River Pullins
Palm Springs,CA
Summary
Compassionate Behavioral Health Technician with a proven track record at Desert Willow Wellness, adept in crisis intervention and patient observation. Skilled in documentation and maintaining confidentiality, I excel in building relationships and fostering teamwork, bringing not only clinical studies but also life experience with Dual Diagnosis, LGBTQ+, Military Veteran, and having 2yrs recovery time, as well as ensuring a safe environment for clients while implementing effective behavior modification techniques.
I am also CPR AED certified, California Medi Cal Peer Support Certified, Wellbriety Certified, Confidentiality, Ethics, and Boundaries Certified, CADTP certified, and currently am attending Sober College of Addiction Studies 6 month accelerated studies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Technician
Desert Willow Wellness
Palm Springs, CA
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
- Delivered compassionate care under challenging circumstances, consistently demonstrating resilience and adaptability when faced with unexpected obstacles or setbacks in patient progress.
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
- Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines while managing sensitive patient information, maintaining privacy and trust among clients.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Prepared and submitted daily reports to management.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing electronic health record systems for efficient data entry and retrieval purposes related to clinical documentation requirements within the field of behavioral health.
Day Laborer
People Ready Temp Agency
Kent, WA
05.2016 - 08.2018
- Improved construction project efficiency by assisting in the preparation, maintenance, and clean-up
- Ensured timely completion of tasks by following directions from supervisors and adapting to changing priorities.
- Contributed to successful landscaping projects through proper use of gardening tools and techniques.
- Maintained safe working environments by adhering to safety guidelines and promptly reporting hazards to management.
- Promoted project progress by working closely with team members, sharing knowledge of best practices for each task at hand.
- Expedited demolition projects with careful deconstruction techniques that prioritized worker safety while minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
- Delivered high-quality painting services for residential clients using appropriate techniques to ensure even coverage without drips or streaks.
- Enhanced team productivity by loading and unloading materials, tools, and equipment for various projects.
- Aided in the assembly of structures by accurately measuring, cutting, and positioning building materials according to specifications.
- Supported efficient warehouse operations by organizing inventory, conducting quality checks on incoming shipments, and preparing items for distribution.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Used variety of hand and power tools to complete tasks.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols while operating machinery and equipment.
- Moved and cleared debris from work sites to dispose of in designated areas.
Zookeeper
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA
04.1999 - 11.2014
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations governing the ethical treatment of animals under zoo care standards.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative guided tours, explaining animal behaviors and habitats.
- Minimized stress on animals during routine husbandry tasks by employing low-stress handling techniques based on each species'' unique characteristics.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
- Promoted a positive work environment by effectively communicating with team members, participating in staff meetings, and working collaboratively to achieve department goals.
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing visitor concerns or answering questions related to zoo operations or specific animals on display.
- Educated the public about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats during presentations and events.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Assisted with the development of new exhibits or renovations by providing input on species-specific requirements and optimal exhibit design features.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Worked closely with curatorial staff to ensure accurate recordkeeping of daily activities including feeding, cleaning, and medical treatments.
- Assisted in successful breeding programs by closely monitoring animal behavior, health, and interactions.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current on best practices in animal care within the zoological community.
- Facilitated volunteer training sessions to improve knowledge of proper handling techniques and general safety protocols around animals.
- Contributed to research projects focused on animal behavior, reproductive success, or environmental factors affecting species populations.
- Conducted behavioral observations to inform management decisions regarding exhibit design, animal compatibility, and overall wellbeing.
- Contributed to breeding programs aimed at preserving endangered species, supporting genetic diversity.
- Conducted guided tours, offering insightful stories about animals to enhance visitor satisfaction.
- Enhanced animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs tailored to each species' natural behaviors.
- Trained new staff members in zoo safety protocols and animal care standards, elevating team competency.
- Fostered safe environment, conducting regular safety audits to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Monitored animal behavior for signs of stress, adjusting care plans to improve well-being.
- Collaborated with research teams, providing valuable data for ongoing wildlife conservation studies.
- Improved physical health of animals with regular exercise routines, closely mirroring wild behaviors.
- Conducted daily health checks for early detection of potential health issues, ensuring timely veterinary care.
- Implemented waste management system to reduce environmental impact of zoo operations.
- Ensured compliance with animal welfare laws and accreditation standards, maintaining zoo's reputable status.
- Improved visitor engagement with educational talks, sharing insights on animal conservation and behaviors.
- Developed and maintained habitat enclosures to mimic natural environments, promoting healthier animal behaviors.
- Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
- Educated visitors and staff on proper animal care and handling.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Developed and implemented enrichment plans to keep animals healthy and stimulated.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
- Documented animals' weight, size and condition in computer system for review by senior staff.
- Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
- Assisted with development of animal behavior modification plans.
- Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
- Prepared and administered medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
- Consulted with veterinarians to diagnose problems and administered prescribed treatments.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Zoology
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL06-1999
Skills
- Active listening
- Conflict de-escalation
- Documentation skills
- De-escalation strategies
- Crisis handling
- Patient observation
- Rounds management
- Substance abuse experience
- Behavior modification techniques
- Progress monitoring
- Crisis intervention
- Records maintenance
- Incident reporting
- Recovery-oriented approach
- Log updating
- Behavioral management
- Team collaboration
- Security procedures
- Verbal de-escalation
- Co-occurring disorders
- Report writing
- Cultural sensitivity
- Mediation techniques
- Empathy and compassion
- Walking rounds
- Therapeutic communication
- Nonverbal communication
- Relationship building
- Behavior intervention plans
- Treatment implementation
- HIPAA requirements
- Progress documentation
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Behavior observation
- De-escalation techniques
- Vitals monitoring
- Heartsaver CPR AED
Timeline
Behavioral Health Technician
Desert Willow Wellness
01.2025 - 05.2025
Day Laborer
People Ready Temp Agency
05.2016 - 08.2018
Zookeeper
Woodland Park Zoo
04.1999 - 11.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Zoology
Santa Fe College