MARGARET SOWELL
Olive Branch,MS
Summary
Family advocate specializing in trauma-informed care, utilizing effective case management and crisis intervention strategies. Builds strong relationships with community resources and multidisciplinary teams to connect families with essential services. Ensures legal compliance while fostering long-term stability and evidence-based support during challenging situations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Advocate
Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center
04.2022 - Current
- Delivered family advocacy from initial abuse allegation to case closure and follow-up care.
- Provided immediate crisis intervention and emotional support while navigating community resource referrals.
- Conducted trauma and needs assessments to match families with evidence-based mental health services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and medical professionals, to enhance client care.
Special Education Paraprofessional
DeSoto County Schools
08.2012 - 04.2022
- Collaborated with special and general education teachers to execute individualized education program goals for grades three to five.
- Implemented positive behavior support plans and non-verbal communication strategies to enhance classroom engagement.
- Provided targeted remedial tutoring and inclusion support to foster an accessible learning environment.
- Compiled and distributed essential legal documentation and progress reports for annual IEP evaluation meetings.
- Coordinated state testing logistics by auditing student rosters to ensure compliance with testing accommodations.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi05-1991
Skills
- Case management and advocacy
- Crisis intervention and support
- Trauma-informed care
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- IEP compliance and reporting
- Resource referral networks
- Behavioral intervention
- De-escalation techniques
- Legal documentation and follow-up
- Data collection
- Community resources
- Relationship building
- Case tracking and follow-up
- Family advocacy
- Community resource coordination
- Suicide risk assessment
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Active listening
Certification
- Victims Assistance Certifications (Completed 52 specialized trainings), 12/23
- Family Advocacy 2.0 Certification, 07/23
- Family Advocate Peer Support Certification, 06/22
- Advanced Family Advocacy – Motivational Interviewing Techniques 2/24
- Stewards of Children Training 6/22
Timeline
Family Advocate
Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center
04.2022 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
DeSoto County Schools
08.2012 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
University of Mississippi