Lori Utesch
Valparaiso,IN
Summary
Licensed mental health professional and law student with extensive experience in correctional behavioral healthcare, crisis intervention, group curriculum building and facilitation, and trauma informed practice within maximum-security environments. Skilled in communication, critical thinking, systems analysis, and ethical decision making under pressure. Passionate about advocacy, corrections reform, and the intersection of mental health, policy, and human rights. Recognized for professionalism, leadership, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics with integrity and composure.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Counselor
Centurion - Indiana State Prison
Michigan City, IN
09.2023 - 01.2026
- Provided trauma-informed behavioral health services, crisis intervention, and suicide risk assessment.
- Created and facilitated psychoeducational therapy groups focused on communication, trauma, grief, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Collaborated with custody staff, medical providers, and interdisciplinary teams to support safety, treatment planning, and continuity of care.
- Managed complex clinical situations requiring sound judgment, de-escalation skills, and ethical decision making under pressure.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and compliance with behavioral health and correctional standards.
Mental Health Counselor
Innovative Counseling Services
Valparaiso, IN
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Conducted individual therapy sessions to address mental health needs of inmates.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans tailored to client assessments and progress.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and life skills to promote mental well-being.
Mental Health Counselor/Intern
Crown Counseling
Crown Point, IN
06.2020 - 03.2022
- Provided individual and family counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples withing a private practice setting serving diverse clinical needs and diagnoses.
- Conducted assessments, treatment planning, documentation, and therapeutic interventions utilizing trauma-informed and client-centered approaches.
- Supported clients involved in foster care and other high-needs family systems through behavioral health counseling and emotional support services.
- Co-facilitated specialized treatment groups for adolescent perpetrators of sexual assault focused on accountability, emotional regulation, healthy boundaries and relationships, empathy development, and behavioral change.
- Facilitated parent/caretaker support and psychoeducational group designed to strengthen communication, supervision strategies, and family engagement in the treatment process.
- Completed specialized trauma-focused and behavioral intervention training related to adolescent sexual behavior treatment and family systems work.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Westville Correctional Facility
Westville, IN
06.2015 - 05.2017
- Provided behavioral health and substance abuse support services to incarcerated individuals participating in a structured treatment program within a correctional facility.
- Facilitated daily psychoeducational and process groups focused on addiction recovery, coping skills, communication, accountability, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation.
- Supported participants in developing insight, treatment goals, and healthy behavioral strategies within a therapeutic correctional environment.
- Maintained clinical documentation, treatment notes, and program-related records in accordance with facility and behavioral health standards.
- Collaborated with correctional staff and interdisciplinary team members to support program structure, participant progress, and overall unit safety.
- Assisted individuals in navigating recovery-related challenges while promoting responsibility, behavioral change, and long-term rehabilitation goals.
- Created curriculum and facilitated public speaking class for program participants.
Certified Medical Assistant
IU Health LaPorte Hospital
La Porte, IN
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Telemetry Unit; floated to other units as needed
- Provided direct patient care and assistance with daily living activities within hospital a environment.
- Assisted nursing staff with clinical support duties including vitals, EKGs, specimen preparation for labs, patient monitoring, and documentation.
- Supported patient mobility, hygiene, feeding, and comfort while maintaining safety and quality care standards.
Patient Care Assistant
St. Anthony Hospital (Currently Franciscan)
Crown Point, IN
07.2007 - 09.2011
- IMCU/ICU - floated to other units as needed
- Provided direct patient care and assistance with daily living activities.
- Assisted nursing and physician staff with clinical support duties including monitoring vitals, EKGs, specimen preparation for labs, symptom and dietary monitoring, and documentation, and various bedside procedures and codes.
- Supported patient mobility, hygiene, feeding, and comfort while maintaining safety and quality care standards.
- Served on the wound care team, assisting with quarterly rounds, wound assessment, staging, and treatment, as well as wound VAC applications.
Hair and Makeup Artist
Various
04.1994 - 04.2007
- Designed and executed customized hair and makeup looks for diverse clientele.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of beauty trends and techniques in hair and makeup artistry.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring timely replenishment of beauty supplies and tools.
- Trained junior artists in application techniques and customer service standards.
- Developed client relationships through personalized consultations and follow-up services.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling processes to enhance overall client experience.
- Ensured a smooth and efficient workflow during high-traffic event days by coordinating with fellow team members, leading to seamless execution of services.
- Expanded clientele base through consistent delivery of high-quality work paired with excellent customer service skills.
- Increased repeat business through personalized consultations, recommendations, and follow-ups with clients.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors resulting in cross-promotion opportunities increasing overall business revenue.
- Answered phone calls and emails to schedule client appointments.
- Shampooed, conditioned, and rinsed guests' hair using salon-exclusive products while educating clients on product benefits to increase product sales.
- Evaluated client needs and recommended treatments and strategy to achieve desired results while maintaining hair health.
Education
No Degree - Law
Purdue Global Law School
West Lafayette, IN (Online)05-2030
Master of Science - Education
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN12-2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Minor in Sociology
Purdue North Central
Westville, IN05-2015
No Degree - Psychology
Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso, INHigh School Diploma -
Lake Central High School
Saint John, IN06-1992
Skills
- Treatment Planning
- Strong public speaker
- Team leadership
- Building rapport
- Crisis intervention
- Individual counseling
- Suicide prevention
- Clinical documentation
- Individual and group counseling
- Multicultural competence
- Therapeutic interventions
- Mental health evaluations
- Patient advocacy
- Cultural sensitivity
- Substance abuse support
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor
Centurion - Indiana State Prison
09.2023 - 01.2026
Mental Health Counselor
Innovative Counseling Services
05.2023 - 07.2023
Mental Health Counselor/Intern
Crown Counseling
06.2020 - 03.2022
Substance Abuse Counselor
Westville Correctional Facility
06.2015 - 05.2017
Certified Medical Assistant
IU Health LaPorte Hospital
01.2012 - 03.2013
Patient Care Assistant
St. Anthony Hospital (Currently Franciscan)
07.2007 - 09.2011
Hair and Makeup Artist
Various
04.1994 - 04.2007
No Degree - Law
Purdue Global Law School
Master of Science - Education
Purdue University Northwest
Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Minor in Sociology
Purdue North Central
No Degree - Psychology
Ivy Tech Community College
High School Diploma -
Lake Central High School