Michala Hardesty
Denver,CO
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong background in providing evidence-based counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. Skilled in developing treatment plans, conducting assessments, and documenting progress. Committed to advocating for the mental health and well-being of clients.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
9
9
Certifications
Work History
Family Specialist
Colorado Therapy Group
Denver, CO
1 2023 - Current
- Provided counseling and support services to families in crisis.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of intervention strategies through regular progress reviews, adjusting approaches as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Improved family communication by facilitating open discussions and teaching effective communication techniques.
- Monitored progress and documented client's status changes to keep the care team updated.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Facilitated development of healthy coping mechanisms among family members experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders.
- Maintained accurate case records, ensuring efficient documentation for ongoing monitoring and progress evaluation.
- Encouraged family members to express their emotions and concerns openly during therapy sessions, promoting improved emotional awareness.
- Provided evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans to support children's mental health and well-being.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Enhanced family dynamics by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized service plans.
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients.
Case Manager Supervisor
Community Education Centers, Inc./GEO Group Inc
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Oversaw and guided a team in delivering high-quality case management and counseling services.
- Served as an advocate for clients'' rights, working diligently to ensure their voices were heard and respected throughout the case management process.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Facilitated professional development opportunities for staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Provided evidence-based interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Facilitated professional development opportunities for staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
- Established a mentoring program for new hires, promoting knowledge transfer between experienced staff members and those just beginning their careers in case management.
- Oversaw accurate documentation of client progress notes, maintaining compliance with legal requirements as well as organizational policies and procedures.
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate access to resources for clients in need.
- Streamlined internal communication processes, ensuring timely updates on client progress and facilitating better decision-making among staff members.
- Enhanced team performance through regular supervision, coaching, and training of case managers.
- Developed comprehensive discharge plans to transition clients to appropriate service providers in the community.
- Utilized a trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients.
- Provided ongoing support to case managers in crisis situations, guiding them through problem-solving strategies and promoting best practice approaches.
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Field Organizer
Campaigns
Denver, CO
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Executed strategic initiatives to drive community engagement and advocacy.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Implemented a phone banking program that effectively reached undecided voters and mobilized supporters.
- Identified potential donors through research, leading to an increase in fundraising opportunities.
- Recruited and trained volunteers to handle field canvassing functions.
- Coordinated successful events to raise awareness about the candidate''s platform and generate grassroots support.
- Facilitated communication between field staff members by organizing weekly meetings for updates on goals achieved or challenges faced.
- Collaborated with organizational leadership to assess objectives and develop implementation plans.
- Trained team leaders to oversee volunteers and organization members during special events.
- Increased voter engagement by organizing and executing strategic door-to-door canvassing efforts.
- Fostered collaborative efforts to schedule, host, and facilitate events and identify further opportunities to reach members of community.
- Operated outreach office to recruit and lead team of canvassers to fundraise for important issues.
- Established clear expectations for volunteers'' roles during canvassing or phone-banking activities which improved efficiency.
- Conducted regular volunteer training sessions to increase knowledge of campaign goals and talking points.
- Utilized various software programs like NGP VAN to streamline the data-entry process, resulting in more accurate voter profiles and contact information.
- Provided timely updates to campaign headquarters on progress towards goals, enabling informed decision-making.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO 08.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Metropolitan State University
Denver, CO 08.2010 - 05.2014
Skills
- Clinical Assessment
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Multicultural Competence
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral Modification
- Family Systems Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Domestic Violence Advocacy
- Mental Health Education
- Grief Counseling
- Self-care Strategies
- Ethical Decision Making
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Supportive Counseling
Certification
Motivational Interviewing Certified
References
Available upon request
Volunteer Experience
- Democratic National Convention, Colorado, January 2008
- The Special Olympics, Wyoming, January 2006
Timeline
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health
Adams State University
08.2022 - 05.2024
Case Manager Supervisor
Community Education Centers, Inc./GEO Group Inc
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Metropolitan State University
08.2010 - 05.2014
Field Organizer
Campaigns
01.2010 - 01.2014
Family Specialist
Colorado Therapy Group
1 2023 - Current