MARILYN C. AMPUERO
Morgan Hill,CA
Summary
Experienced Behavioral Health Leader with over 20 years of expertise in delivering high-quality services, driving program expansion, and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in financial management, strategic planning, and developing innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of clients. Proven track record of achieving operational excellence, enhancing service delivery, and fostering organizational growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics
12.2021 - Current
- Design, implement, and evaluate mental health programs and services that meet community needs, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote positive patient outcomes
- Lead quality assurance initiatives to monitor and improve clinical services, implementing continuous improvement strategies and ensuring adherence to accreditation standards
- Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and protocols that align with regulatory requirements, organizational goals, and industry best practices
- Foster collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to enhance the coordination of care and ensure comprehensive support for clients
- Oversee recruitment, training, and professional development for clinical staff, ensuring ongoing learning opportunities and competency in mental health treatment techniques
- Manage departmental budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor expenditures to ensure optimal utilization of funds for mental health services
- Lead and support the clinical team during high-acuity cases and crisis situations, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions
- Analyze clinical data and patient outcomes to identify trends, generate reports, and provide recommendations for program enhancement and organizational growth
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, maintaining accreditation status and ensuring the safety and well-being of clients
- Represent the organization in the community, media, and with policymakers.
Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Oversee the management of School-based programs (PEI, SLS, SBIT, APS) First Five program, and Valley Palms Family Resource Center
- Assess strengths, and needs for improvement
- Develop and manage program budgets
- Assessed opportunities for program growth and potential funding resources
- Facilitate the integration of best practices at all levels with agency programs and support teams
- Represent agency to internal and external stakeholders
- Manage continuous development of Clinical Program Managers (CPMs) and direct reports skills and competencies
Clinical Program Manager
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
10.2013 - 01.2019
- Assure effective coordination of services for youth and families with other providers, both internal and external, by supporting the development of constructive relationships, and problem-solving barriers
- Develop, interpret, and ensure consistent implementation of clinical program philosophy, objectives, standards, policies, procedures, and practices
- Analyze and integrate the use of outcome data to improve clinical service delivery
- Monitor defined outcome achievement for youth and families, as well as satisfaction levels for youth, families, and referring agencies
- Initiate and participate in organizational quality improvement efforts
- Manage staff billable productivity and other revenue related activities to meet or exceed revenue forecasts
- Provide effective crisis and risk prevention management
- Ensure clinical documentation and quality assurance meets both agency and payor standards
- Provide weekly BBS individual and group supervision to staff members utilizing a reflective practice model
Interim Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
10.2017 - 04.2018
- Oversaw the management of 3 programs, assessed strengths, and needs for improvement
- Developed and managed program budgets
- Assessed opportunities for program growth and potential funding resources
- Trained and coordinated training for systems change, supporting learning partner, and training direct service staff
- Facilitated the integration of best practices at all levels with agency programs and support teams
- Represented agency to internal and external stakeholders
- Managed continuous development of Clinical Program Managers (CPMs) and direct reports skills and competencies
Adjunct Faculty
Santa Clara University
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Company Overview: School of Education and Counseling Psychology
- Provide individual and group supervision to graduate students completing their clinical practicum, ensuring they apply MFT theories, techniques, and ethical standards in real-world settings
- Review student case presentations, offer constructive feedback, and guide students in developing effective treatment plans, interventions, and therapeutic techniques
- Assess student progress in meeting clinical competencies, providing regular evaluations, and addressing areas of strength and areas needing improvement
- Ensure students understand and adhere to ethical guidelines, legal standards, and professional codes of conduct specific to marriage and family therapy practice
- Encourage students to reflect on their experiences, biases, and emotional responses to enhance their self-awareness and therapeutic effectiveness
- Maintain communication with the field supervisors at practicum placement sites to ensure students receive adequate supervision and adhere to site expectations
- Integrate classroom learning with clinical practice by bridging theoretical knowledge with the practical application of MFT principles in the field
- Provide guidance on professional development, including career opportunities, licensure requirements, and ongoing learning in the field of marriage and family therapy
- Maintain records of student progress, evaluations, and communications, ensuring compliance with program and accreditation requirements
- Offer support and guidance to students in managing challenging or high-risk clinical situations, ensuring appropriate interventions and ethical practices
- School of Education and Counseling Psychology
Lecturer
San Jose State University
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Develop, design, and teach undergraduate-level courses focused on the foundational theories of counseling, including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and eclectic approaches
- Create comprehensive syllabi, learning objectives, and course materials that align with current research and best practices in the field of counseling and psychology
- Deliver engaging lectures and lead classroom discussions that promote critical thinking, active participation, and a deep understanding of key counseling theories
- Provide academic guidance and mentorship to students, offering support in understanding course content, exploring career paths, and pursuing research opportunities in counseling and psychology
- Design and administer assessments, exams, and assignments to evaluate student understanding and mastery of counseling theories
- Incorporate current research, case studies, and real-world applications into course materials to ensure students are exposed to contemporary trends and practices in counseling
- Work closely with other faculty members to ensure alignment and integration of content across courses within the counseling or psychology curriculum
- Participate in departmental meetings and professional development activities
- Develop and oversee opportunities for students to apply counseling theories in real-world or simulated scenarios, including role-playing, case study analysis, or supervised clinical practice (if applicable)
