Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
INTERPERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Timeline
Generic

MERIDETH VANRAVENSWAAY

Plainwell,MI

Summary

Dynamic and driven professional pursuing social work opportunities to enhance skills and gain valuable experience in the field. Committed to leveraging academic knowledge in practical settings, with a strong focus on making a positive impact in the community. Eager to contribute to meaningful projects while preparing for advanced education and professional growth. Passionate about fostering connections and supporting individuals in need through dedicated service and advocacy.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Patient Navigator

Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
12.2024 - Current
  • Communicated effectively with both patients and their families, providing resources and guidance throughout the stabilization process.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient''s unique needs.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Assisted patients in navigating healthcare services and resources effectively.

Community Health Worker

Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
05.2023 - 12.2024
  • Conducted outreach to underserved populations, promoting access to community health resources.
  • Assisted individuals in navigating healthcare systems and securing necessary services.
  • Educated clients on preventive care practices and available health programs.
  • Collaborated with local organizations to coordinate health fairs and screening events.
  • Maintained accurate records of client interactions and service referrals for follow-up support.
  • Built trust within diverse communities through cultural competency training, empathetic communication skills, and active listening techniques.

Direct Care Worker

ROI DCW, APC
01.2021 - 2021
  • Assisted and provided full care, including medications, for individuals with a variety of disabilities, providing and maintaining balanced nutrition, followed individually set behavior and supervision programs. In addition, as APC, supervised a team of nine, assisted in creating goal plans while updating the staff on new personal centered plans.

YWCA Direct Support Staff
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Managed Crisis Hotline, assisted local police departments and hospitals with survivors of assault, DV, SA and Human Trafficking Safe House. Used de-escalation skills with trauma victims during extreme distress. Provided resources, scheduling and assisted in recovery.

Child & Family Support Advocate
01.2014 - 01.2020
  • Aided as a temporary guardian for teens/youth by providing shelter and other basic necessities, utilizing personal funds, to help them continue and complete academic and career goals, specifically graduation, in addition to reunification with primary family.

Speaker | Kalamazoo Central High School
01.2009 - 01.2019
  • Invited to speak to classrooms of 20+ students on the consequences of alcohol abuse & drug addiction.

Recovery Coach | Alano Club
01.1999 - 01.2019
  • Collaborated with KPEP & Drug Court to mentor and assist women in recovery.

Chairperson | BCSD & KCSD
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Volunteered for Barry County Sheriff’s Department and Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department to chair Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings at both county jails for inmates struggling with addiction.

Peer Support Specialist | Barry County Mental Health
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Facilitated various support groups, including Anger Management and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focused groups, by engaging and encouraging clients.

Chairperson | Gilmore Community Healing Center
01.2005 - 01.2012
  • Volunteered to chair AA and NA meetings for individuals receiving detoxification and other addiction treatment to help facilitate transitions to sober living and recovery.

Education

Bachelor's in Social Work - Social Work

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
12-2025

Associate's - Liberal Arts

Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MI
01.2022

Skills

  • Grief support
  • Community resources
  • Calm and effective under pressure
  • Effective communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Documenting and recording information
  • Relationship building
  • Conflict resolution

Affiliations

Downtown Group Steering Committee | Alano Club | Kalamazoo, MI 2001 – 2015

Certification

  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Aerial Work Platform Operation Certified
  • Medications Training
  • Working With People: Culture Of Gentleness
  • CPR/FA
  • Trauma Informed Counseling
  • Certified Crisis Provider (Wayne State University 2025)
  • Certified Community Health Worker

INTERPERSONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Warehouse Associate | Target Distribution Center | Galesburg, MI Sept. 2020 – July 2021
  • Assembly Team Member | Landscape Forms | Kalamazoo, MI Feb. 2020 - Aug. 2020
  • Crew Member | Gordon Gene Accord Maintenance | Kalamazoo, MI July 2018 - June 2019
  • FOH Manager | Yankee Bill’s | Hastings, MI Aug. 2015 - July 2018
  • Warehouse Manager | Interstate Battery | Galesburg, MI 2007 - 2009
  • Domestic Engineer | Stumbling Grace Home Farm | Hastings, MI 2008 - 2017

Timeline

Patient Navigator

Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
12.2024 - Current

Community Health Worker

Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
05.2023 - 12.2024

Direct Care Worker

ROI DCW, APC
01.2021 - 2021

YWCA Direct Support Staff
01.2020 - 01.2021

Child & Family Support Advocate
01.2014 - 01.2020

Chairperson | BCSD & KCSD
01.2013 - 01.2014

Peer Support Specialist | Barry County Mental Health
01.2012 - 01.2013

Speaker | Kalamazoo Central High School
01.2009 - 01.2019

Chairperson | Gilmore Community Healing Center
01.2005 - 01.2012

Recovery Coach | Alano Club
01.1999 - 01.2019

Associate's - Liberal Arts

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Bachelor's in Social Work - Social Work

Western Michigan University

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