Hi, I’m
Sandra Verdugo
Phoenix,AZ
Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.
Tony Robbins
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Ascend Behavioral Health & WellnessPhoenix, AZ
Substance Abuse Therapist
05.2021 - 07.2021
Job overview
- Worked with dual diagnosis individuals performing substance abuse and trauma counseling
- Interviewed applicants to determine appropriateness for program services
- Conducted intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action
- Oriented clients on program requirements; monitored ongoing treatment and outcomes
- Provided substance abuse counseling to individuals and groups; counseled ~20 ongoing clients
- Conducted educational program groups for substance abuse of up to 20 using Telemed/Zoom
- Developed recovery plans and made referrals to appropriate service providers
- Represented the client to the community through outreach activities and educational programs
- Maintained client case records and performed technical client charting
- Participated in meetings, committees, and training; prepared reports for other agencies as required
- Monitored client files and provided monthly updates to case manager and group homeowners.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral HealthPhoenix, AZ
Clinical Therapist
01.2021 - 04.2021
Job overview
- Piloted the on-line Zoom intake process for families and children in need of counseling services for learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioral issues
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents regarding treatment plans and their children’s progress; incorporated several approaches to identify the most effective care plan
- Offered techniques for utilization at school and re-emphasis by parents and teachers to maintain consistency
- Explored family history to locate the core root of issues and work with each family member to address them
- Provided the tools necessary for families to repair and succeed together while deploying best medical practices
Alliance Counseling and ConsultingPhoenix, AZ
Substance Abuse Therapist
02.2020 - 06.2020
Job overview
- Worked for the Navajo Tribe Nation performing substance abuse and trauma counseling
- Interviewed applicants to determine appropriateness for program services
- Conducted intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action
- Oriented clients on program requirements; monitored ongoing treatment and outcomes
- Provided substance abuse counseling to individuals and groups; counseled ~20 ongoing clients
- Conducted educational program groups for substance abuse of up to 12 using Telemed/Zoom
- Developed recovery plans and made referrals to appropriate service providers
- Represented the client to the community through outreach activities and educational programs
- Maintained client case records and performed technical client charting
- Participated in meetings, committees, and training; prepared reports for other agencies as required
- Monitored client files and provided monthly updates to case manager and group homeowners.
ST. Luke’s Behavioral Health CenterPhoenix, AZ
Intake Therapist III
01.2018 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Provided psycho-social assessments, counseling intervention services, and conducted diagnostic assessments
- Collaborated with the treatment team to determine, develop, and implement client treatment plans including facilitating transfers and reunification planning.
Southwest Key ProgramPhoenix, AZ
Clinician
01.2017 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Department of Homeland Security/border patrol
- Counseling individuals from various countries, cultures, and languages
- Provided weekly one-on-one counseling and crisis intervention services and facilitated psycho-educational therapeutic groups
- Designed a play therapy program and room
- Stabilized and assisted clients in meeting their goals, offered educational planning, and taught coping, social, and cultural skills to help them transition into society effectively.
The Green Brick Road FoundationPhoenix, AZ
Founder/CEO
02.2015 - 01.2017
Job overview
- A foundation committed to influencing public policy and leading the public down the path to becoming educated about alternative medicines and their possible overall health benefits.
Hope GroupPhoenix, AZ
Program Manager and Behaviorist
08.2014 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Positioned the facility for economic stability through performance analysis, data interpretation, and enhancements to business infrastructure to support a thriving healthcare business
- Implemented innovative processes and procedures to better meet a wide range of patient needs
- Trained a team of professionals for clinical protocols
- Led staff meetings, obtained critical feedback, addressed questions and concerns, and provided updates
- Conceptualized appropriate replacement behaviors for patients and assisted in the smooth transition of use
- Offered guidance and insight to other behaviorists and made meaningful suggestions on care strategies.
Jewish Family & Children's Service of ArizonaPhoenix, AZ
Clinical Therapist & Behaviorist
02.2010 - 08.2014
Job overview
- Piloted the intake process for families and children in need of counseling services for learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioral issues
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents regarding treatment plans and their children’s progress; incorporated several approaches to identify the most effective care plan
- Offered techniques for utilization at school and re-emphasis by parents and teachers to maintain consistency
- Explored family history to locate the core root of issues and work with each family member to address them
- Provided the tools necessary for families to repair and succeed together while deploying best medical practices.
