Laurie Knight
Bourbonnais,IL
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in counseling and crisis response, notably at Family Guidance Centers, Inc. Expertise in developing personalized treatment plans and facilitating group therapy, leading to improved recovery outcomes. Proficient in comprehensive case management with a strong commitment to client well-being and independence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Domestic Violence Advocate
Crisis Center for South Suburbia
Tinley Park, Illinois
12.2024 - Current
- Conducted support groups aimed at empowering domestic violence survivors and fostering healing.
- Facilitated sessions focused on boosting self-esteem and providing emotional assistance to victims.
- Executed client intakes and phone screenings, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
- Documented daily client interactions through detailed notes for effective case management.
Shift Manager
Motel 6 / Studio 6
Merrillville, IN
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed daily hotel operations to ensure efficiency and guest satisfaction
- Oversaw check-ins/outs, issue resolution, and customer service delivery
- Maintained cleanliness, inventory, and organizational standards
- Handled administrative duties and delegated staff tasks effectively
Substance Abuse Counselor
Family Guidance Centers, Inc.
Bourbonnais, IL
02.2024 - 12.2024
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and created individualized treatment plans
- Facilitated group therapy and maintained 20+ weekly billable clinical hours
- Provided crisis intervention and client advocacy during emergencies
- Educated clients on substance abuse effects and coping strategies
- Coordinated case management, aftercare, and discharge planning
Residential Coordinator
Family Guidance Center
Manteno, Illinois
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Oriented new patients regarding program rules and expectations.
- Supported treatment plans while monitoring client progress.
- Conducted safety checks to ensure resident comfort and well-being.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among residents, offering necessary guidance.
- Maintained confidentiality alongside accurate documentation of progress.
Financial records specialist
VITAS Healthcare
Lombard, IL
10.2009 - 12.2022
- Monitored billing processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Entered and managed billing data using VITAS software.
- Coordinated materials and record submissions with staff and clients effectively.
- Collaborated with managers to confirm proper documentation practices.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
Direct Support Professional
Garden Center
Burbank, IL
02.2007 - 08.2009
- Promoted independence for individuals with disabilities, enhancing daily living skills and autonomy.
- Supervised daily activities while training staff to improve support quality and consistency.
- Delivered compassionate, client-centered care that elevated overall well-being.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients and families, fostering trust and engagement in care plans.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services/Substance use disorder
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH12-2025
Certification in Addiction/ CADC - Addiction
Sober College School of Addiction
Los Angeles, CA01-2024
Skills
- Counseling and mental health support
- Crisis response strategies
- Motivational interviewing techniques
- Client intake processes
- Comprehensive case management
- Developmental disability support
- Caregiving expertise
- Cognitive behavioral therapy methods
- Addiction recovery counseling
Certification
- Motivational Interviewing Concepts and Skills
- Certificate of Achievement for Critical Thinking
- Understanding Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders
- Parents and Kids Group, Healing from Domestic violence
- Direct Support Specialist
- CNA
- Illinois Notary License, 01/01/24, 01/01/28, Licensed to notarize documents in the state of Illinois.
Awards
- In Recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement, 09/01/24, Received Spring and Fall semesters in 2024, as well as Spring 2025
- Honor Roll, 06/01/24, Ongoing; every semester till current
- Customer Service, 02/01/20, Attentive to patients and families, sense of urgency for every client/patient regardless of needs, old-fashioned work ethic, team player skills
Leadership Experience
02/01/11, Award for having leadership skills by going above and beyond for my team, taking the initiative to improve customer satisfaction, conflict resolution, demonstrating resilience
Accomplishments
- Honor Roll
- Leadership
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Domestic Violence Advocate
Crisis Center for South Suburbia
12.2024 - Current
Shift Manager
Motel 6 / Studio 6
06.2024 - 12.2024
Substance Abuse Counselor
Family Guidance Centers, Inc.
02.2024 - 12.2024
Residential Coordinator
Family Guidance Center
12.2023 - 02.2024
Financial records specialist
VITAS Healthcare
10.2009 - 12.2022
Direct Support Professional
Garden Center
02.2007 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services/Substance use disorder
Southern New Hampshire University
Certification in Addiction/ CADC - Addiction
Sober College School of Addiction
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