Melissa Woods
Saint Michael,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in crisis intervention and counseling in various roles. Proven ability to build trust and rapport while implementing effective behavior management strategies. Skilled in communication and problem-solving, fostering nurturing environments that promote emotional development and positive coping strategies. Committed to enhancing client well-being through compassionate support.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Housekeeper
Self Employed Web
Plymouth, MN
04.2022 - Current
- Assisted families with household tasks, yard maintenance, organization, and event hosting.
- Supported clients in creating prideful home and yard environments.
- Respected and treated clients with kindness in all interactions.
Fulfillment Expert
Target
Monticello, MN
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Fulfilled online and store pickup orders promptly and efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks quickly and effectively.
- Provided assistance to customers throughout the store, addressing questions, and resolving issues.
Family Support Counselor
Families First Inc
Waterloo And Clinton, IA
09.2003 - 02.2012
- Provided crisis intervention and counseling services to families.
- Provided guidance on parenting skills, nutrition, budgeting, and time management.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and updated case notes as needed.
- Educated parents on child development stages, discipline techniques, and behavior management methods.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings regarding client cases and discussed best practices for intervention strategies.
- Assisted clients in developing positive coping strategies for managing stress and resolving conflicts.
- Listened attentively to clients' concerns while providing a safe environment for them to express their feelings.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics and provide support services.
- Assessed risk factors within the home environment in order to protect the safety of all family members.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of abuse by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
Residential Counselor
Bremwood Children's Home
Waverly, IA
09.2000 - 09.2003
- Developed therapeutic relationships by providing emotional support and positive reinforcement to clients.
- Implemented behavioral interventions designed to modify or reduce problematic behaviors.
- Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
- Provided appropriate feedback and information to help residents succeed in program.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss updates on client progress as well as strategies for improvement.
Day Treatment Counselor
Four Oaks Day Treatment
Dubuque, IA
04.1999 - 09.2000
- Provided individual and group counseling to assigned clients.
- Maintained confidentiality of all information related to clients' cases.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans that focused on client's mental health needs.
- Educated family members about the importance of their involvement in client's treatment plan.
- Conducted crisis intervention sessions with clients in need of immediate assistance.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
- Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
- Counseled family members to assist in understanding, dealing with or supporting clients or patients.
Daycare Worker
St Mary's Early Childhood Center
Dubuque, IA
02.1998 - 05.1999
- Encouraged positive behavior by providing praise and reinforcement of desired behaviors.
- Provided snacks and meals in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Ensured proper supervision of all activities including outdoor playtime.
- Maintained daily records of activities, behaviors, meals, and naps.
- Provided a nurturing and appropriate environment for children of various ages.
- Collaborated with other childcare staff members on planning events or special projects related to childcare services.
- Provided support during nap times by reading stories or performing other calming activities with the children.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress or concerns.
- Participated in field trips with the daycare group to provide additional learning opportunities for the kids.
- Assisted in potty training and diapering children as needed.
- Engaged children in creative play activities such as art projects, music time, story time.
- Implemented positive discipline techniques when necessary while maintaining a respectful attitude towards students.
- Attended professional development workshops or conferences related to early childhood education topics.
- Sanitized toys and tables to maintain clean, safe environment.
- Cared for children of various ages and assisted with feeding, dressing and daily activities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Loras College
Dubuque, IA05-2000
Skills
- Communication skills
- Organization skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Trust building
- Behavior management
- Positive reinforcement
- Conflict resolution
- Nurturing environment
- Supervision skills
- Health and safety
- Patience and empathy
- Child development knowledge
- Emotional development
- Infant care and feeding
- Schedules and routines
- Counseling techniques
- Crisis intervention
- Parenting guidance
- Emotional regulation
Timeline
Fulfillment Expert
Target
08.2024 - 06.2025
Housekeeper
Self Employed Web
04.2022 - Current
Family Support Counselor
Families First Inc
09.2003 - 02.2012
Residential Counselor
Bremwood Children's Home
09.2000 - 09.2003
Day Treatment Counselor
Four Oaks Day Treatment
04.1999 - 09.2000
Daycare Worker
St Mary's Early Childhood Center
02.1998 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Loras College