Melissa Ishio
Waco
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Community School Initiatives
Transformation Waco
Waco, Texas
11.2022 - Current
- Hired as a Director of Wrap-Around Services promoted to Director of Community School Initiatives.
- Oversee all aspects of the Full-Service Community School (FSCS) $2.5 million grant including US Department of Education (ED) compliance and reporting, staff training and development, and program implementation and evaluation.
- ED Compliance and Reporting
- Manage budget oversight to align financial operations with organizational policies and directives provided by ED.
- Formulate and execute comprehensive strategies aligned with organizational goals approved by ED.
- Oversee financial management to optimize resource allocation and adherence to budget guidelines.
- Conduct thorough assessments of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with US Government regulatory requirements.
- Leverage data and analytics by using Results Based Accountability to make informed decisions and data driven program improvement.
- Staff Training and Development
- Guide team members in comprehending FSCS strategy and fostering engagement.
- Design and facilitate engaging workshops and training sessions to foster best practices within the organization.
- Promote effective teamwork through structured communication, strategic goal-setting, and comprehensive performance assessments.
- Enhance continuous improvement by empowering employees to share innovative ideas and feedback.
- Program Implementation and Evaluation
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and improving program outcomes.
- Grow partnerships with local entities, focusing on collaborative projects and efficient resource distribution.
- Analyze program outcomes to inform decision-making and refine service delivery methods.
- Devise and execute innovative solutions to address complex challenges, enhancing outcomes for clients and community partners.
- Cultivate professional networks and leverage community partner expertise to enhance client services.
Counselor
Connection to Recovery
Virtual, Part-Time
06.2022 - Current
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to promote emotional well-being.
- Assessed client requirements and crafted tailored treatment plans to promote optimal health outcomes.
- Assessed and addressed acute distress in clients through targeted crisis intervention strategies.
- Integrated evidence-based strategies to improve overall client treatment effectiveness.
- Executed comprehensive assessments and formulated individualized treatment plans to address unique client needs.
- Enhanced professional expertise through active participation in continuing education and training programs in clinical social work.
- Documented client progress consistently to facilitate quality care and adherence to established ethical practices.
Director of Housing
Family Abuse Center
Waco, Texas
03.2015 - 11.2022
- Hired as a Case Manager, promoted to Lead Case Manager; Housing Coordinator; Director of Case Management Services, Director of Housing.
- Designed and sustained methods for collecting and analyzing research data and evaluation for grant programs funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the US Department of Justice (DOJ), United Way, and private foundations.
- Produced additional reports to contribute to strategic planning initiatives. Developed and maintained record-keeping systems to track information outside database limitations, driving ongoing improvements.
- Spearheaded development and coordination of system-wide dashboards to monitor real-time grant benchmarks and strategic plan progress.
- Coordinated entry committee operations for Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition to streamline housing service delivery in a five-county region.
- Facilitated strategic planning and data analysis efforts within the continuous quality improvement (CQI) committee for Youth Homeless Demonstration Project (YHDP) grant for HOTHC.
- Facilitated improved client outcomes through effective supervision of case managers. Mentored LCSWs and LPCs to elevate service quality. Expanded counseling reach by implementing online services.
- Led weekly staff training sessions, facilitating collaboration with external agency representatives.
- Authored agency-wide handbooks and guides to facilitate effective service implementation training and promote best practices.
- Established and refined assessment methodologies to enhance effectiveness of shelter housing counseling and children’s programs.
- Executed detailed evaluations of program operations, confirming absence of major findings throughout tenure.
New Parent Support Home Visitor, Serco Contractor, GS-11 Equivalent
US Naval Air Facility
Atsugi, Japan
11.2008 - 07.2014
- Led senior new parent support advisory for Navy Region Japan, representing the region on the Navy-wide NPS program review committee.
- Evaluated regional program assessment data to identify trends and propose actionable program intervention modifications based on real-time insights.
- Sustained exceptional client contact levels and utilization rates, consistently ranking among the highest in Navy Region Japan.
- Collaborated with DOD schools and Sure Start programs to gather assessment data and ensure satisfactory student progress.
- Coordinated access to essential community resources and support services to enhance family well-being.
- Performed comprehensive evaluations of family dynamics, including psychological and developmental assessments for children.