Institute of Applied Behavior AnalysisLos Angeles, CA
Manager of Applied Behavior Analysis / Manager of Intervention Services
11.2007 - 02.2010
Job overview
- Mobilized and mentored 30 qualified behaviorists to efficiently identify and treat issues with high levels of success
- Offers a comprehensive education for parents to better equip them to handle behavioral episodes at home
- Analyzed measurable data and performance statistics to realign priorities and strategies and elicit ideal results
- Organized staff meetings to initiate conversation about areas of concern; headed all HR functions including payroll, budgeting, and goal setting
- Offered techniques for utilization at school and re-emphasis by parents and teachers to maintain consistency
- Provided the tools necessary for families to repair and succeed together while deploying best mental healthcare.
The Center for Autism & Related DisordersLos Angeles, CA
Behavior Interventionist
10.2006 - 10.2007
Job overview
- Mobilized and mentored 30 qualified behaviorists to efficiently identify and treat issues with high levels of success
- Offers a comprehensive education for parents to equip them to handle behavioral episodes at home
- Analyzed measurable data and performance statistics to realign priorities and strategies and elicit ideal results
- Organized staff meetings to initiate conversation about areas of concern
- Headed all human resources functions including payroll, budgeting, and goal setting
- Offered techniques for utilization at school and re-emphasis by parents and teachers to maintain consistency
- Provided the tools necessary for families to repair and succeed together while deploying best medical practices.
University of Southern California School of DentistryLos Angeles, CA
Director of Clinical Finance
08.2000 - 05.2004
Job overview
- Identified bottlenecks in procedural applications, resulting in a year-over-year maximization of reimbursements for services rendered, equating to a 20% increase in income
- Designed a new Accounts Receivables process resulting in 15% improvement in collections ratio year-over-year; accomplished via streamlined patient billing protocols.
St. Joseph’s HospitalOrange County, CA
Data Analyst for CEO
03.2000 - 08.2000
Job overview
- Tracked data and found processes that were creating a bottleneck to improve outcomes to ease patient care
- Designed a new medical record system.
Cedar SinaiLos Angeles, CA
Project Manager
08.1996 - 02.2000
Job overview
- Responsible for the oversight of the installation of Cedars-Sinai's practice management computer system
- Designed, developed, and implemented departmental-specific policies and procedures
- Supervised external data interfaces (EDA)
- Meticulously created and adjusted department budgets, payrolls, and contracts.
Aurora Behavioral Health CenterPhoenix, AZ
Intake Clinician
09.2021
Job overview
- Receive inquiry calls and assists the caller with scheduling a face-to-face assessment or triage to the appropriate community referral
- Assess or ensure assessment by a qualified mental health professional of patients who present for assessment
- Screen for medical and behavioral emergency conditions
- Perform a comprehensive assessment and quality therapeutic care to patients seeking treatment of substance abuse, dual diagnosis or psychiatric or emotional disorders; coordinates with the clinical team/on-call physician to ensure these needs are met either at the facility or other appropriate community provider
- Interpret treatment to patient and family to help reduce fear and other attitudes obstructing acceptance of care and continuation of treatment
- Complete the administrative processes of admission and precertification of care with external payers, as necessary.
Education
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Applied Behavior Analysis from Applied Behavior Analysis
08-2012
Antioch University
Master of Science from Clinical Psychology
06-2010
Antioch University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Arts And Sciences
06-2007
Skills
- Crisis Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Master calender management
- Travel coordination
- Documentation and reporting
- 50 WPM typing speed
- Advanced MS Office Suite
- Filing and data archiving
- Business writing
- Multi-line phone proficiency
- AR/AP
- Extensive vocabulary
- P2P Purchases
- Office management
- Scheduling
- Technical Support
- Conference planning
- Conflict management
- Project planning
- Resourceful
- Expense reporting
- Schedule Management
- Strategic planning
- Project Management
- Risk management
- Mail handling
- Travel accommodations
- Administrative support
- Business administration
- Report analysis
- Bookkeeping
- Report Development
- Performance improvement
- Budgeting
- Proofreading
- Staff Management
- Sorting and labeling
- Employee training and development
- Financial services
- Report writing
- Schedule & calendar planning
- Human Resources Management (HRM)
- Office administration
- Data analysis
- Data validation
- Business needs analysis
- Technical Analysis
- Project planning and development
- Business process re-engineering
- Advanced problem solving
- Systems Design Documentation
- Contract Management
- Systems Installation, Configuration and Upgrading
- Team Bonding
- Budget administration
- Testing and Conversion Plans
- Procedure development
- Expense reports
- Mergers and acquisitions knowledge
- Performance Evaluations
- Logistics Management
- Project estimation and bidding
- Functional & Business Requirements
- Organization and Time Management
- Google Workspace
- Active Listening
- Goal Setting
- Multitasking Abilities
- Individual counseling
- Good Telephone Etiquette
- First Aid/CPR
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Family therapy
- Clinical Documentation
- Attention to Detail
- Clinical assessment
- Providing community referrals
- Teambuilding
Areas Of Strength Effectiveness
- Strategist
- Researcher
- Analytic
Websites
Diverse Settings
- Navajo Tribe Nation
- Dept. of Homeland Security/Border Patrol
- Multiple clinical settings/populations
Greatest Superpower
Connector & Partnership Builder/Analytical
Fun Fact
I Like to hike and spend time with my 2 dogs, volunteer with 2 local organizations, and advocacy.
