Jennifer Mirich
Sparks,NV
Summary
Foundation Year MSW Student at UNR
My interests in social work have a connection to one another, they include clinical social work, children and families, Expressive Art Therapy, veterans, social and environmental justice, health and wellness, school social work, behavioral health, and international work.
My background in studio art, design, and alternative health and wellness led me to social work. Choosing social work solidifies and encompasses all my studies and bridges them together to help people holistically with equity. My long-term career aspirations are to meet the clinical standard, work with many populations, and specialize in Expressive Arts and Somatic techniques.
I believe having a private practice but also keeping another hand in policy aligns with my social work values. I believe strongly that connecting clients to creativity and the natural world is key to self-expression and creating a spiritual path for long-term health both mentally and physically. The experience and opportunities in this practicum will help me grow and open doors to many possibilities enhancing my social work worldview and find what I am best suited for.
The strengths I bring to the field are what drive me to understand people. I am passionate about social and environmental justice, and health and wellness having worked as a massage therapist of 20 years, and as a Pilates Method Instructor of 6 years. I have interpersonal skills, strong connections strengths, and compassion for people facing difficult situations. I am a wonderful listener for those who need to be heard and enjoy providing a safe space for their transformations. I honor people with a one-on-one connectedness with cultural humility. I work well in volunteer settings and take directions with an amenable enthusiasm.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Therapeutic Massage Therapist/Bodyworker
01.1999 - 01.2017
- My career in Massage Therapy began in Reno, NV, and was moved to Oakland CA, where I procured my private businesses, and worked with Pilates studios, Chiropractic, health spas, and the private and public arena
- My attention to my clients was more than the physical work they received but became a safe environment where they built trust in my practice, and where they felt heard
- My technique came from 2 schools, continuing education, many certifications, and the NCTMB (National Certification of Massage and Bodywork) My clients were referred by chiropractors, doctors, dentists, and the community
- Part of my service included education and awareness to solidify overall health.
Pilates Instructor
The Perfect Fit Studio
Reno
- Leading a wide range of students with corrective exercises in the Pilates Method with Reformer and Wunda Chair apparatus, providing adaptations, and creating an intimate small class setting for optimum detail to care and precision
- I specialize in the age range of 55 plus, and our Silver Pilates demographic
- I create a safe learning environment and modify exercises for rehabilitation and injuries.
Pilates Instructor
Truckee Meadows Community College
- Creating community Pilates Method instruction for 6 years in a row
- Specializing in our Silver, over 65-year-old clientele
- Creating technically informed exercise classes tailored to everyone
- Creating program specifics that grew TMCC Pilate's repertoire as one of the most inclusive studios in the Reno/Sparks area
- One of only 2 studios specializing in this particular Silver demographic
- I worked diligently to create a community with students for a nurturing and mentally/physically strong population
- Many of my Silver students became friends and kept their friendships outside of the educational institution.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sustainable Fashion Design
California College of The Arts
San Francisco, CA05-2013
Skills
- Fine arts
- Social Media Promotion
- Health and wellness
- Advanced anatomy knowledge
- Stress management techniques
- Customer services
- Client Coaching
- Problem-solving abilities
- Interpersonal Skills
- Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance
- Self Motivation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Breathing Exercises
- Excellent Communication
- Relationship and Community Building
- CPR Certified
- Microsoft Word
Education Continued
- Ralston Massage School, 1997, 1999, Reno, NV, Diploma
- Truckee Meadows Community College, 1996, 2023, Reno, NV, Studio Arts Transfer Degree
- Just For Your Health Massage, San Jose, CA, Diploma
- California College of Art, 2010, 2013, Oakland and San Francisco, CA, Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Fashion Design, Garment construction, sewing, Creative Suite Software, draping, design, and history of Art and fashion
- Balance Body University, Pilates Certification Diploma, Mat, Reformer, Apparatus
- UNR School of Social Work, 2024, True, Foundation Student
Volunteer Experience
- The Four Ward School Museum, Virginia City, NV
- The Coalition of Healthy Nevada Lands, https://www.healthynvlands.org/about.html, 2024, We teach the public about the effects of overgrazing, water, Nevada’s wildlife ecology, and sustainability for all ecosystems in Nevada. We join efforts with many wildlife conservation organizations, hunting and fishing organizations, BLM, and more. I help organize and create social media content for this group.
Affiliations
- I am a painter and natural perfumer, and I love being active with dance and being outdoors. I enjoy being a part of many communities and people of all ages. I am a wildlife fanatic and love all things animals.
Certification
- I hold many certifications in massage modalities and Pilates
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Therapeutic Massage Therapist/Bodyworker
01.1999 - 01.2017
Pilates Instructor
The Perfect Fit Studio
Pilates Instructor
Truckee Meadows Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Sustainable Fashion Design
California College of The Arts