Dynamic Peer Wellness Specialist with a proven track record at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, excelling in mental health support and client motivation. Enhanced patient outcomes through personalized wellness plans and effective communication, fostering trust and collaboration. Committed to promoting healthier lifestyles and implementing evidence-based practices to drive positive behavioral change.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
EFDA Certification
1
1
DANB Certification
1
1
Peer Wellness Certification
1
1
Peer Mentor Certification
Work History
Peer Wellness Specialist
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
03.2023 - Current
Work closely with patients to help them move towards sobriety.
Manipulate and control my own work schedule, ensuring my patients received the care they need ad deserve
Report to my supervisor on a weekly basis and work closely with Behavioral Health to ensure patient's needs are being met.
Work closely with Primary Care Providers to help designate the correct help for each patient.
Work within a team (Enhanced Care Management) to work closely with patients who were high risk and had higher needs.
Implemented corporate wellness initiatives that led to increased employee productivity and reduced absenteeism rates.
Contributed to the growth of the company''s brand reputation through consistent professionalism, expertise, and excellence in service delivery.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices by participating in professional development opportunities and attending relevant conferences.
Monitored client progress regularly, adjusting program components as needed to optimize results.
Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication throughout the coaching process.
Conducted workplace ergonomic evaluations to reduce injury risk factors.
Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients with chronic conditions or specific needs.
Promoted a positive attitude towards wellness, encouraging clients to adopt healthier habits in their daily lives.
Reduced stress levels for clients through mindfulness techniques and stress management strategies.
Delivered exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries from both current and prospective clients.
Utilized evidence-based practices in designing effective wellness interventions addressing diverse populations'' unique needs.
Enhanced client well-being by implementing personalized wellness plans and lifestyle coaching.
Built strong relationships with members to promote health, wellness and available services.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Gentle Denal Downtown Portland
02.2016 - 04.2019
Contributed to a positive patient experience by effectively addressing concerns and answering questions about dental treatments.
Applied fluoride varnish and sealants.
Supported dentist during oral surgeries, ensuring proper instrument preparation and sterilization procedures were followed.
Built strong rapport with patients through empathetic communication skills, fostering trust in dental care providers.
Increased efficiency in the dental office by assisting with chairside duties such as taking impressions and fabricating temporary crowns.
Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, safeguarding the health of patients and staff.
Expanded knowledge of dental techniques and advancements by attending continuing education courses, applying new learnings to daily practice.
Assisted in coronal polishing.
Conducted pre-operative assessments of patients'' medical history to minimize risks associated with anesthesia administration during dental procedures.
Assisted dentists in complex procedures, ensuring efficient and high-quality treatment outcomes.
Optimized inventory management by maintaining accurate records of supplies and equipment usage, minimizing waste, and ordering necessary materials in a timely manner.
Ensured smooth operation of dental practice by performing routine maintenance on equipment, identifying issues early on to prevent costly repairs.
Fostered a welcoming and calming environment for patients by maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in all treatment areas.
Streamlined appointment scheduling and management, reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction.
Played key role in emergency dental care by quickly responding to urgent patient needs and assisting in providing immediate treatment.
Managed patient records with attention to detail, updating medical histories and inputting relevant information into the practice management software system.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Willamette Dental Group
08.2010 - 08.2016
Facilitated seamless coordination between front office staff and clinical team members by serving as a liaison for scheduling matters.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients with diverse needs.
Contributed to dental team's effectiveness by sharing insights and feedback from patients regarding their care experience.
Enhanced accuracy of patient treatment plans by diligently collecting and recording medical histories and dental chart information.
Improved patient satisfaction with meticulous attention to detail in taking dental impressions and fabricating temporary crowns.
Supported dental health promotion by participating in community outreach programs and free dental care events.
Ensured positive and welcoming environment for patients by meticulously maintaining cleanliness and organization of reception area.
Improved patient understanding of dental procedures and aftercare instructions through clear and concise explanations.
Improved patient outcomes with skillful application of dental sealants and fluoride treatments, contributing to better oral health.
Enhanced team collaboration and patient care by providing timely assistance to dentists and hygienists during procedures.
Reduced occurrence of dental tool and equipment malfunctions with regular maintenance checks and timely repairs.
Increased efficiency in dental treatments by proficiently assisting in various dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crowns.
Streamlined dental procedure process, preparing instruments and materials ahead of each appointment.
Optimized inventory management, ensuring availability of necessary dental supplies and reducing wastage.
Achieved higher level of patient education on oral health practices by creating and distributing informative brochures and materials.
Contributed to decrease in patient wait times by efficiently managing preparation and cleanup of treatment areas.
Elevated standard of care by continuously updating skills and knowledge through professional development courses and certifications.
Successfully managed patient anxiety and improved their experience with effective communication and empathetic care practices.
Facilitated smoother workflow within dental office by maintaining organized patient records and scheduling appointments.
Cleaned and sanitized dental instruments and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Drug And Alcohol Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
11-2025
Sam Barlow High School
Gresham, OR
06-2000
Technical Certificate in Dental Assisting - Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
Concorde Career College
Portland, OR
06-2000
Skills
Mental health support
Substance abuse prevention
Chronic disease management
Wellness coaching
Behavioral change strategies
Client motivation
Alternative medicine knowledge
Behavior modification
Healthy lifestyle advocacy
Multitasking Abilities
Problem-solving abilities
Attention to detail
Reliability
Excellent communication
CPR certification
Organizational skills
Team collaboration
Active listening
Effective communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Decision-making
Relationship building
Team building
Task prioritization
Self motivation
Interpersonal skills
Client relationship management
Conflict resolution
Goal setting
Professionalism
First aid certification
Interpersonal communication
Time management abilities
Written communication
Professional demeanor
Cultural sensitivity
Motivational techniques
Problem-solving aptitude
AED operation
Certification
Certified Peer Wellness, - two years
Timeline
Peer Wellness Specialist
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
03.2023 - Current
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Gentle Denal Downtown Portland
02.2016 - 04.2019
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Willamette Dental Group
08.2010 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Drug And Alcohol Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Sam Barlow High School
Technical Certificate in Dental Assisting - Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
Expanded Function Dental Assistant / Qualified Interpreter at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health CenterExpanded Function Dental Assistant / Qualified Interpreter at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center