Addiction counselor specializing in opioid treatment programs, skilled in creating tailored coping strategies and aftercare plans. Proven ability to build strong client relationships through empathy and analytical skills.
Experienced Peer Support Specialist with extensive knowledge in community resources and experience building WRAP plans, utilizing REBT, and other evidence-based methods to help individuals break through barriers and advance in their recovery.
Transitioned from Peer Specialist to Counselor within Helio Health, focusing on opioid treatment programs.
Established trust-based relationships through active listening and effective communication.
While employed at Helio Health, I have obtained my CRPA(Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), VSR(Veteran Supported Recovery specialist), and NYCPS-P(New York Certified Peer Specialist provisional) peer certifications and I also have my CASAC-T. I have also obtained four specialty tracks on the NYCPS which are Older Adults, Supervision, Individuals in Crisis, and Justice-Involved Individuals and I also have the required hours to upgrade from provisional to the full NYCPS. The training required to obtain these credentials has made it possible for me to be successful in helping others come out of the depths of addiction and poor mental health, build upon their recovery, and become strong and productive members of society. I have also learned to work together as a team with counselors and case managers coordinating care to provide the best possible outcome for the individuals we work with.
I learned much about first aid in the Army including taking a Combat Lifesaver course and becoming a certified combat lifesaver and also learned many other first aid skills including CPR, dressing wounds, and administering IV's. I sadly needed to use this training recently when a person was passed out in the bus stop hub and treating him was still like muscle memory and second nature.
I am also good with electronics and familiar with electronic health records. I am familiar with opening new charts and updating them, writing progress notes and more. I can also diagnose problems with computers and other devices and setup and run software as well as install or replace hardware parts.