Lydia Breer

Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in social work and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.

• Volunteer, Rockingham - Harrisonburg SPCA, Harrisonburg, VA, 2, 03/2021, 12/2021, Interacted with the animals in the animal shelter - Petting the animals, walking them etc., Raised money for the Harrisonburg SPCA
• Volunteer, The Gus Bus - James Madison University Afterschool Program, Harrisonburg, VA, 3, 08/2021, 12/2021, Taught lessons in STEM weekly, Provided tutoring/ homework support for children in the program, Helped assist with lesson plans with the directors of the program, Helped clean up and set up activities, snack, etc.
• Volunteer, Color Guard Leadership Team, Cullowhee, NC, 10, 05/2023, 12/2023, Mentor for the new and old members on the team, Holding members of team accountable for their own equipment, Assisting instructors with instructional tasks, Helping with logistics (schedules, questions, etc.) for the team

BSW Intern-  Area Agency on Aging - Southwestern Commission, Sylva NC, 420 hours,  01/2024 -  05/2024, Build and maintain positive client relationships through effective communication and empathy, Worked on Aging Plan that was submitted to the state of NC regarding the needs and resources for older adults., Saw how different changes within local agencies and facilities may impact providers and various local populations, Utilized the strengths perspective theory in addition to some person-centered applications when engaging with different clients or the older adult population as a whole to assure that the client still has dignity and worth., Engaged with caregivers at home, in offices, and meetings while understanding the various methods necessary to communicate with and advocate for clients., Assisted the Ombudsman in resolving conflicts and miscommunication between residents, family members, and staff at long-term care facilities through mediation.

MSW Intern - The Salvation Army SAVES Program, Syracuse NY, 500 hours, 08/2024 - 05/2025, Facilitating Effective and Safe Supervised Visits (PSV) with Children; along with Conducting Intake Assessments and Managing Paperwork for Supervised Visitation. 

• Member of Pride of The Mountain's Marching Band Color Guard and Winter Guard at Western Carolina University - Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Fall 2023
• Dukes for Dogs Club at James Madison University, Spring 2021 - Fall 2021
• President of Student Social Work Association at Western Carolina University, Fall 2023, Spring 2024
• Vice President of Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work, Spring 2024
• Member of Phi Alpha Honot Society for Social Work, Spring 2024
• Chancellor's List at Western Carolina University - Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023
• Dean's List at Western Carolina University - Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Server/ Dietary Aid, Arbor Terrace at Hamilton Mill, Dacula, GA, 06/2021, 12/2021, Served the residents for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Helped prepare salads and desserts for both lunch and Dinner, Cleaned up after every meal including bussing tables and rolling silverware etc., Engaged with residents during mealtimes; Making sure they have everything they need, Educating residents in nutrition and wellness with food, Monitoring residents' eating and assisting if needed.

• Certified Mandatory Reporter
• Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Training - September 18, 2024