Elysa Sontheimer
North Potomac,MD
Work Preference
Summary
Although I have been unemployed since having my 2nd child, I have maintained an active Clinical Social Work license by attending CEU conferences and keeping up with research developments. In the meantime, I have been proactive and highly involved in my children's schools and PTSAs. I am hard-working, a quick learner, and work both in groups and independently. I have versatile skill sets that can apply is virtually any situation and am comfortable speaking my mind in a professional and respectful manner when I disagree with current tasks at hand. I am ethical, genuine, and am used to working with all walks of life. I look forward to seeing what we can build together!
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Media Coordinator
Wootton PTSA
Rockville, MD
03.2025 - Current
- Developed social media campaigns that increased community engagement and event participation significantly.
- Streamlined communication processes between stakeholders, enhancing response times and service delivery efficiency.
- Created content for various social media channels including Facebook and Instagram.
- Monitored online conversations on multiple platforms to respond promptly to customer inquiries.
- Maintained social media calendar, supporting brand identity while tapping into seasonal moments and appropriate trends.
- Planned and executed social media vision, driving brand discovery and customer engagement.
- Generated content ideas to engage target audiences and increase followers.
- Developed and implemented effective social media campaigns to increase brand awareness, engagement, and website traffic.
- Built and ran social media campaigns, aligning with Wootton brand strategy.
- Published content that aligned with brand to build connections and encourage a sense of community.
Fundraising Chair
Wootton PTSA
Rockville, MD
09.2022 - Current
- Tracked progress of campaigns using metrics to measure success.
- Analyzed data from past campaigns to determine areas for improvement.
- Researched prospective donors and identified potential sources of funding.
- Developed and managed website content related to fundraising activities.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders such as corporate partners, foundations, and government agencies.
- Created and distributed marketing materials for campaigns and special events.
- Organized and managed fundraising events, including scheduling, budgeting, and vendor relations.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws governing charitable solicitation.
- Maintained accurate records of all donations and expenses.
- Facilitated meetings between board members, volunteers, and staff regarding fundraising efforts.
- Developed creative strategies to increase donor base and donations.
- Implemented best practices for donor stewardship and recognition initiatives.
- Collaborated with staff members to create innovative approaches to fundraising initiatives.
- Coordinated special events designed to raise funds for specific causes or projects.
- Planned and directed special events for fundraising such as silent auctions, galas, and exhibition basketball games with the Harlem Wizards.
- Developed fundraising activity plans that maximized participation and contributions and minimized costs.
- Created and edited promotional publications, such as flyers and programs.
- Wrote interesting and effective press releases, prepared information for media kits and developed and maintained company internet web pages.
- Managed fundraising budgets.
Metro Region Clinical Coordinator
Department of Juvenile Services
Rockville, MD
01.2008 - 06.2010
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and service providers to ensure youth would have a positive integration back into society.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to improve service delivery based on client input. This also included assessing contracted programs' efficacy and terminating if needed.
- Developed resource materials that enhanced client/family understanding of available services and resources.
- Communicated effectively with internal staff members as well as external vendors to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- Planned and coordinated events, meetings, and conferences with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
- Collaborated with department leads and senior management to coordinate operations and drive improvements in regards to youth programming both during commitment and in the community.
- Created and implemented a Positive Behavior Program where youth were recognized for doing well and learning adaptive skills to keep them in the community. Met with Secretary of State and had program implemented in a couple regions throughout the state of Maryland.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to graduate student intern. Developed an internship program where local graduate student would be trained and evaluated on clinical skills in institutional settings.
School Social Worker
The Ridge School
Rockville, MD
06.2003 - 03.2008
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and develop tailored intervention plans.
- Facilitated individual, family, and group therapy sessions to address emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to promote student well-being and academic success.
- Improved student engagement through the implementation of targeted support strategies.
- Educated faculty on how best to respond when faced with challenging behaviors exhibited by students.
- Maintained accurate records of all interactions with students and families in accordance with state regulations.
- Worked closely with school administration and community partners to create and implement effective strategies aimed at improving student outcomes and overall well-being.
- Facilitated behavioral interventions for at-risk students in order to improve social skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Conducted assessments of student needs and developed appropriate plans for intervention or referral services, including inpatient hospitalization.
- Provided support during crisis situations involving students or staff members.
- Utilized culturally competent approaches when working with diverse populations of students.
- Created behavior plans that were tailored to meet the unique needs of each student's situation.
- Created and attended IEP meetings to provide input on the development of educational goals and objectives for special education students.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents and guardians, and outside agencies to develop strategies for addressing student concerns.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students with mental health issues.
- Participated in regular team meetings with other social workers, counselors and psychologists.
Education
MSW - Social Work
University of Maryland-Baltimore
Baltimore, MD, US05-2003
MSW - Social Work
Columbia University
New York, NY, US01-2002
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD, US05-1999
Skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Report writing
- Best practices implementation
- Clear communication
- Conflict resolution
- Deadline management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- LCSW-C
- Previously certified in First Aid/CPR/AED and MANDT
Timeline
Social Media Coordinator
Wootton PTSA
03.2025 - Current
Fundraising Chair
Wootton PTSA
09.2022 - Current
Metro Region Clinical Coordinator
Department of Juvenile Services
01.2008 - 06.2010
School Social Worker
The Ridge School
06.2003 - 03.2008
MSW - Social Work
Columbia University
MSW - Social Work
University of Maryland-Baltimore
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Frostburg State University