Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Ruth Garza

Amarillo,Texas

Summary

Client-focused, with training and expertise to help individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems. Excels in counseling, personalized support and crisis intervention.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Prevention Specialist

Cenikor Foundation
Amarillo, Texas
Jan2020 - 02.2024
  • Provided prevention education and training to the schools throughout the community on drug use, abuse and addiction.
  • Promoted an evidence-based curriculum to the schools and community on positive actions & thinking styles.
  • Developed evidence-based prevention programs for at-promise youth populations.
  • Organized community events focused on raising awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.
  • Participated in coalition meetings with community partners to discuss strategies for reducing substance use among adolescents.
  • Utilized social media platforms to spread awareness about available resources for those affected by substance abuse.
  • Identified problem areas impacting participants' ability to successfully complete treatment.
  • Supported clients with drug and alcohol addictions by implementing life skills groups.
  • Led supportive group discussions and educational sessions on topics of alcohol and drug abuse.
  • Discussed with clients how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior.

Senior Residential Counselor

Arrow Child & Family Ministries
Amarillo, TX
08.2017 - 07.2019
  • Monitored resident progress in meeting goals established by treatment plans.
  • Conducted intakes, assessments, and reassessments with clients as needed.
  • Provided crisis intervention when necessary to deescalate situations involving residents or staff.
  • Educated clients on topics such as health, nutrition, mental health, substance abuse prevention, anger management.
  • Assisted with medication administration under the direction of a qualified professional.
  • Provided transportation for appointments or community outings as needed.
  • Encouraged participation in school or work programs outside of the facility.
  • Actively participated in training sessions related to best practices for working with at-risk youth.
  • Prepared meals and assisted clients with laundry and household chores.
  • Provided information on resident progress and development of case plans.
  • Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
  • Led weekly meetings to address resident concerns and educate on changes to policies and procedures.

EIS/Client Service Coordinator

Early Childhood Intervention Program
Amarillo, Texas
July2014 - July2015
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through regular contact and follow-up communication.
  • Conducted assessments and developed Individualized Service Plans for clients.
  • Participated in professional development activities related to special education practices.
  • Coordinated resources within the community to enhance access for preparedness & learning.
  • Provided care plans for children specialized needs between ages of 0 and 3.
  • Completed professional development courses, attended industry conferences and read current publications to maintain knowledge of updates to field.
  • Used established assessment tools and testing instruments.
  • Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
  • Enhanced clients' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.

Retail Sales Associate

Dillards Department Store
Amarillo, Texas
10.2011 - 11.2013
  • Assisted customers with finding the right product for their needs.
  • Provided product information and answered customer questions.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of store products and services.
  • Performed cashier duties, such as ringing up sales, processing payments and issuing receipts.
  • Greeted customers upon entering the store and provided assistance.
  • Stocked shelves with merchandise according to company standards.
  • Tracked inventory levels throughout the day and restocked items as needed.
  • Handled customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Promoted special offers and discounts to encourage additional purchases.
  • Followed company policies, rules and procedures to promote company goals and maintain safety.
  • Restocked shelves, racks and bins with latest merchandise and changed signage to promote special items.

Education

Master of Arts - Counseling

West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX
12-2020

BASc - Minor in Social Work

West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX
05-2014

High School Diploma -

Bible Heritage Christian School
4100 Public Ave
05-1987

Skills

  • Prevention Specialist
  • Outreach Planning
  • Health Education
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Community Outreach
  • Life Skills Groups

Affiliations

  • Every Wednesday I love to volunteer at the PARC where I teach a life skills group for 30 min. and also have an art class after that pertains to the lesson that was just taught. This group enriches my life.

Certification

  • Texas Certification Board: Associate Prevention Specialist APS #1540-0123

Timeline

Senior Residential Counselor

Arrow Child & Family Ministries
08.2017 - 07.2019

Retail Sales Associate

Dillards Department Store
10.2011 - 11.2013

Master of Arts - Counseling

West Texas A&M University

BASc - Minor in Social Work

West Texas A&M University

High School Diploma -

Bible Heritage Christian School

Certified Prevention Specialist

Cenikor Foundation
Jan2020 - 02.2024

EIS/Client Service Coordinator

Early Childhood Intervention Program
July2014 - July2015

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Ruth Garza