- Teach students the importance of ethical practice, confidentiality, and cultural competence in counseling
Therapist/Consultant
Mental Research Institute
09.2011 - 05.2015
- Provided Multi-Day trainings on Strategic Family Therapy with Eileen Bobrow, LMFT
- Intensive Strategic Family Therapy Externship
- Weekly, behind the one-way mirror supervision with Eileen Bobrow, LMFT
- View recorded material of centers' work, as well as historical materials
- Provided psychotherapy services to culturally-diverse families in English and Spanish
- Utilized systems theory in approaching treatment services which included family therapy and linkage to community resources
- Participate in workshops and trainings on Gestalt, and Hypnosis Therapy
Child Custody Mediator
San Mateo County Superior Court
05.2012 - 10.2013
- Expertise in facilitating productive conversations between disputing parties, helping them reach mutually agreeable custody arrangements while minimizing emotional conflict
- Ability to attentively listen to all parties involved, ensuring their concerns are heard and understood, fostering trust and collaboration throughout the mediation process
- Skill in recognizing and managing emotions, both personal and those of the participants, to guide sensitive discussions and maintain a calm, professional environment
- Strong ability to negotiate equitable agreements that balance the needs and interests of both parents while prioritizing the child's well-being
- In-depth understanding of relevant family law, regulations, and legal standards to provide accurate guidance and ensure mediation outcomes are legally sound
- Expertise in child development principles to recommend age-appropriate and effective parenting plans that promote the child's emotional, psychological, and developmental well-being
- Experience testifying in court as an expert mediator, providing clear and objective insights regarding mediation outcomes and recommendations to support custody decisions
- Proficient in drafting clear, comprehensive custody agreements and recommendations based on mediation sessions, child interviews, and thorough investigations to ensure the child’s best interests are prioritized
- Conduct parent orientation groups and educate parents with issues related to mediation and court procedures pertaining to child custody
- Conduct assessments for step-parent adoptions, freedom from custody and control cases, and minor marriages
Therapist
Alum Rock Counseling Center
06.2010 - 05.2012
- Provide mental health services to children and their families/caregivers through individual and family therapy
- Utilize theoretical approaches to treatment which include, but are not limited to Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Couple’s Therapy and Narrative Therapy
- Responsible for providing comprehensive assessments, treatment planning, risk assessment, clinical interventions, case management, and coordination of therapeutic activities with educational programs
- Maintain client’s electronic medical records (EMR) in order to comply with Medi-Cal documentation standards
- Administer, score and interpret assessment tools
Therapist
Sanctuary for Families
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Provide individual therapy, assessment, and intervention services specific, but not limited, to women and men experiencing post-traumatic stress, grief, anxiety and/or depression
- Conduct intake assessments, orientations, and psychological interviews, as well as identified placement for potential and current clients for the Residential and Non-Residential programs
- Assess clients’ needs and make informed referrals to other community resources
- Develop and implement successful intervention techniques including identifying the treatment method, establishing treatment plans that identify problems, goals and measurable objectives that are achievable in a reasonable time frame
- Recommend interventions/strategies that address the assessment issues and produces progress notes that reflect movement towards goals/objectives
- Utilize internal database systems to track services to clients
- Provide trauma and domestic violence trainings to new staff and community members
- Responsible for maintaining up-to-date and accurate files for each client and working with other federal, state and local agencies regarding client matters within the scope of confidentiality
- Develop curriculum to be implemented during weekly group counseling
Outpatient Therapist
Roberto Clemente Center
09.2008 - 06.2009
- Conduct psychosocial evaluations, develop treatment plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and coordinate discharge planning for children, adults, and families in English and Spanish
- Provide individual therapy for adults and children
- Participate in weekly care coordination meetings with multidisciplinary team including, case managers, psychiatrists, doctors, and other related professionals
- Provide family therapy to mainly low-income families and individuals on a scheduled basis or through crisis intervention to promote optimum mental health
- Maintain up-to-date clinical notes
- Attend weekly Family Therapy training seminars utilizing a one-way mirror
Graduate Teaching Associate-Developmental Psychology
Columbia University, Teachers College
09.2008 - 01.2009
- Conducted classroom instruction
- Led classroom discussions in graduate-level psychology class
- Evaluated students' oral and written performance in class
- Assisted professor with classroom duties
Youth and Children’s Program Assistant
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
03.2003 - 02.2006
- Recruited and managed over 20 volunteers in order to provide adolescents and children with appropriate one-on-one mentoring, homework assistance, and life coaching
- Developed and delivered the training program for new and continuing volunteers
- Supported the Youth Program Coordinator in delivering an after school child enrichment program, individual tutoring and social learning activities
- Managed a case load of 30 at-risk children and adolescents
Education
Master of Education - Psychological Counseling
Columbia University
New York, NY01-2009
Master of Arts - Psychological Counseling
Columbia University
New York, NY01-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Behavioral Science
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA01-2007
12-month Clinical Supervision Training Academy -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
San Jose, CA18-month Child Parent Psychotherapy Training -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
San Jose, CA18-month Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Training -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
San Jose, CASkills
- Strategic Leadership
- Team Building & Staff Management
- Program Development & Implementation
- Budgeting & Financial Management
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Crisis Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Clinical Knowledge
- Behavioral Health Regulations
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Competency
- Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Grant Writing & Fundraising
- Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
- External Communication
- Project Management
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Community Engagement
- Policy Advocacy
- Reflective Practice Supervision
- Strategic Family Therapy
- Child Parent Psychotherapy CPP
- TF-CBT
- Child Custody Mediation
Leadership Roles, Honors, and Affiliations
- Co-founder and co-chair of the Coalition for Social Justice, Columbia University.
