- Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects (National Down Syndrome Society)
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
Michelle Reyes
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dedicated and conscientious professional with a proven record of supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Expertise in guidance, resource coordination, and community engagement, with strong communication and leadership skills. Passionate about empowerment, inclusion, and service.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Counselor
Gallaudet University
08.2025 - Current
- Develop personalized treatment plans to address diverse mental health needs of students.
- Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
- Collaborate with faculty to support students in managing academic pressures and personal challenges.
- Implement crisis intervention strategies to ensure safety and provide immediate support during emergencies.
FFT-TCM PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
The New York Foundling
09.2021 - 08.2025
- Provided direct supervision of the implementation of clinical services related to the Functional Family Therapy - Therapeutic Case Management (FFT-TCM).
- Oversaw the day-to-day performance of high-risk team members and support staff, ensuring all requirements are met for the monitoring of PPRS/FFT-TCM integrated systems, including reports, documentation, and adherence to model fidelity, agency, and ACS policies and procedures.
- Complete monthly supervisory reviews and participated in Supervisor college and other training opportunities.
- Managed staff performance, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to enhance team effectiveness.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Lexington School for the Deaf
Queens, NY, NY
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Provided individual counseling as mandated on the IEP for students.
- Provided family counseling on an as-needed basis.
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.
- Conducted Mental Health Evaluations and Social Histories for referrals.
- Evaluated psychiatric emergencies (suicide evaluations).
- Participated in team meetings and in-service trainings.
- Collaborated with community agencies
- Supported the school's Strategic Planning initiatives with an emphasis on culture.
SOCIAL WORKER
Barrier Free Living Inc.
New York, NY
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided survivor-centered counseling and group support grounded in trauma-informed care for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind individuals.
- Completed individualized service plans for consumers, addressing recovery, benefits, housing assistance needs, safety planning, and other emerging issues, and ensured appropriate follow-up activities.
- Conducted outreach and educational presentations to other service providers, policymakers, and the general public.
SOCIAL WORKER
Barrier Free Living Inc.
New York, NY
09.2015 - 10.2016
- Provided individual and group counseling to disabled survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking using a trauma-informed approach.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans addressing recovery goals, benefits coordination, housing assistance, safety planning, and other emerging needs, ensuring timely follow-up.
- Served as the Barrier Free Justice (BFJ) liaison, coordinating accessible services and programming with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and South Brooklyn Legal Services (SBLS), and participating in BFJ advisory council and partner meetings.
ADVOCATE
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled Inc.
Brooklyn, NY
08.1997 - 08.2002
- Provided individual and peer advocacy services to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind consumers, promoting independent living, self-determination, and informed choice.
- Supported consumers with housing, benefits navigation, and self-advocacy within public systems, including Social Security Administration (SSA) and Public Assistance (PA).
- Advocated on behalf of consumers to reduce communication barriers and ensure equitable access to services and accommodations.
- Educated consumers and community members on disability rights, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and independent living philosophy.
- Conducted outreach and community education to increase awareness of Deaf culture, accessibility, and available independent living resources.
COUNSELOR
Rhinelander Children's Aide Society
New York, NY
09.2000 - 06.2002
- Provided social, recreational, and educational activities for kids using sign, spoken language, or both, addressing unique communication needs of deaf/hard of hearing children.
Education
Master of Arts - School Social Work
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC05-2009
Skills
- Document management
- Reporting requirements
- Client needs assessments
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment Planning
- Individual and group counseling
- Multicultural competence
- Bilingual in American Sign Language and english
- Mental health evaluations
- Case management
Certification
- LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Certified Functional Family Therapy-Case Management, [FFT Partners] - [2022-2025]
Interests
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor
Gallaudet University
08.2025 - Current
FFT-TCM PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
The New York Foundling
09.2021 - 08.2025
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Lexington School for the Deaf
02.2019 - 08.2021
SOCIAL WORKER
Barrier Free Living Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
SOCIAL WORKER
Barrier Free Living Inc.
09.2015 - 10.2016
COUNSELOR
Rhinelander Children's Aide Society
09.2000 - 06.2002
ADVOCATE
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled Inc.
08.1997 - 08.2002
Master of Arts - School Social Work
Gallaudet University