Monica L. VanGalder
Ottumwa,IA
Summary
Compassionate individual with a background in managing and overseeing cases for individuals needing assistance in many areas of their lives of different ages and needs. Strengths include identifying client needs, developing personalized care plans, and coordinating community resources to ensure optimal outcomes. Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, case management and follow-up, demonstrating consistent impact on improving client quality of life.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Manager
Career Systems Development Corporation
Ottumwa , IA
05.2019 - 03.2024
- Prepared materials used during accreditation reviews by external organizations.
- Prepared reports using academic or institutional data and information.
- Provided assistance to faculty by teaching classes, conducting orientation meetings and scheduling events.
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Advised students on course selection, progress toward graduation and career decisions.
- Recruited, hired and oriented departmental staff.
- Organized and facilitated faculty meetings to discuss ongoing projects, updates, and changes in the academic environment.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure that all educational requirements were met.
- Monitored student attendance records and developed strategies to improve class participation rates.
- Provided guidance to students regarding their academic goals and objectives.
Disability Coordinator
Career Systems Development Corporation
Ottumwa , IA
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive disability support system for students with disabilities.
- Conducted individual assessments to determine the appropriate accommodations for each student.
- Provided guidance and assistance to faculty members in implementing accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated training sessions on campus accessibility policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Collaborated with external agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services to facilitate access to services for students with disabilities.
- Maintained records of all meetings, phone calls, emails. related to disability services.
- Facilitated communication between staff members regarding disability-related issues or concerns.
- Organized events that promote awareness of disability rights and resources available on campus.
- Advocated for equal access to educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the college community.
- Participated in committees focused on developing policy initiatives that address the needs of people with disabilities.
- Kept up-to-date, thorough and accurate case files.
- Collaborated with other professionals to assess client needs.
Targeted Case Manager
Southeast Iowa Case Management
Ottumwa , IA
09.2007 - 10.2017
- Developed individualized service plans with measurable goals and objectives in collaboration with clients.
- Coordinated with community agencies to ensure appropriate referrals for services such as housing, job training, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.
- Monitored client progress towards achieving established goals through regular contact both in person and over the phone.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all client contacts within mandated timelines according to agency policies and guidelines.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary by utilizing de-escalation techniques and making appropriate referrals for additional support services.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss clinical issues concerning clients requiring case management services.
- Educated family members or guardians about available supports that can be provided at home for individuals transitioning from residential settings into their own homes.
- Completed required paperwork such as reports for funding sources along with monthly statistics data entry into computer system databases.
- Organized transportation arrangements when necessary so that clients could attend appointments or receive necessary treatments.
- Liaised between community caregivers and clients to coordinate services.
- Assisted clients with identifying resources to meet basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, safety, mental health and medical services.
- Supported clients with plan development for medication usage, personal hygiene, shopping, cooking, budgeting and transportation.
- Communicated with multidisciplinary teams regarding client goals and progress.
- Maintained accurate and concise records of clients' diagnoses, medications and services.
- Helped clients to develop goals for life skills and create plans for daily activities of living.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through building trust and rapport.
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
- Adhered to ethical principles and standards to protect clients' confidential information.
- Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
- Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in case management.
Program Coordinator
Tenco Industries
Ottumwa , IA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Served as a liaison between external organizations and partners involved in delivering programming services.
- Developed and implemented program activities according to established goals and objectives.
- Provided guidance and support to program participants in navigating resources, services, and opportunities.
- Coordinated meetings with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of program initiatives.
- Maintained up-to-date records related to program activities.
- Prepared reports on progress towards program goals for management review.
- Facilitated communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and conference calls.
- Explained program offerings and requirements to participants and answered related questions.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates, gather feedback, and align on goals.
- Adapted programs in response to participant feedback and changing needs.
- Implemented tracking systems for participant engagement, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Established and maintained partnerships with community organizations to expand program reach.
Portrait Studio Manager
PCA International
Oskaloosa , IA
06.2005 - 01.2006
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to attract new customers.
- Maintained accurate financial records for the studio, including invoicing, payments and deposits.
- Organized daily operations of the portrait studio, such as scheduling appointments and managing inventory.
- Supervised a team of photographers and other staff members in providing exceptional customer service.
- Created attractive displays to showcase products and services in the studio.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly maintained and serviced regularly.
- Managed client relations by responding to inquiries in a timely manner.
- Conducted regular photo shoots with clients, ensuring quality results were achieved within budget parameters.
