Mandy Lao
Chico
Summary
Compassionate MSW Clinical Intern skilled in crisis intervention, individual counseling, and goal setting, dedicated to fostering student engagement and academic success through effective community resource connections.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
MSW Clinical Intern
Youth For Change
Chico
04.2025 - Current
- Provided individual, family, and group counseling to adolescents, supporting emotional regulation, decision-making, and goal setting aligned with academic success.
- Conducted risk assessments and implemented crisis intervention strategies to enhance student safety and facilitate coordination of care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (school staff, caregivers, and community providers) to support student engagement and remove barriers to success.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen coping skills and promote behavioral change.
- Coordinated referrals and connected students to community resources, increasing access to mental health, educational, and social support services.
Home Visitor
Youth For Change
Chico
07.2023 - 03.2025
- Assessed family needs and supported goal-setting related to child development, education, and long-term academic success.
- Educated families on parenting strategies and developmental milestones, promoting early educational engagement and school readiness.
- Built culturally responsive, trust-based relationships with diverse families to increase participation in services and support systems.
- Connected families to community resources (housing, benefits, education programs), reducing barriers to stability and academic access.
- Advocated for families navigating complex systems, strengthening their ability to access educational and social services.
Upward Bound Learning Specialist
Yuba College
Yuba City
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Advised high school students on academic planning, college readiness, and career pathways, facilitating successful transitions to higher education.
- Provided one-on-one counseling addressing academic, personal, and social challenges impacting student retention and achievement.
- Guided students through college admissions processes, including applications, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship opportunities, enhancing their readiness for college.
- Developed and facilitated workshops on college readiness, study skills, and career exploration for first-generation and underrepresented students.
- Monitored student progress and maintained detailed records to track outcomes and support interventions, ensuring program compliance and student success.
Education
Master's of Social Work -
National University
San Diego, CA05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA05-2020
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Individual counseling
- Case management
- Evidence-based practices
- Community resource connection
- Academic planning
- Goal setting
Languages
Hmong
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
MSW Clinical Intern
Youth For Change
04.2025 - Current
Home Visitor
Youth For Change
07.2023 - 03.2025
Upward Bound Learning Specialist
Yuba College
07.2022 - 07.2023
Master's of Social Work -
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Chico