Ofelia Cedano-Johnson
Marian Catholic High School
Saint John,IN
2
Languages
1
Certification
29
years of professional experience
Dedicated professional with strong background in providing evidence-based counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Skilled in developing treatment plans, conducting assessments and documenting progress. Committed to advocating for mental health and well-being of clients.
Work History
Counselor
6 Years 1 Month- Provided individualized counseling to students, addressing academic and personal challenges.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering peer support and communication skills.
- Collaborated with teachers to create tailored educational plans for at-risk students.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted strategies to ensure academic success.
- Mentored junior counselors, sharing best practices and enhancing team effectiveness.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help students develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Designed culturally sensitive interventions tailored to each student's background and experiences.
- Supported students in the development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
- Fostered a supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
- Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
- Facilitated workshops on stress management techniques, leading to better client self-care strategies.
- Listened to students' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual crisis interventions.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in students' lives.
Bilingual Childern's Counselor
1 Year 9 Months- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring client safety and emotional stability during critical situations.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting peer support and open communication among participants.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address clients' unique needs and challenges.
- Implemented evidence-based practices that increased program efficiency and improved client outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Coordinator/Therapist
5 Years- Oversee the administrative and clinical operation of five (5) counseling programs.
- Facilitate psycho-educational and psychosocial groups in Chicago Public Schools and community based organizations.
- Provided individual, family and group counseling.
- Assisted in grant writing and identified new funding sources to enhance program sustainability.
- Completed quarterly reports detailing community-based site activities to inform stakeholders and guide program development.
Counselor/Case Manager
1 Year- Provided individual and family counseling for clients impacted by HIV/AIDS, fostering emotional support and resilience.
- Coordinated and facilitated support groups for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, promoting community connection and shared experiences.
- Conducted HIV/AIDS education and prevention workshops for community organizations and schools, raising awareness and fostering informed decision-making.
- 1997-1998
Education
Masters of Science - Psychology
Bachelor of Science - Sociology and Psychology
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
Skills
Intake interviewing
Crisis intervention techniques
Treatment Planning
Psychoeducation
Mental health support
Behavior monitoring
Crisis intervention
Crisis response
Skilled in intake interviewing
Adolescent counseling
Conflict resolution
Bilingual in Spanish and English
HIPAA
Biopsychosocial assessment
Bilingual proficiency
Multicultural competence
Affiliations
Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association
American School Counselors Association
Illinois Counseling Association
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer (McLean County)
Certification
Adolescent-Mental Health First Aid Certified- 2024
Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional- exp. 2/28/28
Personal Information
Title: Coordinator/Therapist
Section name
- Nearly 10 years of mental health practice in a community setting.
- Ability to direct complex projects from concept to fully operational status.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Counselor
Marian Catholic High School
08.2020 - CurrentRead More
Bilingual Childern's Counselor
South Suburban Family Shelter
08.2019 - 05.2021Read More
Coordinator/Therapist
Scholarship & Guidance Association
01.2012 - 01.2017Read More
Counselor/Case Manager
Children's Home & Aid Society
01.1998 - 01.1999Read More
Illinois State University
Masters of Science from Psychology
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Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science from Sociology and Psychology
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Liberty University
Master of Arts from Clinical Counseling
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