SARAH OCANAS
SMART Recovery
McKinney,TX
1
Language
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Experienced SMART Recovery facilitator with completed Mental Health Peer Specialist training and experience leading groups of 15–20. Combines strengths-based support, advocacy, and community leadership with respect for individual choice.
Work History
SMART Recovery Facilitator — Volunteer
1 Year 4 Months- Lead weekly meetings for 15–20 participants, supporting mutual respect, self-directed goals, and practical skill building.
- Guided participants in applying SMART tools for managing triggers, enhancing coping strategies, establishing boundaries, and achieving recovery goals.
- Collaborate with 10 facilitators to coordinate consistent, evidence-informed meeting delivery.
- Partnered with a registered dietitian to develop and deliver facilitator education on eating-disorder awareness and inclusive recovery practices.
Vice President and Secretary — Volunteer Board Member
5 Years 2 Months- Coordinated board meetings, managed records and budgets, and facilitated resident communication for 200 households.
- Coordinated volunteers and vendors on projects, collaborating with residents and partners to address concerns and enhance community engagement.
- Led board discussions on community operations, policy updates, and long-term HOA priorities
- Reviewed budgets, assessments, and reserve planning to support financial stability
- Coordinated with property management, vendors, and committee members on maintenance issues
Kids Club Associate
2 Months- Supervised children, fostering a safe and engaging environment while maintaining open communication with families and team members.
- Supervised children in Kids’ Club, maintaining safe, engaging activities aligned with UFC FIT standards.
- Monitored check-in and check-out procedures, verifying guardians and authorized pickup contacts.
- Sanitized toys, equipment, and play areas to support clean, compliant childcare environments.
Court Appointed Special Advocate — Volunteer
1 Year 1 Month- Advocated for child in court and child welfare systems, ensuring consistent support and stability during critical proceedings.
- Collected information to assess needs and best interests; coordinated communication with professionals while upholding documentation, confidentiality, and boundaries.
Administrative Assistant
1 Year 2 Months- Managed scheduling, maintained records, and facilitated communication and administrative coordination.
- Coordinated executive calendars, meeting logistics, and follow-up communications for cross-functional teams.
- Managed confidential correspondence, documents, and records with accuracy and discretion.
- Prepared reports, presentations, and status updates using Microsoft Office applications.
Home Health Aide
2 Years 5 Months- Provided supportive care that promoted dignity, safety, and independence.
- Provided personal care support, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance.
- Prepared nutritious meals and maintained dietary preferences, restrictions, and medication schedules.
Education
Medical Administrative Assistant, Billing and Coding Certificate
Bachelor of Science - University Studies
- Economics, Sociology, and Political Science
- GPA: 3.9
Technical Diploma - Paralegal Studies
Coursework: Early Childhood Education, UT Arlington (2014); American Sign Language, Collin College.
Skills
Peer advocacy
Goal setting
Coping techniques
Trauma communication
Coping strategies
Peer support
Resource management
Coordination
Documentation
Confidentiality
Project coordination
Motivational interviewing
Certification
- Mental Health Peer Specialist Training | Recovery Resource Council
- Completed October 14, 2026; Core Training: 19.5 hours, July 2026.
- SMART Recovery Facilitator Training
- Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid | LifePath Systems
- CPR and First Aid
Languages
Spanish and American Sign Language: limited working proficiency
Timeline
SMART Recovery Facilitator — Volunteer
SMART Recovery
07.2025 - CurrentRead More
Kids Club Associate
UFC FIT
05.2023 - 07.2023Read More
Vice President and Secretary — Volunteer Board Member
Legends of McKinney HOA
03.2019 - 05.2024Read More
Court Appointed Special Advocate — Volunteer
CASA of Collin County
02.2019 - 03.2020Read More
Administrative Assistant
Excentus
10.2012 - 12.2013Read More
Home Health Aide
Private Individual
07.2010 - 12.2012Read More
Arlington Career Institute
Technical Diploma from Paralegal Studies
Read More
The University of Texas At Arlington
Medical Administrative Assistant, Billing and Coding Certificate
Read More
University of Texas At Arlington
Bachelor of Science from University Studies
Read More
Community Experience and Languages
- Character Development Mentor | Ethos Education Group | 2023
- Director of Humane Education | Operation Kindness | 2014–2020
- Adult ESL Instructor | Richardson Adult Literacy Center | 2016
- Spanish and American Sign Language: limited working proficiency
Personal Information
Title: Peer Support | Recovery Support | Behavioral Health