University
Florida License - Mental Health Counseling
State of Florida