Samantha J. Embry
Leitchfield ,KY
Summary
Fully licensed mental health professional with a strong record of client-centered care, collaborative teamwork, and positive outcomes, recognized for adaptability and reliability in dynamic clinical settings. Proficient in cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, I also bring extensive experience leading IT departments and managing enterprise-wide technology projects, AI, using project management and strategic planning to streamline processes, enhance system performance, and align secure infrastructure with organizational goals. As a psychoeducational instructor with excellent interpersonal skills, I foster supportive learning environments, deliver comprehensive content across varied modalities, and design meaningful assessments that complement and validate curriculum, bridging clinical expertise, technical leadership, and instructional excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
A.I.M. Wellness
Leitchfield, KY
09.2025 - Current
- Taught psychoeducation on mental health topics and resources to clients in classroom type settings both by zoom and in-person.
- Taught psychoeducation in prison system (Grayson Co. Detention Center)
- Developed lesson plans with power-points for teaching diverse subjects, including, but not limited to, financial literacy, psychoeducation/psychology, substance abuse, public health topics, etc.Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop tailored treatment plans.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to enhance client coping strategies and emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure holistic support for clients.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve client outcomes and promote mental health resilience.
- Developed training programs for staff on trauma-informed care to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
- Led community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of mental health resources and reduce stigma associated with seeking help.
- Promoted professional development by attending conferences, participating in continuing education courses, and staying current with advances in the field of mental health counseling.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client sessions, progress notes, treatment plans, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care.
- Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose mental health disorders and inform appropriate treatment plans.
- Utilized trauma-informed care approaches to support clients in processing and healing from past experiences of abuse or neglect.
- Developed group therapy programs addressing topics such as anger management, stress reduction, and emotional regulation for enhanced client support.
- Supported clients'' personal growth with goal setting, action planning, and progress monitoring.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients dealing with complex mental health issues.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
- Integrated cultural competence into counseling sessions, ensuring sensitivity to diverse client backgrounds and needs.
- Advocated for clients'' needs within various settings such as schools or workplaces to improve overall quality of life.
- Linked clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes.
- Maintained confidential records related to individual patient treatment using multiple EHR systems.
- Formulated comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans to facilitate and optimize follow-up by social workers by conducting thorough clinical interviews.
- Offered individual outpatient therapy to adult clients with wide range of psychological problems.
Director of Information Technology
A.I.M. Wellness
Leitchfield, KY, Radcliff, KY, Mundfordville, KY,
08.2021 - Current
- Instructed via zoom and in-person classroom setting, cybersecurity, HIPAA compliance strategies, and security breach issues with sensitive data.
- Directed IT strategy aligning technology initiatives with business goals.
- Oversaw implementation of enterprise-wide systems enhancing operational efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver innovative technology solutions on time and within budget.
- Established cybersecurity protocols reducing risk exposure across all digital platforms.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to drive digital transformation initiatives company-wide.
- Developed IT policies and procedures improving compliance and performance standards.
- Streamlined IT operations by implementing efficient processes and automation tools, leading to reduced downtime and improved productivity.
- Established performance metrics for the IT department to monitor progress against objectives, enabling continuous improvement initiatives.
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures for the organization through regular system audits, vulnerability assessments, and employee training programs.
- Championed best practices in information management while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement to drive operational excellence throughout the organization.
- Analyzed department and job-related functionality requirements to align technology priorities with business needs.
- Performed regular audits and tests of infrastructure and applications.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
- Identified computer hardware and network system issues, performing troubleshooting techniques for remediation.
- Oversaw development and implementation of improvements to support network operations.
- Analyzed network security and current infrastructure, assessing areas in need of improvement.
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
A.I.M. Wellness
Leitchfield, KY
09.2023 - 09.2025
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to promote mental health and personal growth.
- Developed treatment plans based on assessments and client goals, ensuring tailored support.
- Conducted crisis interventions to address immediate client needs and ensure safety.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client care through integrated services.
- Mentored junior counselors, providing guidance on clinical practices and ethical standards.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve client outcomes effectively.
- Led workshops and training sessions on mental health awareness for community outreach programs.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
- Advanced professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to mental health counseling practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring comprehensive care for clients.
- Managed caseload of diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring intervention or support.
- Built trust with at-risk populations through empathetic listening and culturally sensitive counseling approaches.
- Served as an advocate for clients'' rights ensuring they were treated fairly and appropriately by various systems, organizations, and agencies.
- Delivered psychoeducation presentations to community groups on topics such as stress management, coping skills, and mental health awareness.
- Taught psychoeducation on mental health topics and resources to clients in classroom type settings both by zoom and in-person.
- Developed lesson plans with power-points for teaching diverse subjects, including, but not limited to, financial literacy, psychoeducation/psychology, substance abuse, public health topics, etc.
- Maintained actived supervision per board requirements.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment on project objectives.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
A.I.M. Wellness
Leitchfield, KY/Remote
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to support clients' mental health needs.