- Resolved any customer complaints quickly and efficiently to ensure their satisfaction.
- Provided guidance on selecting poses, clothing choices and backgrounds for each portrait session.
- Reviewed proofs of photos taken during portrait sessions prior to printing them out for clients.
- Processed orders from customers promptly upon completion of their photo session.
- Developed innovative ideas for themed photo shoots that would appeal to different target audiences.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
Shelter Coordinator
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
Ottumwa , IA
03.2003 - 06.2004
- Assessed shelter operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and identified areas for improvement.
- Organized fundraising events to support the mission of the organization.
- Represented the organization at conferences, meetings and workshops.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, preparing reports and managing budgets.
- Managed organization's daily operations.
- Consulted with staff on resolution of complex service issues.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired volunteers and staff.
- Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret purposes, programs, and policies.
- Implemented and evaluated staff, volunteer or training programs.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals dealing with a variety of life issues, including grief, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and relationship conflicts.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations by providing crisis intervention services.
- Assisted clients in identifying resources available within the community such as housing assistance or employment opportunities.
- Created safe spaces for clients by maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.
- Attended trainings related to evidence-based practices in order to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field.
- Researched potential funders and wrote tailored grant applications that met the funder's criteria.
- Identified new sources of grant funding, including corporate, private, and government grants.
Child Advocate
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
Ottumwa , IA
05.2001 - 03.2003
- Provided crisis intervention services to families experiencing domestic violence or homelessness.
- Facilitated group sessions with children who have experienced trauma due to neglect or abuse.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
- Supported individuals by facilitating weekly group sessions.
- Informed victims about legal processes and timelines.
Facility Maintenance Manager
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
Ottumwa , IA
03.2000 - 05.2001
- Conducted inspections of facility equipment and systems to identify potential areas for improvement.
- Created preventative maintenance schedules and ensured proper implementation.
- Coordinated with outside contractors to ensure timely completion of facility repairs.
- Maintained records of all facility repairs and maintenance activities.
- Worked closely with vendors to order parts or materials necessary for completing repairs on time.
- Responded quickly to any urgent issues requiring immediate attention such as broken windows or blocked toilets.
- Performed repairs and scheduled maintenance of company equipment and systems.
Overnight Advocate
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
Ottumwa , IA
01.2000 - 05.2001
- Facilitated support groups for victims of domestic violence with the goal of enhancing their self-esteem and providing emotional support.
- Conducted safety assessments and provided safety planning strategies to survivors of domestic violence.
- Assisted survivors in accessing housing, financial assistance, medical care, mental health services, childcare services, job training programs.
- Maintained detailed records regarding client progress and treatment plans using an electronic database system.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss various aspects of individual cases.
- Offered referrals to appropriate community resources based on individual needs.
- Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
- Used knowledge of successful crisis intervention techniques and supportive problem-solving to achieve treatment goals.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Acted as role model for clients by exhibiting positive behaviors.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA04-2012
Associate of Arts -
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA05-1999
Skills
- Leadership
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Professionalism
- Goal Setting
- Organizational Skills
- Decision-Making
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Active Listening
- Task Prioritization
- Effective Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Skills
- Time Management
- Planning and coordination
- Team building
- Personnel Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Continuous Improvement
- Service planning
- Client Advocacy
- Referral Coordination
- MS Office
- Google Programs
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Documentation
- Positive Attitude
- Program Development
- Staff Management
- Organization and Multitasking
- Email and Telephone Etiquette
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptability
- Conflict Resolution
References
- Stephanie Koch 641-895-2942
- Laura Ammenhauser 515-313-3653
- Julie Lowe 641-814-2181
- Heather Gross 641-670-0128
Timeline
Academic Manager
Career Systems Development Corporation
05.2019 - 03.2024
Disability Coordinator
Career Systems Development Corporation
11.2017 - 05.2019
Targeted Case Manager
Southeast Iowa Case Management
09.2007 - 10.2017
Program Coordinator
Tenco Industries
01.2006 - 01.2007
Portrait Studio Manager
PCA International
06.2005 - 01.2006
Shelter Coordinator
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
03.2003 - 06.2004
Child Advocate
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
05.2001 - 03.2003
Facility Maintenance Manager
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
03.2000 - 05.2001
Overnight Advocate
Crisis Center and Women's Shelter
01.2000 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology
Buena Vista University
Associate of Arts -
Indian Hills Community College
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