Norissa GrEAVES
GA
Summary
Experienced professional with strong background in team leadership and operational management. Demonstrated success in fostering collaboration and achieving impactful outcomes. Proficient in conflict resolution, process optimization, and strategic planning, adapting to evolving business requirements. Recognized for reliability, effective communication, and cultivating a productive work environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Statewide Activity Therapy Supervisor
CENTURION HEALTH @ GDOC
11.2022 - 12.2024
- Performed all hiring, orientation, terminations and disciplinary actions for team members throughout the state of Georgia.
- Provided Activity Therapy services at facilities without coverage and emphasized a Team work approach.
- Consulted for GDOC Health Services by performing annual compliance audits for all facilities
- Participated in Statewide joint committee and attended other weekly committee engagements
- Enabled and led the GDOC Activity Therapy Team to present at NCCHC as the first group of Activity Therapist to present
- First activity Therapist to participate in the CQI Fair and won for the state of Georgia
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks for up to 30 team members at 16 facilities throughout the state.
- Resolved conflicts involving team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Enhanced communication within the team by monthly visits,holding monthly meetings, bi annual in-services, weekly zoom as needed, and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization's core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
- Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans thru ongoing coaching which improved deficiencies.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
- Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, 1:1 training sessions and workshops resulting in improved performance.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness thru a hands on approach and emphasizing 1 Team standard.
- Implemented rewards and recognition program that significantly increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Developed comprehensive training program for new hires, significantly reducing learning curve and integrating them into team quickly.
- Managed diverse team, promoting inclusive work environment that leveraged individual strengths.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team to suggest and implement process enhancements.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Recreational Therapist
RIVERWOODS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.2015 - 08.2024
- Assessed patients for leisure interests and barriers
- Facilitated and plan various group interventions of an adapted nature to meet levels of functioning
- Provided 1:1 interventions for patients with special requirements
- Maintained a safe and secure environment
- Provide timely documentation
- Addressed patient and family concerns while monitoring visitation sessions
- Various administrative duties to include switchboard, collating, faxing, etc
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients, improving their quality of life.
- Utilized creative expression techniques such as art, music, and drama therapy to encourage emotional expression and healing within patients.
- Administered assessments to evaluate patient needs and determine appropriate therapeutic interventions, leading to more effective treatments.
- Acted as a liaison between the recreational therapy department and other facility departments, ensuring seamless integration of services for optimal patient care.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of program effectiveness, refining approaches as needed to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
- Participated in case conferences with other healthcare professionals to discuss updates on patient progress and develop collaborative strategies.
- Implemented adaptive equipment when necessary, enabling patients with physical limitations to participate fully in therapeutic activities.
- Documented patient progress and adjusted treatment plans accordingly, ensuring continued success in meeting therapeutic goals.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices through continuing education courses, providing cutting-edge care for patients.
- Educated patients on creating positive coping skills and healthy personal goals through leisure and recreation modalities.
- Supervised and directed 8 volunteers to provide assistance in implementing, planning and leading therapeutic activities.
Activity Therapist
MHM-CENTURION
07.2007 - 11.2022
- Completed assessments on all Justice involved individuals admitted to the SLU, while formulating appropriate adaptive interventions to match function levels and interdisciplinary treatment team goals
- Facilitated/ coordinated/participated in Bi-annual Activity Therapy in-services, staff meetings, new hire orientation and other training about Activity Therapy for GDOC staff members
- Consulted for GDOC Office of Health Services performing Annual Activity Therapy compliance audits on Treatment plans, assessments and programming to ensure Justice Involved Individuals are getting the services required.
- Served as the Activity Therapy Steering Committee Chairperson/ Lead AT
- Served on several special mission committees and assisted with various administrative tasks to include supervision of Justice involved individuals assigned as orderlies to the Mental Health department
- Assessed justice involved individuals via observations and interviews, maintaining notes on needs, skills, interests and limitations.
