Shaelyn Biggerstaff
Tulsa,OK
Summary
Master's in Counseling student at Northeastern State University with experience in research and counseling. Bilingual in English and American Sign Language. Passionate about providing mental health resources and person-centered care to clients seeking counseling services.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Optometric Technician
Look Eyecare And Eyewear
Tulsa, OK
06.2021 - Current
- Performed preliminary eye exams, including visual acuity, retinal/corneal imaging, and glaucoma screenings.
- Implemented infection control procedures for all optometric instruments and patient contact areas.
- Communicated with patients to obtain and document medical histories.
- Maintained smooth patient flow, promoting efficient operations.
- Educated patients on contact lens care, insertion, removal, and hygiene.
- Trained new staff on optometric testing procedures and clinic protocols.
- Documented exam findings, communicated by the optometrists.
- Collaborated with co-workers to provide exceptional patient care.
ASL Interpreting Intern
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Practiced voicing and ASL interpreting under the supervision of mentors.
- Practiced confidentiality and upheld the Code of Professional Conduct on and off assignments.
- Actively sought feedback from mentors, and debriefed assignments.
- Presented myself with confidence and professionalism.
- Treated all mentors and clients with the utmost respect.
- Continually showed an openness and willingness to learn from both mentors and clients.
- Studied and prepared prior to assignments in order to minimize demands, and improve interpretations.
- Participated in a two-week residency at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, shadowing nationally certified interpreters.
Psychiatric Technician
Laureate Psychiatric Hospital
Tulsa, OK
10.2018 - 06.2021
- Worked with adolescents and adult women with eating disorders, providing support, encouragement, and helping to maintain a positive environment.
- Handled various patient-oriented duties, including weighing patients, checking vital signs, and redirecting behaviors.
- Accurately charted on patients, and reported any issues or behaviors acted upon to the nursing staff.
- Provided de-escalation techniques to manage maladaptive behaviors.
- I made myself available to patients and was attentive to changes in patient affect and mood.
- Cultivated therapeutic relationships with patients.
- Promoted a high level of respect and dignity when communicating with patients.
- Ensured patient safety through close observations, one-to-one observations, fifteen-minute checks, and monitored room time.
Mental Health Worker
Prairie View, Inc.
Newton, KS
10.2017 - 06.2018
- Organized and facilitated psychoeducational groups with residents.
- Helped navigate group discussions toward healthy, helpful topics, and away from triggering conversations.
- Listened to and processed with residents through negative thoughts and emotions.
- Referred residents to external resources for additional support.
- Developed trust and rapport with residents.
- Supported residents through difficult periods of their psychiatric treatment.
- Monitored residents' behaviors and implemented quick de-escalation methods to calm residents.
- Practiced nonviolent crisis intervention when residents began to escalate into unhealthy behaviors.
- Maintained thorough and accurate reporting in each resident's chart.
- Supported co-workers by being attentive to signs of exhaustion and agitation, and relieving them of their position.
- I sought out opportunities to learn from my supervisor when I was unsure of how to handle a situation.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK12-2025
Certificate - American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bethel College
North Newton, KS05-2018
Skills
- Working with individuals that have mental illnesses and trauma
- Proficient in ASL to communicate with Deaf individuals
- Implementing de-escalation techniques
- Showing empathy and active listening
- Working with children who have autism
- Collaborating and problem-solving with colleagues
- Creating a positive work environment
- Psychoeducation support
- Charting and clinical documentation
Affiliations
Member, Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship Conference Planning Committee (2017)
National Semi-Finalist in Communication Analysis, American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament (AFA-NIET)
Timeline
ASL Interpreting Intern
Tulsa Community College
01.2022 - 05.2022
Optometric Technician
Look Eyecare And Eyewear
06.2021 - Current
Psychiatric Technician
Laureate Psychiatric Hospital
10.2018 - 06.2021
Mental Health Worker
Prairie View, Inc.
10.2017 - 06.2018
Certificate - American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting
Tulsa Community College
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bethel College
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