Melissa LaLande
Simi Valley
Summary
Experienced with facilitating group discussions and leading collaborative efforts. Utilizes conflict resolution and active listening to create cohesive and productive group environments. Knowledge of techniques to foster engagement and mutual respect among participants.
Results-driven professional with background in facilitating group dynamics and fostering productive discussions. Extensive experience in creating inclusive environments and guiding teams to effectively collaborate. Known for adaptability and strong focus on achieving collective goals, utilizing conflict resolution and effective communication skills.
Diligent clinician and program director with proven track record in leading diverse groups to achieve common goals. Skilled in creating engaging and supportive environments, fostering open communication and mutual respect. Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and promoting teamwork.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Facilitator/Individual Counselor
Warner Park Recovery, Iris Healing Center, Valley Recovery, Villa Recovery
03.2023 - Current
- Facilitation and group counseling for DTX/RTC/PHP/IOP LOC
- Prompt documentation of notes
- Facilitation of groups ranging in census from 3-30 clients per group
- Experienced in zoom group facilitation, keeping clients interested and engaged
- 8+ years experience with KIPU and additional EMR systems
- Specific facilitation focused on holistic and mental health: Inner Child, Core Wounds, Shadow Work, Meditation, Trauma, and Neuroscience
- Highly qualified in DBT, CBT, REBT.
Program Director 2018-2020/Counselor 2020-2023
Recovery Corps Health Group
08.2018 - 03.2023
- Helped open and manage a 6-bed detox/rtc facility.
- Group facilitation
- Prompt and thorough documentation of groups
- Treatment planning
- Liaison between levels of care, family, probation, medical team, and community resources
- FMLA
- 1:1 sessions with prompt documentation
- Utilization Reviews
- BPS, C-SSRS, OQ measures
- Crisis intervention
- Creating and writing policy and procedures
- Working directly with Clinical Director and Doctor's team to collaborate on proper medications on case by case basis and for detoxification process.
- JCAHO preparation and JCAHO re certification process.
- Scheduling
- Budgeting, planning, coordinating outings and clinical experiential groups
- Behavioral contracts
- Highly experienced in MAT and harm reduction.
- Led program development initiatives, aligning strategies with organizational goals.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Implemented performance metrics to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Operations Manager
Healing Path
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Helped open and manage a 14 bed detox/residential facility
- Planning and budgeting weekend activities
- Super Administration on KIPU
- Thorough completion of BPS
- Preparing the facility for JCAHO
- Employee scheduling
- Weekly clinical meetings
- Monthly employee clinical reviews
- Interviewing
- Maintained Joint Accreditation standards
- Oversaw admissions, client continuation placement and client alumni activities
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative work environment and enhancing performance.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to enhance team productivity.
Education
CADC-III - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Sober College of Addiction Studies
Los Angeles, CA04.2019
Bachelor's of Psychology - Clinical Psychology
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK01.2009
Skills
- Well versed in motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, REBT and 5 stages of change model, extensive knowledge of psychiatric issues and pharmacology, strong ethical boundaries, progressive thinker, perceptive, insightful, conscientious, passionate (10 years)
- KIPU, ZenCharts, Sunwave, Ritten, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel (10 years)
- Training
- Budgeting
- Utilization Reviews
- Typing 85wpm
- CPR
- Addiction Counseling
- Case Management
- Behavioral Therapy
- Social Work
- Crisis Intervention
- Crisis Management
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health Counseling
- Intake Experience
- Child & family counseling
- Supervising experience
- Mentoring
- Leadership
- Training & development
- Documentation review
- Interviewing
- Program management
- Team development
- Child protective services
Certification
- CPR/First Aid November 2016 to Present
- CADC-III November 2021 to February 2026
- Certified Case Manager
Groups
- Senior Support Advisor of PsiChi 2008 to 2009
- Supported undergraduate students wanting to be involved in programs provided by the psychology department. Such as graduate level studies and lab work.
Timeline
Group Facilitator/Individual Counselor
Warner Park Recovery, Iris Healing Center, Valley Recovery, Villa Recovery
03.2023 - Current
Program Director 2018-2020/Counselor 2020-2023
Recovery Corps Health Group
08.2018 - 03.2023
Operations Manager
Healing Path
06.2017 - 06.2018
Bachelor's of Psychology - Clinical Psychology
University of Tulsa
CADC-III - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Sober College of Addiction Studies