Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Wichita's 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree
Timeline
Generic

Mary A. Sims

Wichita

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate MSW with a strong background supporting diverse populations in mental health and wellness. Skilled in integrating clinical insight with holistic and evidence-based approaches to promote healing, strengthen access to services, and navigate complex social systems. Self-sufficient but always a student, I bring a collaborative spirit, a growth mindset, and a deep commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and the full spectrum of social work practice—including both direct client care and systems-level interventions across service settings.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Foster Care Youth Development Lead

JST Therapy Solutions
01.2024 - Current
  • Planning, developing, and implementing engaging programs, activities, and workshops that promote life skills, leadership, teamwork, and skill-building among youth in foster care.
  • Collaborating with case managers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure that the individual needs of each young person are being met.
  • Advocating for the needs of young people in foster care and connecting them with appropriate resources and services, such as counseling, educational support, job training, or community programs.
  • Documenting interactions, tracking progress, and contributing to reports on program effectiveness and outcomes.
  • Working effectively with colleagues, foster families, biological families, schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a supportive network for young people.
  • Being prepared to address and respond to crisis situations or emergencies involving young people as necessary.

Social Work Instructor

Wichita State University
06.2021 - Current
  • Teaching students relevant courses; working with students and identifying their potentials.
  • Developing instructional plans to ensure success
  • Developing course syllabus and assignments that are geared toward accredited curriculum for use.
  • Continuously seeking ways to improve their teaching effectiveness and student learning.

Psychotherapist

SoundMind Mental Health
05.2020 - 01.2021
  • Guided group therapy for youth clients with focus on self-advocacy, self-healing and empowerment. Maintained and updated patient records, including changes in service plans, treatment reports and progress.
  • Deployed implementation guides for evidence-based interventions.
  • Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

School Therapist

Heights High School
08.2019 - 02.2020
  • Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
  • Involved clients' family members in planning social service programs.
  • Applied array of different methodologies to assist patients with therapy.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.

Education

Master's - Social Work

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Bachelors - University Studies, Sociology and Psychology

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Skills

  • Clinical Assessment & Intervention
  • Crisis Management & De-escalation
  • Case Management & Care Coordination
  • Cultural Competence & Equity Advocacy
  • Leadership & Program Development
  • Policy Knowledge & Systems Navigation
  • Communication & Documentation Excellence

Wichita's 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree

Honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient for my work in the community, professional accomplishments, and the leadership potential I’ve shown in both personal and career growth. The award recognizes individuals making a difference now and expected to continue leading in the future.

Timeline

Foster Care Youth Development Lead

JST Therapy Solutions
01.2024 - Current

Social Work Instructor

Wichita State University
06.2021 - Current

Psychotherapist

SoundMind Mental Health
05.2020 - 01.2021

School Therapist

Heights High School
08.2019 - 02.2020

Bachelors - University Studies, Sociology and Psychology

Illinois State University

Master's - Social Work

Wichita State University

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