Michelle Fernan
Columbus
Summary
Compassionate Peer Support Specialist with extensive experience in facilitating group discussions and educating clients on coping strategies. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality while fostering a safe, supportive environment. Dedicated professional with over 14 years in emotional support and personal care. Skilled in effective communication and collaboration with healthcare teams to develop tailored care plans, ensuring client well-being and enhanced quality of life. Empathetic and resourceful Peer Support Specialist known for strong problem-solving skills and ability to facilitate meaningful connections. Committed to helping individuals navigate recovery journeys through education and support. Caring Peer Support Specialist build trust and rapport. Compassionate and empathetic with genuine concern for the well-being of peers. Determined individual with a high level of compassion and skill in assisting individuals in various stages of recovery. Hardworking Peer Support Specialist known for handling appointment scheduling, transporting clients to meetings and promoting assistance wherever and whenever needed. Motivated Peer Support Specialist dedicated to coaching clients through life changes. Creates customized, structured support plans. Energetic and friendly with strong relationship-building skills. Enthusiastic peer support specialist proudly offering several years of sobriety and a willingness to help others navigate the services and recovery options available. An energetic individual skilled in building rapport with recovering alcoholics and sharing methods that promote success. Highly committed to delivering support to others.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Friends Miniseries
Columbus
02.2003 - 06.2017
- Provided emotional support to individuals facing various challenges.
- Facilitated group discussions to promote sharing and understanding among peers.
- Collaborated with community resources to enhance client support services.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and available mental health resources.
- Participated in training sessions to improve peer support techniques and skills.
- Maintained confidentiality while fostering a safe environment for clients.
- Assisted clients with developing healthy coping skills to manage stressors.
- Actively listened and responded empathetically when interacting with clients.
- Helped individuals overcome harmful drug and alcohol addictions.
- Educated clients on available community resources that could enhance their quality of life.
- Shared details regarding recovery and wellness principles focused on helping others struggling to stay focused on personal recovery journeys.
PCA
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Columbus
04.2010 - 05.2017
- Collaborated with nurses to ensure proper implementation of care plans.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to enhance client well-being.
- Participated in training sessions to learn best practices in personal care.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly clients experiencing loneliness or depression.
- Maintained accurate records of client care services provided on a daily basis.
- Communicated regularly with supervisors regarding any changes in client status or behavior that require attention.
- Documented client progress and reported changes to healthcare teams.
- Ensured safety of patients by using appropriate lifting techniques while assisting them with mobility activities.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations according to established protocols.
- Collaborated with family members and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans for each patient's needs.
STNA
First Community Village
Upper Arlington
09.2004 - 11.2009
- Provided personal care and assistance to residents with daily living tasks.
- Monitored and documented residents' health and wellness changes regularly.
- Assisted nursing staff with medical procedures and patient care routines.
- Communicated effectively with residents, families, and healthcare team members.
- Supported recreational activities to enhance resident engagement and wellbeing.
- Trained new staff on protocols for resident care and safety measures.
- Administered medications as directed by nursing staff to ensure compliance.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to patients when needed.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to requests for assistance from patients or family members.
- Provided basic patient care, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Assisted patients with mobility issues in transferring from bed to wheelchair or other assistive device.
- Reported any changes in the patient's condition to the nurse on duty.
- Monitored vital signs, such as pulse rate, respiration and temperature.
- Communicated effectively with patients, families and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care was provided at all times.
- Responded quickly during emergency situations in accordance with hospital protocols.
- Helped maintain a clean and orderly environment throughout the facility.
- Ensured that all necessary equipment was available for use during patient care activities.
- Transported patients between rooms or units as needed.
- Followed infection control policies while performing job duties.
- Demonstrated respect for patient rights and privacy while providing care services.
Education
Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board - Chemical Dependency
IMPACT
Columbus, OH01-2026
State Certified - Mental Health And Addiction Services
Nami
Columbus, OH11-2024
Certificate - Medical Assisting
Kaplan University
Columbus, OH07-2009
Graduate Certificate - Customer Service
Impact Community
Columbus, OHSkills
- Emotional support
- Group facilitation
- Coping strategies
- Client education
- Care coordination
- Effective communication
- Record keeping
- Team collaboration
- Recovery planning
- Appointment scheduling
- Substance abuse awareness
- Recovery guidance
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Empathy development
- Peer support ethics
Languages
English
Professional
Certification
Medical Health and Chemical Dependency
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
PCA
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
04.2010 - 05.2017
STNA
First Community Village
09.2004 - 11.2009
Peer Support Specialist
Friends Miniseries
02.2003 - 06.2017
Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board - Chemical Dependency
IMPACT
State Certified - Mental Health And Addiction Services
Nami
Certificate - Medical Assisting
Kaplan University
Graduate Certificate - Customer Service
Impact Community