Professional support specialist with strong background in mental health advocacy and peer support. Proven ability to build trusting relationships and facilitate impactful group and individual sessions. Known for effective teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to achieving positive outcomes. Skilled in active listening and conflict resolution.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Charles George VA Medical Center
Asheville, NC
01.2022 - Current
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recover Center | Asheville, NC
Facilitated peer support groups, fostering a sense of community among veterans.
Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
Educated veterans on available resources and services within the VA system.
Led training sessions for new peer support specialists, promoting best practices in veteran care.
Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
In Reach Specialist
Vaya Health
Asheville, NC
04.2017 - 01.2022
Vaya Health | Asheville, NC
Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and recommend appropriate services.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and optimize client support plans.
Analyzed data trends to inform program development and improve service efficiency.
Oversaw case management processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and quality assurance measures.
Mentored junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
Led community outreach programs to strengthen partnerships and increase awareness of available resources.
Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
Behavioral Health Technician
Silver Ridge Recovery
Mills River, NC
08.2016 - 04.2017
Silver Ridge Recovery | Mills River, NC
As a Behavioral Health Technician, I had many responsibilities at the long-term substance recovery house. I would assist with the intake process with new clients into the program. Participate in shift change protocol and communicate with staff about any shift updates. Responsible for detail client log and shift note documentation in electronic record for each client. Medication management and adherence to medication administration protocol as directed by medical director. Facilitate activities including recreational groups and meetings, support objectives of treatment plans for each client as directed by supervisor. Engage in multidisciplinary team efforts to support clients in treatment process. Clerical duties as needed.
Founder and Executive Director
Warrior Service Dogs
Asheville, NC
04.2011 - 12.2013
Warrior Service Dogs | Asheville, NC
I was one of the founders and executive directors of Warrior service dog that helped train and place service dogs with Veterans who have disabilities. I was responsible for completing all the nonprofit start up paperwork.
Cellular Sales Representative
US Cellular
Asheville, NC
03.2013 - 09.2013
US Cellular | Asheville, NC
I was a cellular sales representative and was responsible for the sales and maintenance of all cell phones and accessories. I would meet with customers and help with any account questions and process any bill payments.
Transportation Assistant
Charles George VA Medical Center
Asheville, NC
01.2011 - 09.2011
VA Medical Center | Asheville, NC
I was the transportation assistant at the VA. When a Veteran travels to the VA they are sometimes eligible for travel pay to help with the expenses to and from the VA. I would determine if they were eligible and then print a voucher for them to receive their money. On an average day we would complete about 415 vouchers. I was also responsible for the impatient funds. If there were any Veterans that we felt collecting money fraudulent I was responsible for doing the research and present a report to the management for follow-up. I became an expert at time management because of the large work load.
Customer Service Representative
Verizon Wireless
Waynesville, NC
10.2009 - 12.2010
Verizon Wireless | Waynesville, NC
I was a customer service representative that assists customers with account questions and phone issues to make sure that their needs and met and exceeded. I fill in as needed by Verizon and management in various positions to aid in customer satisfaction. I work closely with management for audit simulator and operational reports. I work with inventory for basic inventory duties including monthly count and necessary documents to maintain quality control.
Military Police
United States Army
08.2004 - 06.2009
I completed the United States Army’s Advanced Individual Training to be in the Military Police Corp. I served in this position for almost five years. As a member of the United States Army, I was taught leadership skills as well as the importance of being a team player. As a member of the Military Police Corp, I was responsible for protecting lives and property on Army installations. Along with my unit I enforced military laws and regulations, controlled traffic and responded to emergencies. I was on multiple security details, including one for then President George W. Bush. During my time as a military policeman, I was deployed to Iraq twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq I was responsible for guarding detainees at the Detainee Holding Area Annex. In Iraq I also was a member of security convoys which transported detainees as well as conducting route security. These events taught me to be a quick thinker as well as a quick responder.
Education
Central Texas College
08-2009
Skills
Peer support ethics
Boundary setting
Self-care management
Problem-solving skills
Motivational interviewing
Recovery guidance
Leadership skills
Effective collaboration and interaction
Resource navigation
Honors and Awards
I received my NC Peer Support Specialist Certificate in September 2016. In July of 2018 I completed WRAP Facilitator training. Multiple military awards including Army Accommodation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal.