Shalonda Ibrahim Abubakar
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Irvine,CA
Summary
Dedicated mental health professional with expertise in evidenced-based therapeutic modalities, crisis intervention, and psychological assessment. Proven ability to deliver client-centered care through strong communication and empathy in diverse settings. Experienced in program development and staff coaching to enhance mental health services.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Specialist- Community Support
Irvine Unified School District
Irvine, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Provide mental health support services, including counseling, home visits, case management, risk assessment, and student crisis coordination.
- Provide professional development and coaching to certificated and classified staff to support diverse student groups and increase capacity for inclusive practices.
- Analyze district-level data to guide decision-making, program modifications, resource alignment, and implementation of student success strategies.
- Strengthen community and family partnerships to enhance wraparound supports for culturally and linguistically diverse families.
- Serve on district committees addressing equity, SEL, and systemic program improvements.
Therapist
College Hospital
Laguna Woods, CA
04.2023 - 04.2025
- Facilitated group therapy interventions that supported emotional regulation, skill development, and social functioning among diverse patient populations.
- Delivered crisis intervention and safety planning during acute episodes, ensuring patient safety and stabilization.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation, treatment plans, and discharge summaries in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted insurance reviews and adhered to stringent quality assurance standards.
Community Liaison
Irvine Unified School District
Irvine, CA
02.2019 - 08.2022
- Launched and sustained community outreach initiatives to strengthen engagement among culturally and linguistically diverse families.
- Provided navigation support, case management, and referrals to ensure students and families accessed appropriate educational and community resources.
- Collaborated with classified staff, teachers, and administrators to identify barriers to student participation, engagement, and attendance.
- Advocated for marginalized families to support equitable access to services.
School Social Worker (Intern)
Laguna Beach Unified School District
Laguna Beach, CA
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Completed biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans, and crisis evaluations.
- Delivered individual and group interventions and supported attendance recovery.
- Taught SEL lessons promoting student engagement and resilience.
Mental Health Counselor (Intern)
Mission Hospital Family Resource Center
Lake Forest, CA
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Provided counseling, conducted initial assessments, and developed treatment plans.
- Documented sensitive disclosures, maintained confidential records, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams.
- Assessed and documented suicide risk and other threats of harm.
Project Specialist
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
12.2017 - 02.2019
- Served as lead for a Student Equity Program, coordinating services and engagement opportunities for disproportionately impacted student populations.
- Managed program deliverables, prepared reports, and supported grant-related compliance functions.
- Supervised student employees and advised a student club, promoting leadership development and co-curricular learning.
- Coordinated large-scale events including student leadership retreats, cultural programming, and equity-focused workshops.
- Developed program scopes of work aligned with institutional strategic goals.
Consular Officer
Netherlands Embassy
Accra, GH
07.2013 - 09.2017
- Conducted visa interviews and processed immigration documentation in accordance with international regulations.
- Coordinated asylum and appeals cases across multiple African regions, collaborating with government and international organizations.
- Provided guidance to individuals navigating complex governmental procedures and documentation requirements.
Program Officer
First 5 LA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2002 - 03.2007
- Led strategic planning activities for community-based organizations receiving First 5 LA funding.
- Monitored expenditures to ensure compliance with grant guidelines and budget requirements.
- Supported nonprofit leaders in strengthening organizational infrastructure, service delivery, and program accountability.
Education
Master of Social Work - Concentration: Community Mental Health
California State University, Fullerton
05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz12.1999
Skills
- Grant & Budget Management
- Staff Supervision & Coaching
- Equity-Minded & Inclusive Leadership
- Community & Campus Partnerships
- Student Success Programming
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Crisis Management & Behavioral Intervention
- Group Facilitation & Public Speaking
- Cultural Responsiveness & Relationship-Building
References
References available upon request.
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Board of Behavioral Sciences.
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance (PPSC) - California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- EMDR Professional Training - EMDRIA.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification – Medical University of South Carolina.
- Comprehensive School Assessment Threat - University of Virginia.
Work Preference
Work Type
Contract WorkPart TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Flexible work hoursWork Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 3 staff members.
- Secured grants for programs serving students district-wide.
- Collaborated with staff district wide for in the development of continuous improvement targets.
Timeline
Therapist
College Hospital
04.2023 - 04.2025
Mental Health Specialist- Community Support
Irvine Unified School District
08.2022 - Current
School Social Worker (Intern)
Laguna Beach Unified School District
08.2021 - 05.2022
Mental Health Counselor (Intern)
Mission Hospital Family Resource Center
08.2020 - 05.2021
Community Liaison
Irvine Unified School District
02.2019 - 08.2022
Project Specialist
Irvine Valley College
12.2017 - 02.2019
Consular Officer
Netherlands Embassy
07.2013 - 09.2017
Program Officer
First 5 LA
01.2002 - 03.2007
Master of Social Work - Concentration: Community Mental Health
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
University of California, Santa Cruz