Maria Brown
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Innovative professional with expertise in promoting academic, career and social development programs. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. A counselor that strives to go the extra mile to help individuals succeed. Compassionate, client-focused, and solutions-driven adolescent clinical mental health professional with 8+ years of experience in providing individual and group therapy. Experience in serving clients on the autism spectrum, as well as those with behavioral and learning disorders. Extremely passionate about creating and implementing personalized strategies and techniques that enhance the lives of my students.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teaching Assistant
Bright Path Child Development Center
06.2023 - Current
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities, resulting in higher student interest and motivation.
- Improved overall class participation by implementing group activities and project-based learning.
- Offered constructive feedback on student assignments, helping them refine their writing skills and comprehension.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and enhance teaching skills.
Mental Health Counselor
Walgren Counseling PLLC
06.2023 - Current
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression for clients with tailored treatment plans addressing individual needs.
- Encouraged increased self-awareness among clients by incorporating mindfulness practices into therapy sessions.
- Improved clients'' coping skills through the implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions.
- Served as a liaison between clients, families, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of care.
- Provided career counseling services for individuals seeking guidance on job transitions, interviewing skills, and resume development.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients explore their readiness for change effectively.
- Conducted thorough assessments and diagnoses of clients, identifying appropriate treatment goals and strategies.
- Tailored therapeutic approaches according to each client''s specific needs, resulting in more effective interventions during sessions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and advancements in counseling techniques.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of client progress, adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients.
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
Play Therapist
Niner Elementary
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Participated in regular supervision sessions, receiving feedback to improve professional skills and knowledge continually.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions such as directive and non-directive approaches to support clients'' unique developmental stages.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client sessions and progress, ensuring accurate record-keeping for ongoing treatment planning.
- Provided psychoeducation on the benefits of play therapy to parents, educators, and other professionals involved in the client''s care.
- Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by implementing individualized play therapy techniques.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of clients'' progress in meeting their goals, modifying interventions as needed to facilitate optimal growth.
- Implemented group play therapy sessions when appropriate, facilitating social interactions among peers and promoting emotional growth.
- Maintained client confidentiality to protect patient privacy.
- Performed assessments to evaluate clients' mental health status, needs and goals.
- Supported clients in developing coping skills to help patients manage life challenges and difficulties.
Graduate Clinical Intern
Finding Solutions
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Maintained high level of patient confidentiality to comply with all federal and company regulations.
- Conducted client consultations and collaborated with other agency professionals to discuss courses of treatment.
- Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
- Observed over 10 individuals and groups to assess, evaluate and predict behaviors.
- Implemented specific interventions to decrease behavior excesses and increase behavioral deficits.
- Improved client self-awareness by guiding them through exercises in self-reflection, goal-setting, and personal growth.
- Strengthened client coping skills through teaching stress management techniques and mindfulness practices.
- Participated actively in supervision sessions to continuously enhance professional knowledge and counseling skills.
Teacher's Assistant
Lyford Cay International School
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Handed out classroom materials, like pencils, paper, and crayons.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Worked with lead teacher to monitor class schedule and take attendance.
- Collaborated with teachers for lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Reviewed lesson material with students individually or in small groups.
- Assisted lead teachers with lesson plan creation and materials development .
- Helped teachers recognize learning issues evidenced in one-to-one support instruction.
- Documented student progress and communicated with parents to keep informed.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
Behavioral Technician
Renee O'neal Center
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Maintained accurate data collection on client progress, enabling effective analysis and modification of treatment plans as needed.
- Reduced problem behaviors by teaching clients appropriate coping strategies and replacement behaviors.
- Promoted a safe and nurturing environment for clients, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout therapy sessions.
- Adapted therapy materials based on individual needs, ensuring accessibility for all clients regardless of ability level or learning style.
- Provided one-on-one support and guidance for clients in various settings, promoting generalization of learned skills.
- Enhanced communication skills for clients with autism spectrum disorder through the use of visual supports and social stories.
- Supported family members in understanding ABA principles, empowering them to effectively implement strategies at home.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors, allowing for targeted intervention strategies.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC12.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology
University of The Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas05.2018
Skills
- Student Counseling
- Mental health assessments
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Empathy Development
- Career Planning
- Behavioral assessment
- Student Records Management
- Counseling and therapy
- Problem-Solving
- Emotional Support
- Relationship Development
- Conflict Management
Accomplishments
Phi Kappa Phi Awardee- Phi Kappa Phi is one of the oldest most prestigious honor societies to date, it is known to acknowledge hard-working individuals without limitation in their field of study and "promote the unity and democracy of education". The standard to be elected is extremely high. The organization hopes, by creating a plethora of opportunities for persons to succeed via scholarships or networking, others may want to advance their learning and also strive for excellence.
Certification
Certified Registered Behavioral Technician
Certified in Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Services
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate
Maria Brown was licensed with North Carolina Board of Directors on 7/5/2023. The license issued states that Maria Brown is active and in good standing at this time. Clinician is obligated follow the laws, regulations and ethical guidelines of the Board of North Carolina and can treat as well as counsel client with license.
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
Bright Path Child Development Center
06.2023 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Walgren Counseling PLLC
06.2023 - Current
Play Therapist
Niner Elementary
01.2022 - 12.2022
Graduate Clinical Intern
Finding Solutions
08.2021 - 12.2021
Teacher's Assistant
Lyford Cay International School
01.2020 - 12.2020
Behavioral Technician
Renee O'neal Center
11.2018 - 12.2019
Master of Arts - Counseling
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology
University of The Bahamas
Certified Registered Behavioral Technician
Certified in Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Services
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