- Assisted in developing treatment plans tailored to client goals and progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client outcomes through integrated care approaches.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to address various mental health disorders effectively.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions and progress notes for compliance purposes.
- Facilitated psychoeducational workshops on coping strategies and mental wellness topics.
- Participated in supervision sessions, receiving feedback to refine therapeutic skills and techniques.
- Researched and implemented new therapeutic modalities to improve service delivery for diverse populations.
- Developed culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse clientele.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated care for clients, optimizing their overall mental health outcomes.
- Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive mental health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.
- Conducted play therapy sessions for child clients, promoting emotional expression and processing through age-appropriate activities.
- Documented client progress meticulously, maintaining accurate records in accordance with HIPAA regulations and professional ethical standards.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions for diverse populations, fostering a supportive environment and promoting interpersonal growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of clinical mental health counseling.
- Conducted crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health issues, stabilizing their emotional state and connecting them with appropriate resources.
- Provided psychoeducation on various mental health topics during workshops for community members, increasing awareness of available support resources.
- Taught numerous psychoeducational groups which included zoom lessons, developing lesson plans and power-points on lessons , in-person lessons, etc.
- Supported clients in addressing substance abuse issues by providing psychoeducation on addiction and facilitating referrals to specialized treatment programs.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Targeted Adult/Child Case Manager
A.I.M. Wellness
Leitchfield, KY
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Developed individualized service plans to address client needs and goals.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for children and families.
- Conducted intake assessments to determine eligibility for services and resources.
- Monitored progress of cases, adjusting interventions as necessary to improve outcomes.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and service providers to enhance support systems.
- Provided crisis intervention strategies to stabilize high-risk situations effectively.
- Improved child well-being by implementing individualized case management plans.
- Enhanced communication between service providers, ensuring streamlined support for children and families.
- Maintained timely documentation of case activities, enabling accurate tracking of progress and outcomes.
- Maintained confidentiality in all communications pertaining to clients'' personal information, protecting privacy rights as required by law.
- Offered guidance and support to parents, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their child''s care plan.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during emergency situations, maintaining child safety and welfare at all times.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and improve client satisfaction.
- Provided crisis intervention and conflict resolution, effectively managing high-stress situations.
- Educated clients on available resources, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their care.
- Educated clients on available resources and their rights within the system, empowering them to advocate for themselves effectively.
- Collaborated with community partners to expand available services and resources for clients, fostering stronger support networks.
- Networked within local community to build professional relationships with healthcare providers, outreach program leaders and government officials.
- Led training sessions for new case managers on best practices in targeted case management techniques, improving overall team performance.
- Accurately completed safety incident reports and documented in each electronic health record.
- Ensured client rights were protected and upheld by adhering to ethical guidelines, confidentiality regulations, and professional standards in all aspects of case management practice.
- Reduced barriers to accessing services by navigating complex systems alongside clients.
- Monitored and tracked client progress, adjusting case plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining high-quality service delivery standards.
Photographer/ Digital Artist
Sam J. Embry Photography, LLC.
Leitchfield, Kentucky
10.2016 - 01.2021
- Provided advice and guidance on aesthetics for campaigns, projects and promotional events.
- Developed creative solutions that drove engagement with published content.
- In-depth knowledge of Photoshop, Lightroom, and various other editing software.
- Developed, implemented and managed marketing and design of billboards, business cards, etc. for various businesses.
- Used Photoshop to create images and layouts for multiple projects.
- Managed small business administrative tasks.
- Served customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
Temporary Fill-In Legal Administrative Assistant
Cabinet For Health & Family Services
Leitchfield, Kentucky
11.2017 - 03.2018
- Maintained organized office and case-specific paper and digital files for easy tracking and retrieval.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
- Prepared for trials, conducting legal research and drafting pleadings.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Generated pleadings and other legal documents for review by attorneys and paralegals.
- Prepared drafts of forms, letters and agreements for legal staff use.
- Helped with intake of new clients and materials by setting up files and documenting important information.
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings between legal teams and clients, including setting up refreshments and preparing materials.
- Managed general clerical needs such as opening and closing files, scanning sheets and faxing documents.
- Prepared case summaries for mediation conferences.
- Developed positive working relationship with courts, clients, law enforcement members and attorneys.
Legal Administrative Assistant
Embry, Merritt, Shaffar, Womack, PLLC
Leitchfield, KY
08.2006 - 01.2016
- Screened phone calls to effectively handle less important inquiries and keep senior staff free for more important matters.
- Maintained organized office and case-specific paper and digital files for easy tracking and retrieval.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings between legal teams and clients, including setting up refreshments and preparing materials.
- Prepared drafts of forms, letters and agreements for legal staff use.
- Generated pleadings and other legal documents for review by attorneys and paralegals.
- Kept office efficient and organized by managing tasks such as supply restocking and general upkeep without oversight.
- Managed general clerical needs such as opening and closing files, scanning sheets and faxing documents.
