Melissa Simmons
Cortland,NY
Summary
Caring, empathetic Prevention Specialist focused on education to create a healthier community. Exceptionally talented at building rapport with different groups within the community to encourage honesty and growth in recovery from substance abuse. Motivated to learn, grow, and excel in Prevention and pursue administrative management role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Prevention Specialist
Cortland Prevention Resources
Cortland, NY
08.2021 - Current
- Provide programming to educate community and schools about risk and protective factors associated with addiction, substance abuse, and related social problems
- Establish, coordinate and implement Evidence-Based Programming working with youth of all ages in schools and families in Cortland County
- Promote supportive communities and healthy development for children, adolescents and young adults
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Patient Service Specialist
Guthrie Cortland Medical Center
Cortland, NY
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Interviewed patients and gathered accurate demographic and financial information from patients and entered information into electronic medical record
- Worked both independently and in a team to ensure that all information was correct and complete
- Requested and scanned insurance cards, verified insurance eligibility, and acted on insurance responses
- Explained Patient’s Bill of Rights, Health Care Proxy, and Privacy Policy information to each patient
- Acted as member of sub-committee to improve quality of care provided in Emergency Room as well as quality of work environment and culture for staff members
Music Therapist
Moorings Park Continuing Care Retirement Community
Naples, FL
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Assessed and conducted 1:1 and group music therapy sessions for residents in independent, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care units
- Designed music therapy experiences using various musical elements to meet clients' goals or objectives.
- Developed and implemented partner training and education
- Selected or adapted musical instruments, musical equipment or non-musical materials such as adaptive devices or visual aids to meet treatment objectives.
- Established client goals and objectives for music therapy treatment programs and helped each achieve targets with hands-on therapeutic style.
Owner/Founder
Awaken Music Therapy
Fort Myers, FL
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Conducted group music therapy for dementia caregiver respite and early memory loss programs for Naples Senior Center
- Conducted 1:1 music therapy sessions in community
- Developed and implemented community training and education (Alvin Dubin Center, Alzheimer’s Association)
- Provided support for undergraduate music therapy students at Florida Gulf Coast University
- Provided music for emotional and spiritual support at memorial services as requested in community
Music Therapist
Hope HealthCare Services
04.2008 - 08.2018
- Received and assessed referrals for patients on Hospice program
- Conducted individual and group sessions to address clinical goals from each patient's plan of care
- Wrote assessments, clinical progress notes, and patient care plans
- Attended and actively participated in interdisciplinary group meetings
- Developed and facilitated staff, volunteer, and community training and education
- Participated in patient memorial services as well as annual organization memorial services
- Facilitated bereavement and Parkinson’s support groups
- Developed and conducted music therapy activities for annual children's bereavement camp
- Supervised interns and volunteers, and trained new music therapy staff
Music Therapy Intern
Metropolitan Jewish Hospice
Brooklyn, NY
07.2006 - 01.2007
- Received and assessed referrals for patients on Hospice program
- Conducted individual and group sessions to address clinical goals from each patient's plan of care
- Wrote assessments and clinical progress notes and created and updated patient care plans
- Attended and actively participated in interdisciplinary group meetings
- Participated in patient memorial services and annual organization memorial services
- Designed music therapy experiences using various musical elements to meet clients' goals or objectives.
- Selected or adapted musical instruments, musical equipment or non-musical materials such as adaptive devices or visual aids to meet treatment objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music Therapy
State University of New York
New Paltz12.2006
High School Diploma -
Lansing High School
Lansing06.2002
Skills
- Creative Thinking
- Group and Individual Sessions
- Mental Health Support
- Team Meetings
- Clinical Assessments
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Health Promotion
Certification
- MT-BC - Board Certified Music Therapist (#08872)
Timeline
Prevention Specialist
Cortland Prevention Resources
08.2021 - Current
Patient Service Specialist
Guthrie Cortland Medical Center
10.2020 - 08.2021
Music Therapist
Moorings Park Continuing Care Retirement Community
02.2019 - 08.2020
Owner/Founder
Awaken Music Therapy
08.2018 - 02.2019
Music Therapist
Hope HealthCare Services
04.2008 - 08.2018
Music Therapy Intern
Metropolitan Jewish Hospice
07.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Music Therapy
State University of New York
High School Diploma -
Lansing High School
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