MARIA ELENA ORDUNEZ-LARA
Grover Beach,CA
Summary
Experienced counselor with 19 years in various capacities (community school counselor, substance use disorder counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist). Skilled in evidence-based therapies, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. Committed to fostering trust, confidentiality, and positive client well-being through constructive communication strategies and empathy-driven counseling.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Social Worker
Family Care Network
San Luis Obispo, CA
11.2017 - 10.2024
- Provided individual, and family therapy to clients with a variety of mental health issues.
- Developed treatment plans for each client based on their needs and goals.
- Conducted assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and other psychosocial problems.
- Coordinated enrollment activities in Social Worker capacity within WRAP
- Conducted monthly meetings with families and team members
- Collaborated closely with Probation, Child Welfare Services, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Schools during treatment planning.
- Facilitated weekly team meetings ensuring continuity of care for ongoing cases
- Conducted training sessions for new hires on Intimate Partner Violence
- Conducted training on cultural awareness for onboarding staff
- Delivered BBS-compliant supervision to AMFT interns
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist/Social Worker
Family Care Network
San Luis Obispo, CA
02.2015 - 11.2017
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address clients' needs.
- Conducted assessments of clients to determine the most appropriate course of action.
- Provided evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families.
- Facilitated monthly Child and Family Team Meetings with families and team members for care coordination
- Coordinated enrollment activities in Social Worker capacity within WRAP
- Worked jointly with probation officers, child welfare services, and schools during treatment planning
- Facilitated weekly team meetings ensuring continuity of care for ongoing cases
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family
Santa Maria, CA
10.2014 - 02.2015
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address clients' needs.
- Conducted assessments of clients to determine the most appropriate course of action.
- Provided evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals, and families.
Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor
Santa Maria Valley Family and Youth Treatment Center
Santa Maria, Ca
01.2010 - 02.2014
- Conducting initial client assessments
- Facilitate support sessions for families and teens
- Coordinate and oversee treatment progress
- Enhance collaboration with local resources to support clients
- Work alongside social services to facilitate Minor Consent Medi-Cal enrollment
- Process Drug Medi-Cal invoices
- Managed evaluation of files in partnership with contracted medical professional
- Participated in case reviews and provided feedback regarding treatment plans for clients with addictions.
- Participated in trainings related to evidence-based practices in order to stay current with best practices in the field of addiction treatment.
Expulsion Resource Specialist
Family Care Network
San Luis Obispo, Ca
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Access counseling support for students facing expulsion
- Coordinate transition paperwork for reentry students
- Participated in high school district transition meetings
- Facilitated weekly enrollment process for expulsion students
- Handled data records for student action plans
Counselor/Case Manager
Family Care Network
San Luis Obispo, Ca
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Conducted parent/youth counseling for effective communication
- Coordinate and execute counseling programs targeting drug, alcohol abuse, and anger issues
- Initiated agency referrals ensuring comprehensive support for youth
- Offer comprehensive support for educational personnel
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University
Santa Barbara, CA09-2014
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Antioch University
Santa Barbara, Ca01.2011
Associate in Science, Human Services - Addiction Studies
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, Ca01.2011
Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor -
California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators
Lakewood, CaSkills
- Behavior Modification
- Adolescent Counseling
- Treatment Plan Development
- Family Sessions
- Relationship Building
- One-on-one counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Anger management techniques
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Trauma-informed care
- Mental Health Assessment
- Active Listening
- Solution-focused techniques
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy working with Teenagers, Gourmet Cooking, Football, spending time with friends and family.
Timeline
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Social Worker
Family Care Network
11.2017 - 10.2024
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist/Social Worker
Family Care Network
02.2015 - 11.2017
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family
10.2014 - 02.2015
Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor
Santa Maria Valley Family and Youth Treatment Center
01.2010 - 02.2014
Expulsion Resource Specialist
Family Care Network
01.2008 - 12.2009
Counselor/Case Manager
Family Care Network
01.2006 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Antioch University
Associate in Science, Human Services - Addiction Studies
Allan Hancock College
Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor -
California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators
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