Expertise Industry Knowledge
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Program Development
- Autism & Learning Disabilities
- Data Interpretation & Reporting
- Family & Child Counseling
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research
- Written & Oral Communication
- Budgeting & Financial Management
- Care Plan Development
- Team Training & Mentorship
- Customer Service
- Human Resources
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Management
- Psychology
- Marketing Strategy
- Event Planning
- Psychotherapy
- Strategic Communications
- Child Development
- Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Information
- Health Insurance
- Mental Health Counseling
- Sales
- Hospitals
- Managed Care
- Medical Billing
- Medical Research
- Medical Records
- Medical Education
- Medical Terminology
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Developmental Disorders
- Behavioral Health
- Therapists
- Mental Health
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Community Outreach
- Research
- Case Management
- Social Services
- Healthcare
- Social Media
- Distribution
- Financial Performance
- Presentation Skills
- Process Improvement
- Real-Time Analytics
Targeted Positions
- Contract Tracing
- Data Analysis
- Virtual Therapy
- Research
- Human Resources
- People Analytics
Recommendations
Brad Kraay, Regional Director of Business Development at Four Tribes Enterprises - Southwest, As the CEO of a consulting firm with both a Personal Branding branch and a Corporate Services arm, I am inundated by requests from potential clients who seek my services to help them make more money. The anomaly in this scenario is the person who seeks our services to help them in their quest to make a genuine and positive impact on the worldhaving an innate passion for a group of people who have been neglected, mocked, or forgotten. Enter Sandra. It was through some serendipitous coincidence that we were linked upand she has quickly become one of the firm's favorite clients. She evokes so much passion, heart, and care in every ounce of what she says, types, or thinks, that it becomes virtually impossible to not want to be there for her. Ultimately, I firmly believe that those of us who offer some small token of support to her will be able to look back after several years and proudly gloat that 'I was a part of that.' She is a special person who has a very important purpose, and I've quickly become not only a fan, but a proud supporter.
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Intake Clinician
Aurora Behavioral Health Center
09.2021
Substance Abuse Therapist
Ascend Behavioral Health & Wellness
05.2021 - 07.2021
Clinical Therapist
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
01.2021 - 04.2021
Substance Abuse Therapist
Alliance Counseling and Consulting
02.2020 - 06.2020
Intake Therapist III
ST. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center
01.2018 - 01.2020
Clinician
Southwest Key Program
01.2017 - 01.2018
Founder/CEO
The Green Brick Road Foundation
02.2015 - 01.2017
Program Manager and Behaviorist
Hope Group
08.2014 - 02.2015
Clinical Therapist & Behaviorist
Jewish Family & Children's Service of Arizona
02.2010 - 08.2014
Manager of Applied Behavior Analysis / Manager of Intervention Services
Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis
11.2007 - 02.2010
Behavior Interventionist
The Center for Autism & Related Disorders
10.2006 - 10.2007
Director of Clinical Finance
University of Southern California School of Dentistry
08.2000 - 05.2004
Data Analyst for CEO
St. Joseph’s Hospital
03.2000 - 08.2000
Project Manager
Cedar Sinai
08.1996 - 02.2000
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Applied Behavior Analysis from Applied Behavior Analysis
Antioch University
Master of Science from Clinical Psychology
Antioch University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Arts And Sciences