- Developed strong rapport with justice involved individuals through active listening and genuine interest in their progress and recovery journey.
- Served as an advocate for the activity therapy profession by maintaining professional knowledge through continuing education courses and industry conferences.
- Assisted justice involved individuals in setting realistic goals for their recovery process, fostering motivation and personal accountability to cope with their present incarcerated state.
- Completed all required documentation in a timely manner and was the only Activity Therapist to receive a score of 100% on the annual audit more than 3 years in a row,
Activity Therapist
MHM-SERVICES
01.2005 - 07.2007
- Conceptualized and planned appropriate recreation therapy programs for inmates with mental disabilities at 6 county jails (Juveniles, women, men and seniors)
- Adapted and facilitated treatment programs by graduating tasks to meet inmate's level of functioning and adhere to safety precautions
- Worked effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
- Used basic medical and psychiatric terminology
- Communicated effectively, both orally and in writing while maintaining timely documentation
- Created a manual of possible adapted group interventions for use by the entire mental health department
- Served as Liaison to at risk youth at Alternative High schools while coordinating and facilitating panels and visits to the jails
- Served as an advocate for the activity therapy profession by maintaining professional knowledge through continuing education courses and industry conferences.
- Planned and implemented therapeutic activities on group and individual basis to assist offenders in achieving specific goals while in inpatient unit.
- Improved inmate engagement by designing various activities that catered to physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
- Promoted a stimulating environment through the incorporation of diverse activities such as arts and crafts, music therapy, pet therapy, and exercise programs.
- Recognized as a dedicated Activity Therapist by consistently receiving positive feedback from offenders, ombudsmen, security team, and colleagues regarding my professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach.
- Empowered offenders by teaching them coping strategies and self-regulation techniques for managing stressors in daily life effectively.
- Assessed offenders via observations and interviews, maintaining notes on needs, skills, interests and limitations.
- Developed strong rapport with offenders through active listening and genuine interest in their progress and recovery journey.
- Contributed to a positive therapeutic environment by maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace for offenders.
Education
BS - THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
HERBERT H. LEHMAN C.U.N.Y
Bronx, NY06.1998
AAS - THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE C.U.N.Y
06.1995
Skills
- Excellent communication and relatability skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Mindfulness and adaptive intervention techniques
- Goal setting and process improvement expertise
- Social skills and disability awareness
Managed/trained/mentored groups of 30 plus in skill building techniques and staff development
- All areas associated with Staff management and motivation
- Individualized treatment planning and behavior management strategies
- Multicultural sensitivity and customer service skill set
- Recreational therapy techniques and program development
- Staff development and attention to detail
- Processes, policies and procedures
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 30plus staff members.
- Collaborated with team of 20 in the development of Suicide Precaution CQI.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop time management spreadsheets geared to each facility,
- Became the First Activity Therapist to participate national CQI fair and win statewide CQI Fair
- Led team of 3 to being the First Activity Therapists to present at a NCCHC conference
Timeline
Statewide Activity Therapy Supervisor
CENTURION HEALTH @ GDOC
11.2022 - 12.2024
Recreational Therapist
RIVERWOODS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.2015 - 08.2024
Activity Therapist
MHM-CENTURION
07.2007 - 11.2022
Activity Therapist
MHM-SERVICES
01.2005 - 07.2007
AAS - THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE C.U.N.Y
BS - THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
HERBERT H. LEHMAN C.U.N.Y
Similar Profiles
Ashley HughesAshley Hughes
Certified Registered Medical Assistant at Centurion Health/ Westville Correctional FacilityCertified Registered Medical Assistant at Centurion Health/ Westville Correctional Facility
TRACEY L. HARRISTRACEY L. HARRIS
Records Clerk at Centurion HealthRecords Clerk at Centurion Health
MYRIAM S. RAYMYRIAM S. RAY
APRN - FNP at Centurion HealthAPRN - FNP at Centurion Health