McCauleigh Whalen
Beech Grove,IN
Summary
Dedicated MSW candidate with experience delivering therapeutic interventions in educational settings. Utilizes a deep understanding of child and adolescent development to enhance student outcomes through tailored support. Collaborates effectively with staff to address diverse needs, ensuring adaptability in approaches. Committed to advocating for and promoting the health of underserved populations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
School-Based Therapist Intern
Adult and Child Health
Indianapolis, Indiana
08.2025 - Current
- Delivered therapeutic support to students, fostering resilience in the face of emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Created individualized treatment plans with school staff and families, ensuring tailored approaches to meet unique student needs.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions.
- Led group therapy sessions, strengthening peer relationships and improving social skills among participants.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve student mental health outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for at-risk students.
- Monitored progress of students, adjusting strategies based on ongoing evaluations.
- Coordinated with external organizations to provide additional resources and supports for students in need.
- Provided crisis intervention support during critical situations, ensuring the safety of all students involved.
- Facilitated the development of coping mechanisms for students experiencing stress or anxiety, enhancing their overall well-being and academic success.
- Provided guidance to school staff on best practices for supporting students with mental health concerns, contributing to an inclusive learning environment.
- Served as a liaison between school staff and families, ensuring seamless communication regarding students'' mental health needs and progress.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills among students by empowering them to communicate their needs effectively both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Educated parents on mental health topics, enabling them to better support their children''s needs outside of school hours.
- Utilized evidence-based practices in therapy sessions, contributing to positive outcomes for students across various demographics.
- Developed strong rapport with students by actively listening and empathizing with their concerns, fostering trust in therapeutic relationships.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using standardized measures, adjusting treatment plans as needed based on continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintained detailed documentation of student progress, ensuring accurate records and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by prioritizing students with urgent needs while maintaining long-term progress for others.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support client care initiatives.
School Based Support Specialist
Adult and Child Health
Indianapolis, Indiana
01.2023 - Current
- Provided skills and case management services to students and families tailored to specific treatment needs.
- Provided crisis intervention, assessed safety planning, and managed risk.
- Complete documentation in a timely manner (24 hours).
- Facilitated connections between students, families, and community support services to enhance support networks.
- Delivered psychoeducation to students and families regarding diagnoses to improve understanding and support.
- Attend and participate in IEP meetings.
- Advocate for students' needs in and outside the school based setting.
- Recipient of Company Wide Amy Awards in March of 2023, October of 2023, and February of 2024.
Mobile Crisis Clinician Intern
Adult and Child Health
Indianapolis, Indiana
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Provided crisis intervention services in high-stress situations, ensuring safety and stabilization for clients.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel during psychiatric emergencies to de-escalate volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care and improved treatment planning.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to ensure the safety of clients and implement necessary interventions.
- Implemented targeted interventions to reduce self-harm behaviors among high-risk individuals experiencing crises.
- Ensured continuity of care through effective communication with other service providers involved in clients'' treatment plans.
- Reduced hospitalization rates through effective assessment, intervention, and referral of clients in crisis situations.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the mental health system, working collaboratively with other providers to ensure optimal care delivery.
- Provided psychoeducation on mental health issues for families, enhancing their understanding and involvement in treatment processes.
- Developed safety plans to reduce the risk of crisis.
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with clients and address concerns.
- Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Supported clients by representing needs and advocating for patient rights in healthcare, legal and community-based settings.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Program Coordinator
New Beginnings
Indianapolis, Indiana
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Facilitated recruitment of families for enrollment in parents self-sufficiency program, enhancing community engagement
- Monitored family participation in program activities and tracked progress towards established goals, ensuring accountability
- Serve as an implementation coach to parents/families
- Acted as program ambassador within community, promoting awareness and fostering partnerships
- Sought out and developed partnerships with community organizations to enhance program outreach.
- Prepare necessary presentation materials for meetings
- Create and establish a project management calendar for fulfilling each goal and objective
- Assist individuals in applications for government assistance programs
- Created and updated an ongoing job board
- Acted as a liaison between parents and schools.
