Dynamic Chief Psychologist at the Federal Bureau of Prisons with a proven track record in program development and crisis intervention. Expert in evidence-based practices, I foster team collaboration and enhance employee training, achieving significant improvements in client outcomes and departmental efficiency. Recognized for exceptional leadership and analytical thinking in high-pressure environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Psychologist
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
Petersburg, VA
01.2024 - Current
Educated clients about coping strategies for managing symptoms of mental illness.
Developed crisis intervention plans for clients at risk of self-harm or harming others.
Provided individual and group therapy sessions to clients with mental health issues.
Adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations within the field of psychology.
Supervised interns providing counseling services under my direction.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care for patients.
Provided referrals to outside resources when necessary.
Attended conferences, workshops, and seminars related to psychology and mental health topics.
Documented all client interactions according to agency standards.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in order to provide comprehensive care for clients.
Trained newly hired psychologists and psychology staff on agency standards and procedures.
Managed budgets effectively by making sure costs stayed within allocated limits.
Coached and trained new staff members, providing guidance on department policies and procedures.
Conducted regular performance reviews to monitor progress of individual employees.
Assisted Human Resources in recruiting qualified candidates for open positions within the Department.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across multiple teams.
Participated actively in strategic planning sessions with top executives from different divisions.
Ensured compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.
Lead and manage a team of up to 20 employees in the Department, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient department workflow and productivity.
Developed and implemented strategic departmental plans to achieve company targets.
Supervised, trained, and developed team members, enhancing their performance and professional growth.
Fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting objectives.
Implemented quality control measures to uphold agency standards.
Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
Internship Program Coordinator
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
Petersburg, VA
01.2010 - 01.2024
Participated in the development of new programs or modifications to existing programs.
Prepared reports on progress towards program goals for management review.
Identified areas where improvements can be made in order to increase efficiency or effectiveness.
Facilitated communication between team members by organizing regular meetings.
Provided guidance and support to program participants in navigating resources, services, and opportunities.
Managed the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
Served as a liaison between external organizations and partners involved in delivering programming services.
Evaluated performance data against established objectives to measure success of programs.
Maintained up-to-date records related to program activities.
Assisted in developing training materials and providing instruction on how to use them effectively.
Coordinated meetings with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of program initiatives.
Developed and implemented program activities according to established goals and objectives.
Drafted communications about upcoming events or changes in policy and procedures for internal distribution.
Analyzed data collected from surveys, and interviews, regarding the effectiveness of the program.
Explained program offerings and requirements to participants and answered related questions.
Prepared detailed reports for stakeholders, highlighting program achievements and challenges.
Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to meet program objectives and deadlines.
Prepared periodic reports, financial statements and records on program activities for management.
Adapted programs in response to participant feedback and changing needs.
Coordinated scheduling and logistics for events annually, ensuring seamless execution.
Managed volunteer recruitment, training, and assignments to support program initiatives.
Coordinated professional development workshops for staff to enhance program delivery.
Developed brochures, newsletters, and flyers on program initiatives.
Oversaw the development and distribution of program materials, ensuring quality and accuracy.
Analyzed data to assess program impact and to guide strategic planning.
Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase program visibility and participation.
Assisted in the creation and revision of program policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
Maintained comprehensive databases of participants, activities, and outcomes for reporting purposes.
Sex Offender Program Coordinator
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
Petersburg, VA
01.2007 - 01.2010
Created documentation of programming processes and procedures.
Implemented security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Mentored newly hired employees, prepared for project tasks and trained on unfamiliar systems.
Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Recognized by national executives for providing exceptional program development.
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Supervised interns learning clinical psychology techniques from an experienced practitioner's perspective.
Offered referrals to additional resources such as support groups or community organizations when appropriate.
Developed specialized programs tailored towards meeting the unique needs of those who have offended sexually.
Maintained accurate records of client progress, diagnosis and treatments in accordance with professional standards.
Assessed risk factors for recidivism, and suicide or self-harm behaviors among clients.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients with complex needs.
Trained newly hired psychologists on clinic standards and procedures.
Diagnosed mental health, emotional and substance abuse disorders.
Provided educational and outreach programs, prevention talks and other presentations to social service agencies, businesses and general public audiences.
Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
Staff Psychologist
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
Petersburg, VA
10.2005 - 01.2007
Conducted psychological assessments to identify potential diagnoses and treatment plans.
Led trainings for staff members on relevant topics within the field of psychology.
Facilitated psychoeducational workshops for staff on topics such as stress management, self-care techniques, and coping skills.
Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
Created referrals for additional care when appropriate.
Provided individual and group counseling services to clients with mental health issues.
Developed therapeutic intervention plans tailored to the needs of each client.
Utilized evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused CBT, motivational interviewing and acceptance commitment therapy.
Created client treatment plans based on assessments and goals.
Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
Education
Ph.D. - Counseling Psychology
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
12-2020
Master of Arts - Counseling
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
05-1996
Master of Science - Sport Behavior
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
05-1995
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
05-1993
Skills
Program development
Performance evaluation
Regulatory compliance
Team collaboration
Employee training
Evidence-based practice
Crisis intervention
Analytical thinking
Clinical supervision
Treatment implementation
Verbal and written communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 4/16/02 (VA #0810002951).
Human Resources Specialist at Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of PrisonsHuman Resources Specialist at Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Prisons