Laura Vorhies
Mental Health Specialist
1098 Juniper Ave. Unit B Grand Forks Air Force Base,ND
Summary
Experienced professional with a proven track record in collaborating with educators and administrators to develop and implement effective tiered intervention strategies as part of Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior (MTSS-B) teams. Improved student behavioral outcomes by 20% through targeted interventions. Implemented a progress monitoring system that tracked student emotional and behavioral development, resulting in timely interventions and a 15% improvement in student well-being. Developed and maintained comprehensive data collection processes for data-driven and evidence-based interventions, leading to improved academic performance. Adhered strictly to confidentiality protocols, including FERPA regulations, and implemented secure systems for managing sensitive information to enhance trust with students and parents. Delivered culturally competent Social Emotional Learning lessons by incorporating students' cultural backgrounds into plans, increasing engagement and effectiveness among diverse student populations. Proficient in conducting observations and developing individualized lesson plans using evidence-based practices. Collaborated effectively within multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive support plans for students. Provided immediate crisis intervention services to students experiencing acute distress, ensuring their safety and well-being through coordinated efforts with school staff. Demonstrated strong communication skills in engaging with students, families, and colleagues to foster a supportive educational environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Specialist
Grand Forks Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
- MTSS B Team
- District SEL committee
- Led efforts in implementing MTSS B strategies across the district.
- Delivered services enhancing students' and families' social, emotional, academic, and life functions. Establish positive, trusting, supporting relationships as a foundation to effectively serving students and their families. Provide resources and facilitate activities that promote social skills, peer and adult connection, and individual capacity in a variety of social-emotional competencies.
- Responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain trusting, collaborative, professional relationships with all constituents.
- Provide direct practice lessons and services that foster social and emotional competency.
- Mobilize school and community resources to maximize student academic and behavior success;
- Identify and connect community services to staff, students, and families.
- Provide social-emotional support and counseling related services to individuals, groups, or families.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and trauma informed practices in daily interactions.
- Collaborate with staff and school campuses to enhance student learning.
- Contribute to a safe and healthy work and learning culture at the mentor center.
- Provide specialized services such as crisis intervention and consultation as needs arise.
- Maintain student confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.
Funeral Director/ Embalmer
Dahl Funeral Home
02.2021 - Current
- Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Supported Medical Examiners and staff in transporting remains and performing autopsies.
- Proficient in reconstruction of the human body
- Proficient knowledge in medical terminology and the human anatomy.
- Dressed bodies to place in caskets.
- Used pump to introduce embalming fluid after making incisions to remove blood and waste.
- Closed incision utilizing suture knowledge and technique.
- Utilized cosmetics and other resources to achieve best presentation results.
- Transported deceased from place of death to funeral home.
- Itemized list of clothing and valuables delivered with body.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Maintained organized filing system of paper and electronic documents.
- Drafted agendas, meeting notes and other documents to enhance collaborative process.
- Anticipated leadership needs by preparing or gathering records, reports and correspondence.
- Managed multiple calendars and contacts using computer software.
- Created and updated spreadsheets to track and report data.
- Assisted with answering phones, filing paperwork, entering data to support operations department.
- Led and directed funeral and graveside services.
- Completed and filed all necessary legal documentation quickly and accurately.
- Prepared death certificates and drafted obituaries.
- Arranged for clergy members to perform funeral services.
- Addressed all client questions and requests for information relating to funeral services and pricing.
- Arranged funerals consistent with each family's heritage and religious beliefs.
- Consulted with families of deceased to make funeral arrangements.
- Scheduled funeral services, coordinated burials and arranged cremations.
- Offered counseling and comfort to bereaved family members and friends.
- Implemented pre-need arrangement program for funeral services, which guaranteed specific prices and secured clients' company trust.
- Processed fifteen death certificates per month and maintained meticulous in-house records.
