Sandra Lamers Hernandez, MSW, LCSW
Milwaukee,United States
Summary
Dynamic Mental Health Specialist with a proven track record at Wauwatosa School District, enhancing adolescent counseling and crisis intervention. Spearheaded district-wide mental health initiatives, achieving significant program impacts. Expert in clinical skills and communication, adept at staff training and systems development. Passionate about leveraging expertise for impactful, community-wide change.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Specialist/ATODA District Content Leader
Wauwatosa School District/Tosa East High School
08.2022 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling services to youth, addressing issues such as trauma, depression, grief, addiction, and behavioral concerns.
- Conducted risk assessments and threat assessments.
- Provide student Tier 2 and 3 intervention supports to at-risk students
- Advise admin on best practices regarding restorative practices and mental health.
- Building leadership team member at Tosa East High School.
- Conducted training sessions and workshops on effective mental health practices and ATODA (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse) interventions for parents and guardians.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community partners to coordinate and enhance mental health and ATODA services across the district.
- Self-initiated district-wide program development and partnerships: Rogers Behavioral Health, MKE Urban Stables, True Skool, MKE Tobacco-Free Alliance, Tosa Health Dept, Aurora, and Children's Hospital, to leverage resources for our district.
- District-wide event planning: ATODA, mental health awareness talks, and forums for parents and guardians in the district.
- Monitored program outcomes, analyzed data, and prepared reports to assess the effectiveness and impact of mental health and ATODA initiatives in the community.
Psychotherapist
Applied Therapies and Wellness Center
10.2021 - 09.2023
- Conduct individual and group therapy sessions to address clients' mental health concerns and promote emotional well-being
- Create personalized treatment plans based on clients' needs, goals, and presenting symptoms
- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness practices
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to ensure comprehensive care coordination for clients
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records, progress notes, and treatment documentation in compliance with ethical and legal standards
- Provided culturally sensitive support and intervention services to diverse student population, addressing mental health concerns, family issues, and academic challenges in both English and Spanish
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and community resources to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for bilingual students with special needs
BILINGUAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Milwaukee Public Schools
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Conducted home visits and family meetings to assess and address socioemotional factors affecting students' academic performance and behavioral issues, facilitating better communication and understanding between school and home environments for better school attendance.
- Facilitated intervention groups for at-risk students, focusing on topics such as attendance, conflict resolution, and peer relationships, to promote a positive school climate.
- Analyzed school attendance data to implement appropriate interventions to increase school attendance.
- Continued professional development by attending workshops and training sessions on multicultural competency, trauma-informed care, and best practices in bilingual social work to enhance services provided to English Language Learners (ELLs), and their families.
- Providing counseling and support services to bilingual students and families facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and school staff to develop and implement interventions that promote student success and well-being.
- Part of the Special Education team provided parent summaries and assessments for the IEP evaluation process.
- Advocating for the rights and needs of bilingual students within the school system, and connecting families to community resources for further support.
BILINGUAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology
05.2018 - 06.2020
- Function as part of the leadership/administration team for the school: develop and implement policies, procedures, interventions, and resources that maximize the positive behaviors of all enrolled students and enhance school culture, safety, and achievement.
- Assess student needs and apply appropriate interventions and/or referrals to outside services in response to chronic absenteeism, mental health, and behavioral issues.
- Provides case management and counseling services to students and families.
Develop and oversee the implementation of 504 case plans for students. - Provide social work interventions for goals in IEPs.
- Partner with outside organizations, including working closely with Wraparound Milwaukee to serve some of our most vulnerable students battling severe mental health needs.
- Organize a monthly Coffee with the Social Workers event, where I invite outside organizations to share resources and educate families.
- Serve as the state and local compliance authority on such issues as attendance, diversity, mental health, behavior management, delinquency, crisis intervention, homelessness, child abuse, neglect, and confidentiality.
- Provides professional development for teachers and staff on HEP, Mandated Reporter Training, behavior interventions, mental health awareness, and social/emotional learning.
- Provide supervision to the student social work intern.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Oversaw 10 contracted community-based organizations to successfully hold 495 Know Your Rights (KYRs) immigrant forums across the city
- Coordinated and managed timelines, milestones, and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time completion within budget constraints
- Utilized project management software to track progress, update project plans, and communicate with cross-functional teams
SOCIAL WORK/THERAPIST INTERN
New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center
03.2016 - 08.2017
- Participated in client assessments and treatment planning under the supervision of licensed social workers and therapists
- Observed and assisted with individual and group therapy sessions to gain hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques and interventions
- Conducted research on best practices in social work and therapy to inform treatment approaches and support evidence-based practice
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive care plans and provide holistic support to clients
- Engaged in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending trainings and workshops, to enhance knowledge and skills in social work and therapy practices
Education
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Practice With Children and Families
SILBERMAN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK- HUNTER COLLEGE CUNY
New York City05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Bilingual Education grades 1-6th
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY06.2012
Skills
- Clinical skills, CBT, DBT, grief, anxiety
- Group counseling
- Safety and risk assessments
- Communication skills
- Substance abuse treatment
- Staff training
- Adolescent counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Case documentation
- Systems development
- Grant coordinator
Certification
- 1088 Elementary/1023 Bilingual Education, 849129
- LCSW, No.11905-123
- APSW, No.131847-121
- Pupil Services License
- Certified full-spectrum doula, DTI
Affiliations
- Proyecto Mama Task Force member- Marquette University 2018.
- VIA formerly known as Layton BLVD West Neighbors Plan Advisory committee member 2017.
- Urban Ecology (Menominee Valley branch) Advisory committee member 2017-current.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Mental Health Specialist/ATODA District Content Leader
Wauwatosa School District/Tosa East High School
08.2022 - Current
Psychotherapist
Applied Therapies and Wellness Center
10.2021 - 09.2023
BILINGUAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Milwaukee Public Schools
08.2020 - 06.2022
BILINGUAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology
05.2018 - 06.2020
PROJECT COORDINATOR
New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
08.2017 - 02.2018
SOCIAL WORK/THERAPIST INTERN
New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center
03.2016 - 08.2017
- 1088 Elementary/1023 Bilingual Education, 849129
- LCSW, No.11905-123
- APSW, No.131847-121
- Pupil Services License
- Certified full-spectrum doula, DTI
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Practice With Children and Families
SILBERMAN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK- HUNTER COLLEGE CUNY
Bachelor of Arts - Bilingual Education grades 1-6th
Brooklyn College
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