- Delivered short-term solution-focused therapy to U.S. Navy parents of children, ensuring adherence to best practices for ongoing therapeutic measures.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive workshops addressing essential parenting health and safety practices for families.
- Oversaw field supervision for students in online social work, psychology, and counseling programs.
- Secured funding through grant writing to remodel playroom and enhance client resources.
- Executed collateral duties as an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Master Trainer, delivering training sessions at naval facilities in Japan and South Korea.
Education
Ph.D. - Social Work
Baylor University
Waco, Texas08.2022
Master in Social Work - Mental & Physical Health, Gerontology
Baylor University
Waco, Texas05.2008
MPPA - Master Public Policy And Administration
Baylor University
Waco, Texas08.1991
BSW - Social Work
Baylor University
Waco, Texas05.1986
Special Certification - Asian Studies
Seinan Gakuin University
Fukuoka, Japan05.1985
Skills
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Goal-oriented planning
- Organizational development
- Financial budget oversight
- Non-profit management
- Team collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Coaching and mentoring
Languages
Japanese
Professional Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Affiliations
- Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society
- North American Association of Christian Social Workers
- National Association of Social Workers
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers Supervisor (LCSW-S) 2023
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 2018
- Military Service Members, Veterans & Their Families 2014
Advanced Social Worker (MVF-ASW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) 2008
Additional Certifications
- EMDR Certification – 2016
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Master Trainer-2012
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer-2011
- Infant Massage Licensed Instructor-2011
- Lean Six Sigma White and Yellow Belt Training US Navy -2010
- Certified Nurturing Parenting Instructor – 2009
- Sexual Abuse Intervention Counselor Training-2008
- Dementia Care Provider Training-2007
- Japanese Language Proficiency License, Level 4 -2001
Presentations
- June 2024, Atlanta, GA
"Strengthening Communities: Transforming Schools Through Nutrition:
National Community School and Family Engagement Conference sponsored by Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL)
- December 2023, Washington, DC
"Twists and Turns of Our Data Journey: Approaching Data Collection with Humor and Humility"
Promise Neighborhoods and Full-Service Community School Conference sponsored by the US Department of Education
Publications
- Ishio, M. H. (2022). Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Duality and Professional Boundaries in Social Work Practice. [Doctoral dissertation, Baylor University]. ProQuest Dissertation and Theses database.
- Ishio, M. (2015). Chanphen Yindee Operations Manager, Rak Lae Pra Pon Foundation. In Garland, D. S. R. (Ed.), Why I am a social worker: 25 Christians tell their life stories. (pp. 113-121). North American Association of Christians in Social Work.
- Obari, H., Otomo, K., Tanabe, Y., Seiki, S., Turnbill, S., Ishio, M. (1996). NHK Radio Introduction to English Conversation, Extra Edition, NHK English Intermediate II, Listening Test. NHK Publishing.
Research Interests
Ethical considerations in social work settings, the unique aspects of military social work
Research Assistant Positions
- Baylor University, Center for Gerontology Studies Spring 2008
Research assistant for “What Baby Boomers Need from Churches” survey and focus groups
- University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba Japan 1996-1998
Research assistant and project coordinator for International Studies Department
- Baylor University, Political Science 1989-1991 Graduate student research assistant
Additional Experiences
- Results Based Accountability (RBA) 2024
Trained by Clear Impact and the US Department of Education in the implementation and use of RBA
- Live Oak Classical School, Waco, Texas 2022 - Present
Served on the Board of Trustees (volunteer position)
- Tsukuba International School, Tsukuba, Japan 1996-2006
Executive Committee, Board of Advisors (volunteer position), wrote by-laws and constitution for the Board, led strategic planning initiatives
Timeline
Director of Community School Initiatives
Transformation Waco
11.2022 - Current
Counselor
Connection to Recovery
06.2022 - Current
Director of Housing
Family Abuse Center
03.2015 - 11.2022
New Parent Support Home Visitor, Serco Contractor, GS-11 Equivalent
US Naval Air Facility
11.2008 - 07.2014
Ph.D. - Social Work
Baylor University
Master in Social Work - Mental & Physical Health, Gerontology
Baylor University
MPPA - Master Public Policy And Administration
Baylor University
BSW - Social Work
Baylor University
Special Certification - Asian Studies
Seinan Gakuin University