MANUEL GARCIA
El Monte,CA
Summary
Compassionate Counselor with extensive knowledge of counseling principles and practices. Adept at creating individualized treatment plans and leading group therapy sessions. Committed to creating safe, supportive environment for all participants.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
DIS Counselor
Cross Country Education
08.2023 - Current
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Care Coordinator
Boys Republic
12.2021 - 07.2023
- Services provided included individual and group rehabilitative services, case management, collateral services, crisis intervention, in-home based services, intensive care coordination, and case consultation with referral sources, probation department, schools, and other social serving agencies
- Utilized the Matrix Model of Recovery for stimulant abuse and dependence
- Interventions consisted of relapse prevention groups, education groups, social-support groups, individual counseling
- Complete Service and Coordination Plans, progress notes, and other DMH required documentation
- Observe and monitor clients' behavior and intervene based on schedule, individual treatment plans and needs
- Assumed responsibility for ensuring the Child Family and Team meetings are held for assigned families in accordance with program guidelines and within defined timelines
- Facilitated the CFT team meetings, engaging all team members to develop the individualized plan for services using approved methodology and plan templates.
- Used company software and databases to maintain records of services performed and patient conditions.
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and appropriate interventions.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies, promoting independence and empowering them to manage their health conditions.
- Monitored progress towards patient goals, adjusting care plans as needed to achieve desired results.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions that improved overall patient satisfaction with the care process.
School Counseling Intern
El Monte City Unified School District
09.2019 - 04.2020
- Assist with creating functional behavioral assessments & behavior intervention plans, including Curriculum development for individual and group counseling
- MTSS tier 1 school-wide programs Anti-bullying, Conflict resolution
- Assisted with conducting crisis counseling and assist with threat assessments
- Provided individual counseling on a variety of needs: crisis, grief, academic, peer mediation, and social emotional needs.
Center Director
Kinder Care Education
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Frontline management role in three Orange County Superior Courthouse Children's Waiting rooms for children ages birth to 16 years old
- Met expectations for customer retention, financial management, and educational curriculum development to ensure quality programs
- Effectively operated and managed all aspects of KinderCare service values and current practices
- Liaison between KinderCare, Courthouse personnel and Law enforcement/social services agencies
- Conducted monthly staff meetings and professional development trainings.
Program Director
San Gabriel Valley YMCA
09.2000 - 09.2015
- Supervised and ensured the safety of children ages Kindergarten to 8th grade
- Cultivated positive relationships and maintained effective communication with parents, children and other staff
- Modeled relationship-building skills in all interactions
- Developed Curriculum to provide an educational support program to students in an afterschool setting
- Supported students with homework and tutoring
- Conducted daily health and safety checks with children and staff
- Implemented YMCA Character Counts Program
- Supervised staff and children in the program, administration of records and financial management (including the preparing and adherence to a yearly site budget), state licensing procedures, curriculum planning implementation and public relations
- Organized and conducted all volunteer programs such as PAC (program advisory committees) and fundraisers
- Conducted weekly and monthly staff meetings and trainings, created staff schedules and achieved high engagement between staff, families and community.
Education
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified -
National Council for Behavioral Health
Knowledge of Title 22 and State Licensing requirements. -
Infant, Child and Adult CPR/AED -
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (virtually and in-person). -
Ability to budget, market and plan quality programs. -
Ability to work cooperatively and constructively within a multi-disciplinary team environment. -
Ability to set effective priorities and meet operational deadlines. -
High level of cultural competence and ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. -
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships with colleagues. -
Conflict resolution and problem solving. -
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, families and the instructional team. -
Computer knowledge, Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Google Slides and Publisher. -
Master of Science in Educational Counseling -
National University
07.2020
Pupil Personnel Services Credential -
07.2020
CBEST Passed -
06.2019
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education -
National University
03.2018
Skills
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- Public speaking ability
- Mental Health Support
- HIPAA
- Self-care strategies
- Building rapport
- Client Advocacy
- Crisis Response
- Anger Management
- Adolescent Counseling
- Decision-Making
References
- Jane Kim-Ware, Senior District Leader, Kindercare Education, jkim-ware@kindercare.com, 657-699-9669
- Federico Escoedo, Clinical Supervisor, Boys Republic, fescobedo@boysrepublic.org, 909-270-9887
- Ruth Perez, Family Services Specialist, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, ruperez@hlpusd.k12.ca.us, 626-622-2748
- Ashley Salazar, Clinician, Boys Republic, asalazar@boysrepublic.org, 9093068361
Timeline
DIS Counselor
Cross Country Education
08.2023 - Current
Care Coordinator
Boys Republic
12.2021 - 07.2023
School Counseling Intern
El Monte City Unified School District
09.2019 - 04.2020
Center Director
Kinder Care Education
09.2015 - 06.2019
Program Director
San Gabriel Valley YMCA
09.2000 - 09.2015
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified -
National Council for Behavioral Health
Knowledge of Title 22 and State Licensing requirements. -
Infant, Child and Adult CPR/AED -
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (virtually and in-person). -
Ability to budget, market and plan quality programs. -
Ability to work cooperatively and constructively within a multi-disciplinary team environment. -
Ability to set effective priorities and meet operational deadlines. -
High level of cultural competence and ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. -
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships with colleagues. -
Conflict resolution and problem solving. -
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, families and the instructional team. -
Computer knowledge, Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Google Slides and Publisher. -
Master of Science in Educational Counseling -
National University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential -
CBEST Passed -
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education -
National University