Salon Owner/ Cosmetologist
03.2010 - 10.2021
- Hired and trained beauticians, as needed
- Reprimanded beauticians if there was a need
- Oversaw daily salon operations and performed general salon tasks
- Promoted services and products
- Marketing
- Branding
- Ensured all beauticians adhered to hygiene and safety practices
- Ordered beauty products and beauty equipment and maintained inventory
- Performed basic accounting duties such as payment collection, bank and drawer reconciliation and internal audits to keep finances on track
- Meticulously entered client and service information when booking appointments
- Developed schedules for staff.
Funeral Assistant/ Mortuary Student
Croxford Funeral Home
05.2017 - 06.2021
- Organize chapels for visitations and maintained an orderly atmosphere
- Prepare memorial materials, including service programs and signage
- Offer administrative assistance in funeral home operations such as putting together Death Certificates, cremation paperwork, writing obituaries, keeping the websites updated with current information
- Proficient with faxing, emailing, and telephone systems
- Assist in the prep room
- Assist funeral director in the coordination of services
- Ensure proper compliance with all safety and sanitation requirements
- Proficient in cosmetics and other resources to achieve best presentation results
- Casketed and cosmetized the deceased in preparation for visitations and burials
- Assist at graveside services
- Proficient in driving limos and hearses
Cosmetologist
Linda Michael's Salon And Day Spa
08.2007 - 02.2010
- Recommended products to customers to meet current needs or resolve specific concerns
- Met with new clients, providing effective hair consultations detailing expectations for color, style and cut
- Applied makeup to achieve desired day-to-day and special event looks
- Stayed up-to-date on current and emerging trends to increase professional value and meet diverse client needs
- Introduced signature services, including acrylics and gel tips
- Built repeat client base
- Gave daily customers gel, acrylic and natural manicures
- Kept work area clean and neat to stay productive
- Took accurate messages for staff and management to facilitate open and speedy communication
- Kept reception area clean and organized to offer positive first impression to every visitor
- Scheduled appointments for myself and other staff members.
Education
Masters In Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
High School Diploma -
- Member of National Junior Honor Society 2001.
- 4.0 GPA
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
04.2022
- All Semesters - Honor Role
- 3.95 GPA
- Graduated summa cum laude
Associate of Applied Science - Funeral Service And Mortuary Science
03.2020
- Scholarship Recipient for The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.
- Every Semester - Presidents List
- Completed the Infant Loss Course.
- Graduated summa cum laude
- Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
- Top Ranked Student
- 3.95 GPA
Cosmetology
01.2008
- Completed Bella Lash and Hair Extensions Course in 2021.
- Completed Shellac Nail Course in 2016.
- Completed Bare Essential Cosmetics Course in 2009.
- Completed OSHA Training Course in 2021.
- Highest Retail Award Recipient in 2007
- Highest Add on Services Award Recipient in 2007.
- Highest Referrals Award Recipient in 2007
Skills
- Meticulous and organized
- MS Word, Excel and Outlook
- Planning & organizing
- Office equipment operations
- Efficient and accurate
- Organization and efficiency
- Detail-oriented
- Proficient with Google Sheets
- Advanced writing skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Active listening
- Multitasking
- Reliable & trustworthy
- Decision-making
Certification
ASCA Grief and Loss Specialist
ASCA Mental Health Specialist
ASCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Trauma Institute International: Certified Trauma Support Specialist
Timeline
Mental Health Specialist - Grand Forks Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
Funeral Director/ Embalmer - Dahl Funeral Home
02.2021 - Current
Funeral Assistant/ Mortuary Student - Croxford Funeral Home
05.2017 - 06.2021
Salon Owner/ Cosmetologist -
03.2010 - 10.2021
Cosmetologist - Linda Michael's Salon And Day Spa
08.2007 - 02.2010
Great Falls High School - High School Diploma,
American Public University System - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Des Moines Area Community College - Associate of Applied Science, Funeral Service And Mortuary Science
The Salon Professional Academy - Great Falls - , Cosmetology
ASCA Grief and Loss Specialist
ASCA Mental Health Specialist
ASCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Trauma Institute International: Certified Trauma Support Specialist
Liberty University - Masters In Clinical Mental Health Counseling , Mental Health Counseling
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