Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Teacher
Melinda Dobbins

Melinda Dobbins

Therapist/Educator
Powder Springs,Georgia

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in clinical therapy and education, notably at Devereux Georgia Treatment Network. Proven expertise in psychological assessment and group therapy, fostering resilience in adolescents. Recognized for developing innovative therapeutic plans and enhancing student engagement through tailored psychoeducational groups. Committed to delivering impactful, family-centered care.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Home Educator

Home Educator
10.2006 - Current
  • Coordinated operations of a home school cooperative, overseeing event planning and execution.
  • Created curriculum and experiential lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles for elementary and middle school students.
  • Challenged students to investigate and explore diverse subjects.

ESL Teacher/Independent Contractor

VIPKID
07.2018 - 07.2020
  • Conducted individualized, immersive English language lessons for Chinese students aged 4-16 in a virtual classroom.
  • Merged interdisciplinary topics with English language instruction.
  • Utilized innovative strategies to promote active participation and comprehension.
  • Enhanced student performance by establishing meaningful relationships.
  • Provided parents with prompt and detailed feedback after each lesson.
  • Assessed potential VIPKID students during trial lessons to determine appropriate unit placement.
  • Administered assessments to monitor student progress across various levels and units.

Clinical Supervisor

Georgia Parent Support Network
08.2005 - 10.2006
  • Supervised a team of clinical staff, providing regular performance feedback and career development guidance.
  • Created and executed a program using industry's best practices.
  • Collaborated with community agencies to organize care and treatment plans.
  • Led team in delivering family-centered care.
  • Managed client caseload delivering therapeutic services.
  • Developed the Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Environment Program (CORE), with a focus on thorough assessments.
  • Reviewed and approved clinical documentation for accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Clinical Therapist

Devereux Georgia Treatment Network
02.2004 - 08.2005
  • Managed launch of female trauma unit.
  • Facilitated trauma theory workshops for clinical and residential teams.
  • Certified as New Directions Behavior Modification and Social Skills curriculum trainer.
  • Collaborated to design and facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups for female residents.
  • Conducted therapy sessions for families, individuals, and groups.
  • Created detailed treatment plans and oversaw case management.
  • Responded effectively in crisis situations to deliver skilled support and stabilize situations.
  • Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
  • Recognized for excellence in creating training programs and entrusted with more duties.
  • Collaborated with treatment team to advocate for patients' needs and help shape effective treatment plans.

Clinical Therapist

Transitional Family Services
10.2002 - 01.2004
  • Administered first placement, best placement, family assessments for the Department of Family and Children Services.
  • Completed home evaluations.
  • Delivered therapeutic services to individuals and families in home settings.
  • Conducted assessments of foster homes and children under care.
  • Interviewed clients, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
  • Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
  • Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
  • Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
  • Worked with care team to assess client needs and discuss collaborative treatment efforts.

Animal Assisted Therapist

Devereux Georgia Treatment Network
06.1998 - 10.2002
  • Oversaw operations of the Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
  • Created and delivered educational plans on animal care for diverse species.
  • Created aquatic environment to optimize animal welfare.
  • Enhanced animal care and living conditions.
  • Developed ceremonies to support grieving process.
  • Set objectives for residents' individualized education programs and treatment strategies.
  • Empathy and cooperation were fostered among residents.
  • Managed volunteers and part-time staff during weekends and holidays.
  • Implemented rewards initiative to enhance engagement among students and employees.

Education

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling Magna Cum Laude

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
06-1998

Bachelor of Science - Public And Social Services Cum Laude

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
06-1995

Skills

  • Group Therapy
  • Adolescent and Child Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Therapeutic plans
  • Psychoeducational Groups
  • Exposure Therapy

Timeline

ESL Teacher/Independent Contractor

VIPKID
07.2018 - 07.2020

Home Educator

Home Educator
10.2006 - Current

Clinical Supervisor

Georgia Parent Support Network
08.2005 - 10.2006

Clinical Therapist

Devereux Georgia Treatment Network
02.2004 - 08.2005

Clinical Therapist

Transitional Family Services
10.2002 - 01.2004

Animal Assisted Therapist

Devereux Georgia Treatment Network
06.1998 - 10.2002

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling Magna Cum Laude

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Science - Public And Social Services Cum Laude

Kennesaw State University

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