- Helped with intake of new clients and materials by setting up files and documenting important information.
- Reviewed wide-ranging contracts and agreements and summarized terms for easy assessment.
- Filed all court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk on behalf of attorneys.
- Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
- Developed positive working relationship with courts, clients, law enforcement members and attorneys.
- Directed and coordinated law office activities, including service of subpoenas and scheduling of depositions.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions and other important dates.
- Organized key evidence exhibits to prepare for trials.
- Created interrogatory documents and requests for admissions, document productions, examinations and inspections.
- Prepared interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents and requests for examination or inspection.
- Transcribed all weekly and bi-weekly calendar meetings.
- Prepared case summaries for mediation conferences.
File Clerk
Grayson County Attorney, Tom Goff
Leitchfield, KY
09.2004 - 06.2005
- Upheld confidentiality of all information to avoid potential data breaches and client lawsuits.
- Implemented improvements to file systems and procedures.
- Examined, categorized and sorted incoming documents.
- Tracked incoming and outgoing files and materials and maintained accurate records for potential discrepancies.
- Prepared new files and assigned tracking identification numbers, which resulted in better retrieval efficiency.
- Processed correspondence, including post office pick-ups, sorting and distribution to appropriate parties.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Sorted, received and distributed mail correspondence between departments and personnel.
- Answered telephone calls from clients and sent calls to the client's case worker.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky, KY08-2023
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY04.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY05.2012
Skills
- Advanced teaching skills both in zoom (or over other online platforms) and in-classroom settings
- Advanced social skills: exceptional communicator with understanding, patience, compassion, and reasoning skills necessary to adequately handle people in all settings
- Corporate, civil, criminal, real-estate, and domestic law knowledge
- Advanced word processing
- Advanced typing
- Advanced Computer Skills
- Fluent in legal terminology
- Legal/Court Processes
- Legal compliance
- Administrative support
- Client service and support
- Relationship building
- Security clearance
- Risk and needs assessments
- Conflict Resolution
- Training and mentoring
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Case Management
- Research Expertise
- Relapse prevention
- Multicultural competence
- Suicide prevention
- Behavior modification
- Empathy development
- Psychological assessment
- Group therapy facilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Anger management (NAMA CERTIFIED CAMS-II INSTRUCTOR)
- Substance abuse counseling
- Assertiveness training
- Crisis intervention
- Public safety and security (several FEMA certifications as well as CPR and first responder trainings)
- Individual counseling
- Grief counseling
- Mental health diagnosis
- Sexual assault counseling
- Mental health treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Patient screening
- Integrated healthcare models
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Clinical assessment
- Self motivation
- Emotional awareness
- Interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy
- Professionalism
- Motivational interviewing
Affiliations
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentucky (Past)
- Young Professionals of Grayson County (Past)
- Grayson County SAFE (active member)
- Grayson County THRIVE (active member)
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
A.I.M. Wellness
09.2025 - Current
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
A.I.M. Wellness
09.2023 - 09.2025
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
A.I.M. Wellness
08.2022 - 08.2023
Director of Information Technology
A.I.M. Wellness
08.2021 - Current
Targeted Adult/Child Case Manager
A.I.M. Wellness
08.2021 - 08.2022
Temporary Fill-In Legal Administrative Assistant
Cabinet For Health & Family Services
11.2017 - 03.2018
Photographer/ Digital Artist
Sam J. Embry Photography, LLC.
10.2016 - 01.2021
Legal Administrative Assistant
Embry, Merritt, Shaffar, Womack, PLLC
08.2006 - 01.2016
File Clerk
Grayson County Attorney, Tom Goff
09.2004 - 06.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of The Cumberlands
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of The Cumberlands
References
- Jessica Smith, MA, LPCC, Program Director/Supervisor, A.I.M. Wellness Addiction Treatment Facility, 306 Marion Street, Leitchfield, KY 42754, jessicasmithiop@tlbhw.org, (270) 899-0939
- Darren L. Embry, Attorney at Embry, Merritt, Shaffar, Womack, PLLC., (859) 494-4816, Darren@emswlaw.com
- Hon. Judge Kenneth Harold Goff, II, 46th District Court Judge of Kentucky, (270) 259-6785
Certifications
- Certified Anger Management Specialist, II - NAMA Approved
- C-DBT Certified
- FEMA - IS-230.E: FUNDAMENTALS OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT certification
- FEMA - IS-240.c: LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE certification
- Kentucky DUI Assessor certification
- Mental Health Specific to Veterans and Families certification
- Kentucky Counselor Law Training certification (update certification)
- Domestic Violence Training for Kentucky Mental Health Professionals certification (update certification)
- Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management (update certification)
- Certificate in Military Mental Health
- Department of Homeland Security - Completion of Course - 2021
Licenses
Kentucky, License No. XXX308, Exp. 12/31/2026 (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Active/Good Standing - No reports)
National Provider ID: XXXXXX9638
Awards
Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky Colonel, issued on 1/24/2023