McKenzie Leffingwell
Huntington,,West Virginia
Summary
Training and development leader with over 10 years of expertise in behavioral health and crisis intervention, specializing in designing trauma-informed training programs rooted in Motivational Interviewing principles for statewide helplines and community organizations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Training & Development| Various Roles
First Choice Services
Charleston, West Virginia
01.2021 - Current
- Designed and led trauma-informed, MI-based training programs for statewide helpline staff.
- Facilitated over 50 trainings annually, achieving a 90% competency rate among counselors.
- Delivered public presentations to promote mental health resources and crisis services statewide.
- Advised on 988 national implementation, collaborating with Vibrant Emotional Health on policy refinement.
- Directed onboarding and professional development during high-volume rollout periods for consistency.
- Oversaw night shift operations across helpline programs, managing escalated high-risk situations effectively.
- Provided direct crisis support via phone, chat, and text, guiding individuals to stabilization.
Outreach Coordinator
HomeBase Inc.
Charleston, West Virginia
06.2019 - 07.2020
- Delivered parenting and life skills education to clients involved with CPS cases, supporting reunification goals, and service compliance.
- Maintained court-ready documentation, processed Medicaid billing, and developed individualized service plans aligned with client goals.
- Collaborated with DHHR workers, attended court hearings, and multidisciplinary team meetings, and ensured full HIPAA compliance throughout all service delivery.
Community Outreach Director
The Underprivileged Children’s Foundation
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Led community fundraising initiatives, including a 5K run, donation events, seasonal drives, and a prom dress giveaway, securing essential support for underserved youth.
- Built and maintained partnerships with local sponsors to expand outreach and increase donor engagement.
- Promoted initiatives through public speaking and media interviews, boosting community involvement and visibility.
- Delegated event logistics to volunteer teams, streamlining operations, and ensuring successful execution.
Case Manager
Vance Family Services
Charleston, West Virginia
01.2016 - 04.2019
- Provided individualized parenting and life skills instruction to CPS-involved clients, supporting case resolution and long-term stability.
- Maintained court-ready documentation, managed Medicaid billing, and developed service plans aligned with client goals.
- Prepared monthly court summaries, collaborated with DHHR caseworkers, and participated in MDT meetings and hearings.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance and upheld client confidentiality across all documentation and communications.
Clinical Supervisor
ResCare
Huntington, West Virginia
03.2014 - 02.2015
- Supervised a team of 25 staff in residential behavioral health programs, enhancing performance and collaboration.
- Developed individualized support plans for 16 consumers, adapting care to meet changing needs.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance while enforcing safety protocols and promoting ethical client-centered care.
- Conducted CPR certification training for staff and prepared monthly progress summaries to inform program strategy.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia07.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Marshall University
Huntington, WV05-2014
Doctor of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
Capella University
Online| Currently EnrolledSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Team leadership
- Training design and delivery
- Curriculum development
- Public speaking
- Emotional intelligence
- Strategic program leadership
- Quality assurance
- Adult learning principles
- Concept translation
Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Trainer
- SafeTALK Trainer
- Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Trainer
- Talk Saves Lives Trainer
- Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) Trainer
- Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Member
Recent Professional Speaking Engagements
- First Voice, First Chance: Crisis Response by Phone- 3rd Annual CIT Summit
- From Risk to Resilience: Suicide Education for Clinicians- Mountain State Summit on Gambling Addiction, 2025
- Hope and Healing: Navigating Suicide in SUD Recovery- Suicide and SUD WV Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference, 2025
- Suicide Prevention for First Responders, various CIT Trainings across West Virginia 2024-2025
Volunteer Experience
- Education Elevators, 2022, Current, Serves as a positive role model for elevator student., Plans and participates in weekly activities with elevator student., Enhances assigned elevator student’s cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and self-confidence.
- Hite-Sauders Little League Board of Directors, 2023, Current, Develop and execute creative fundraising strategies to support league operations, such as organizing community events, sponsorship outreach, and donation campaigns., Manage and grow the league's social media presence by creating engaging posts, promoting events, and increasing community involvement through targeted content., Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships and partnerships, enhancing financial resources and community support for the league.
Professional Membership And Certifications
- Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) International
- American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
- Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)
Professional Skills Highlights
- Suicide and Crisis Intervention
- Crisis Network Collaboration and Leadership
- Team Development and Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Outlook 360 Programs, Power Point, Canva
- Decision Making
- Strategic Program Leadership and Development
- Training Development
- Quality Assurance
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Training & Development| Various Roles
First Choice Services
01.2021 - Current
Outreach Coordinator
HomeBase Inc.
06.2019 - 07.2020
Community Outreach Director
The Underprivileged Children’s Foundation
01.2018 - 04.2019
Case Manager
Vance Family Services
01.2016 - 04.2019
Clinical Supervisor
ResCare
03.2014 - 02.2015
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Marshall University
Doctor of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
Capella University
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