Krystyna Szymaniak
Winona State University Department of Education
Winona,MN
1
Certification
2
years of professional experience
Compassionate Mental Health Professional experienced in crisis intervention and community mental health. Delivered trauma-informed care and documentation expertise while supporting diverse populations. Committed to continuous development and enhancing therapeutic practices through active listening and problem-solving skills.
Work History
Counseling Intern
- Conducting individual counseling sessions to support client emotional well-being and personal growth.
- Assisting in developing treatment plans aligned with client goals and therapeutic needs.
- Facilitating group therapy sessions, promoting peer support and shared experiences among participants.
- Collaborating with experienced counselors to refine intervention techniques and improve client engagement.
- Documenting client progress and treatment outcomes in electronic health records accurately.
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers as needed, ensuring seamless integration of services for optimal client outcomes.
Wilderness Guide/Outdoor Leader
7 Months- Leading multi-day wilderness expeditions, ensuring safety and engagement for diverse groups.
- Facilitating educational activities focused on environmental stewardship and outdoor skills.
- Training new guides in safety protocols, equipment usage, and customer service best practices.
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures.
- Cultivating relationships with participants to enhance their wilderness experience and encourage repeat involvement.
- Streamlining communication between team members to improve operational efficiency during trips.
- Participation in "Veteran Families Outdoors," a program that seeks to engage families of military service members in outdoor programming and recreation.
Housing Support
10 Months- Providing daily living support, crisis intervention, and emotional regulation assistance for residents in supervised housing.
- Administering medications and maintaining accurate health, incident, and behavioral documentation.
- Engaging residents therapeutically to navigate personal, interpersonal, and environmental challenges.
- Advocating for client needs assertively within larger systems of care, helping them access necessary resources such as housing support or educational services successfully.
- Maintaining safety through proactive monitoring, de-escalation, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Ensuring accurate and confidential documentation across all resident files.
Graduate Assistant
11 Months- Compiling and maintaining data sets for program metrics, enrollment, and student completion.
- Supporting administrative and office needs across the Education Department.
- Ensuring proper storage and organization of student assessment data.
- Conducting departmental surveys and analyzing collected data.
- Conducting research to support academic projects, enhancing resource availability for faculty.
- Coordinating departmental events and initiatives to promote student engagement within the program.
Caregiver
1 Year 3 Months- Assisted with psychosocial and daily care needs of residents.
- Supported hygiene, health routines, and emergency care when needed.
- Provided dementia and Alzheimer's care through person-centered approaches.
- Maintained accurate documentation and upheld confidentiality standards.
- Assisted elderly sisters with daily living activities, enhancing comfort and independence.
- Administered medications accurately, ensuring compliance with healthcare protocols.
- Trained new caregivers on best practices and operational procedures, fostering team efficiency.
- Developed engaging social activities, enhancing client well-being and communication skills.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Member, Chi Sigma Iota
- Dean's List Honoree, all semesters.
- Awarded Gaylia Borror Human Advocacy and Leadership Scholarship
- Awarded Robert A. Hanson Memorial Scholarship
- Awarded Winona State Foundation Memorial Scholarship
- Kosciuszko Foundation Scholar (2025 - 2026)
- GPA: 3.9
- Relevant Coursework: All CACREP Standardized Coursework. Especially applicable are counseling methodology as well as trauma-informed counseling coursework.
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
- President, Philosophy Club.
- Minored in Philosophy
- GPA 3.49
- Awarded Connell-Christensen Psychology and Sociology Scholarship
- Dean's List Honoree, six semesters.
Skills
Conflict resolution
Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis
Crisis Intervention
Critical thinking
Creative Problem Solving
Emotional Regulation
Counseling techniques
Mindfulness
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR), NOLS Outdoor Education - March 2026 (Expires March 2028)
- CPR Certification (included in WFR)
Timeline
Counseling Intern
Nurturing Connections Counseling
08.2026 - CurrentRead More
Wilderness Guide/Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Inquiry
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Housing Support
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health
10.2025 - CurrentRead More
Graduate Assistant
Winona State University Department of Education
09.2025 - CurrentRead More
Caregiver
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
06.2024 - 09.2025Read More
Winona State University
Bachelor of Arts from Psychology
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Winona State University
Master of Science from Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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