- Co-chair of Coalition of Latino(a) Scholars, Columbia University.
- James L. McGaugh Research Award, Western Psychological Association Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC.
- Former President of Psi Chi - The National Honor Society in Psychology – SJSU Chapter.
- Co-founder of SAVE (Students Against Intimate Violence), San Jose State University.
- San Jose State University Dean’s List 2003-2007.
- Summer Research Opportunity Program Scholar, University of Michigan.
- The National Dean’s List.
- Golden Key Honour Society.
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar.
- MARC (Minority Access to Research Careers) Student Training in Academic Research Scholar.
- National Latino Psychological Association.
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Licenses
- LPCC 621
- LMFT 84760
Publications
- Bratini, L., Ampuero, M. C., Miville, M., Latina Gender Roles, In M. L. Miville (Eds.), Multicultural Gender Roles: Applications for Mental Health and Education., 2013, New York, NY
- Smith, L., Mao, S., Perkins, S., Ampuero, M., The relationship of clients' social class to early therapeutic impressions., Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 2011, 24, 1, 15-27
- Klaw, E., Ampuero, M., From “no means no” to community change: The impact of university based service - learning related to intimate partner violence., Monograph series - Multidisciplinary perspectives on enduring societal issues., 2006, Herndon, VA
Endorsements
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department, San Jose, CA, State-Endorsed Infant Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (IFECMHS), State-Endorsed Reflective Practice Facilitator II (RPFII)
Research
- Co-author and Research Assistant, Dr. Elena Klaw, San Jose State University, Contributed to the examination of the effectiveness of an intimate violence service-learning course., Klaw, E. & Ampuero, M. (2006). From “no means no” to community change: The impact of university based service-learning related to intimate partner violence., Ampuero, M. & Klaw, E. (2005). Preventing intimate violence through service-learning course participation.
- Research Assistant, Dr. Mark Van Selst, San Jose State University, Analyzed the effects of alcohol consumption on behavioral responses.
- Research Assistant, Dr. Madonna Constantine and Dr. Laura Smith, Columbia University, Reviewed literature on implicit and explicit measures of racism.
- Research Assistant, Dr. Marie Miville, Columbia University, Conducted survey and interview study design and data collection/analysis.
Timeline
Senior Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics
12.2021 - Current
Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
01.2019 - 01.2022
Interim Clinical Director
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
10.2017 - 04.2018
Adjunct Faculty
Santa Clara University
08.2016 - 04.2017
Lecturer
San Jose State University
10.2014 - 08.2016
Clinical Program Manager
Pacific Clinics formerly Uplift Family Services
10.2013 - 01.2019
Child Custody Mediator
San Mateo County Superior Court
05.2012 - 10.2013
Therapist/Consultant
Mental Research Institute
09.2011 - 05.2015
Therapist
Alum Rock Counseling Center
06.2010 - 05.2012
Therapist
Sanctuary for Families
08.2009 - 06.2010
Outpatient Therapist
Roberto Clemente Center
09.2008 - 06.2009
Graduate Teaching Associate-Developmental Psychology
Columbia University, Teachers College
09.2008 - 01.2009
Youth and Children’s Program Assistant
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
03.2003 - 02.2006
Master of Education - Psychological Counseling
Columbia University
Master of Arts - Psychological Counseling
Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Behavioral Science
San Jose State University
12-month Clinical Supervision Training Academy -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
18-month Child Parent Psychotherapy Training -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
18-month Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Training -
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department
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