- Located funding opportunities and retrieved data necessary to receive funds
Site Director
YMCA of Muncie
Muncie, Indiana
05.2020 - 05.2022
- Continued oversight of all associate teacher assigned duties
- Responsible for overseeing all daily activities of both summer camp and after-school care programs
- Administers meals to children adhering to food health and safety requirements
- Orchestrates and implements activities, child placements for groups, and field trips
- Communicated with parents about their child(ren)'s day and provided paperwork related to behaviors, injuries, and other documentation.
- Keep an open line of communication with parents and seek ways to help better serve their children while attending our summer camp/afterschool care
- Assisted children dealing with difficulties in home situations by providing emotional support and guidance.
After-school Associate Teacher
YMCA Of Muncie
Muncie, Indiana
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Instructed and assisted children in developmentally appropriate activities designed to promote social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and creative growth in the YMCA of Muncie, and the Muncie community
- Supported site director in implementing emergent curriculum and provocations in before and after-school childcare setting, tailored to children's needs and interests
- Facilitated effective communication (written, verbal, and non-verbal) with all program constituents to ensure clarity and engagement
- Assisted the site director in maintaining documentation for compliance purposes.
- Implemented and adhered to health and safety policies/procedures, and all other quality standards set forth by partnering/regulatory agencies
- Upholding all policies, practices, and procedures of the YMCA of Muncie
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of child development and best practices to enhance interactions and support for children
Take-out Server
Cracker Barrel
Indianapolis, Indiana
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, took drink orders, and built immediate positive connections with guests
- Used correct cleaning, sanitizing, and food handling procedures to maintain optimal protection for customers
- Loaded trays with accessories, including eating utensils, napkins, and condiments
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, helping customers make informed choices based on their preferences
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information
- Communicated dining orders to kitchen staff, highlighting special requests and dietary restrictions to ensure accurate preparation
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted hospitable service, leading to increased customer referrals and walk-in business
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients, and cooking methods
- Answered phone calls from guests to collect their orders
- Thoroughly went through orders upon guests arrival to ensure that the order exceeds guests expectationss
Hostess
Cracker Barrel
Indianapolis, Indiana
04.2015 - 08.2019
- Cultivated positive guest relations through effective information management and efficient seating coordination
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to deliver prompt, courteous service to patrons
- Monitored dining room and guest flow to optimize table usage and reduce wait times
- Informed servers of newly seated parties for speedy service
- Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping the dining areas ready for guests
- Assisted managers with quickly resolving service- and food-related issues
- Planned and executed large guest parties by organizing menus, spaces, and special requests
- Maintained open communication with the kitchen team to assess cooking times and prevent worker overload.
- Watched dining area staff to evaluate server loads and calculate accurate wait times
- Recorded guests' party sizes, facilitated seating arrangements, and ensured timely provision of silverware and menus
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Indiana Univeristy Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
Muncie, IN12-2021
High School Diploma -
Franklin Central High School
Indianapolis, IN05-2017
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational interviewing
- Individualized treatment planning
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Family engagement
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Excellent communication
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Emotional support
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative thinking
- Reliability
- Interpersonal skills
- Professionalism
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Multitasking Abilities
Accomplishments
- Student Intern 2025-2026, Indiana Council CMHC/CCBHC Demonstrating Excellence Nominee
Timeline
School-Based Therapist Intern
Adult and Child Health
08.2025 - Current
Mobile Crisis Clinician Intern
Adult and Child Health
01.2025 - 08.2025
School Based Support Specialist
Adult and Child Health
01.2023 - Current
Program Coordinator
New Beginnings
06.2022 - 11.2022
Site Director
YMCA of Muncie
05.2020 - 05.2022
After-school Associate Teacher
YMCA Of Muncie
08.2019 - 05.2020
Take-out Server
Cracker Barrel
05.2019 - 08.2019
Hostess
Cracker Barrel
04.2015 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Social Work
Indiana Univeristy Indianapolis
Bachelor of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
High School Diploma -
Franklin Central High School