NJ Department of Corrections Employee of the Month 2018
Timeline
Lynda M. Coraluzzi, LCADC, CAADC
NJ
Summary
Dynamic Addiction Specialist with a proven track record at Jefferson Health Transplant Institute, excelling in assessment and relapse prevention. Expert in cognitive behavioral therapy and multicultural competence, I developed the H.E.A.L. program, enhancing patient care and fostering collaboration among interdisciplinary teams to achieve recovery goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addiction Specialist
Jefferson Health Transplant Institute
03.2023 - Current
Developed strong rapport with patients through empathetic listening and compassionate communication techniques.
Assessed and treated patients with alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver disease.
Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
Offered professional, respectful therapy to addicted individuals by providing the founded H.E.A.L. program, an exclusive virtual AUD treatment program for patient with alcohol-related liver disease.
Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering an environment of openness and support among participants.
Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
Collaborated with physicians to determine effective combination of therapy and medical treatments for patients in recovery.
Delivered presentations on addiction prevention and awareness at other Jefferson locations and The Liver Meeting.
Developed professional relationships with referring agencies to improve communication related to intakes and to increase business for facility.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients struggling with addiction.
Implemented motivational interviewing strategies to help patients explore personal motivations for change.
Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
National Trainer
CLARE|Matrix
06.2021 - Current
Authored new training packages while automating online training systems to streamline team sharing.
Collaborated with Matrix developer to meet the specific needs of diverse audiences, ensuring relevancy and comprehension.
Enhanced training effectiveness by incorporating interactive learning strategies and multimedia presentations.
Presented Matrix training programs to new staff members while assessing talent for performance evaluations.
Delivered evidence-based training to substance use programs within the criminal justice system and intensive outpatient treatment programs.
Established a positive learning environment that fostered collaboration and professional growth for participants.
Substance Use Counselor
Penn Total Recovery
11.2020 - 02.2023
Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Implemented the first virtual AUD treatment program for patients diagnosed with AUD and alcohol-related liver disease.
Collaborated with hepatology and psychiatry to collect data and outcomes of the virtual program for patients with AUD and liver transplantation.
Research consultant to develop technology based relapse prevention program to reduce alcohol relapse after liver transplantation.
Counselor II Clinical Supervisor
Gateway Foundation Corrections
02.2017 - 10.2020
Provided group and individual clinical supervision
Assisted clinical director in building the first licensed addiction treatment program with the prison system in the state of NJ.
Responsible for intern caseload of 5 counselors providing professional development, case presentations and preparation for oral and written exam.
Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
Enhanced family dynamics by providing the first family education program within a prison setting.
Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Substance Use Counselor
Gateway Foundation Corrections
05.2015 - 02.2017
Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being.
Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
Responsible for implementing Mindful Recovery using Vipassana meditation to reduce relapse
Education
Ph.D. - Education
Widener University
Chester, PA
12-2025
Master of Science - Addiction Counseling
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
08-2023
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Health
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
05-2021
Skills
Assessment skills
Substance abuse
Individual therapy
Relapse prevention
Motivational interviewing
Multicultural competence
Boundary setting
Behavioral therapy
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Professionalism
Accomplishments
Supervised team of five staff members.
Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of criteria for liver transplant candidates creating inclusion among patients with alcohol use disorder.
Achieved reduction in relapse rates through effectively developing a virtual AUD treatment program exclusively for patients with AUD and alcohol-related liver disease
Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
CAADC - Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
LCADC - Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
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