Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Shawnda M. Kulig

McKinney ,TX

Summary

I have worked in a variety of positions and all of them focused on child and adolescent programs. I started as a teacher in private schools working with elementary and high school children primarily in special classes such as art and yearbook. I then moved to being an early childcare teacher and working as the primary teacher. I enjoyed having a hands-on approach and the interactions with the families. I saw a need for the families and children with the lack of social and mental health resources. I returned to school and completed my master’s degree in clinical mental health to become a licensed professional counselor. I have gained experience working with adolescents and teens with multiple hospitalizations due to suicide idealization and anger issues. I have gained experience on the crisis team and can be very patient and calm due to time spent there. I believe I can use these experiences and more as a valuable team member in various situations while aiding in the growth and resiliency of the children and adolescence in our local communities. I believe that communication is key with any job but especially with one where you would work closely with families and the community together. Knowing what a client wants, being able to translate that into workable skills, coping managements and resiliency for them is the end goal to a successful team member or employee.

Overview

1
1
Certification

Work History

Early Childhood Educator

Choctaw Early Headstart
06 2017 - 04 2019
  • Strengthened parent-teacher relationships through consistent communication, increasing parental involvement in the educational process.
  • Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
  • Contributed to staff meetings and professional learning communities, sharing insights and strategies for continuous improvement of teaching practices.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices to improve overall instruction quality across the school.
  • Promoted physical health by incorporating movement breaks and outdoor play opportunities into each day''s schedule.
  • Established ongoing professional development goals, participating in workshops and conferences to stay current on emerging trends in early childhood education.
  • Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
  • Implemented evidence-based behavior management systems to maintain a positive atmosphere conducive to learning for all students.
  • Utilized research-based instructional strategies to promote critical thinking skills in young learners.

QMHP; YES WAIVER

Texoma Community Center
04 2019 - 07 2020


  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive support strategies for each client''s unique requirements.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress, making data-driven adjustments to service plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
  • Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through the development of skill-building activities tailored to their strengths and interests.
  • Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
  • Took active role in patient and family planning process, detailing instructions, and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns.
  • Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
  • Provided ongoing emotional support to clients facing challenges related to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation empowering them to overcome obstacles with resilience and optimism.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Basepoint Academy
08 2022 - Current
  • Enhanced client well-being by utilizing evidence-based therapy techniques and individualized treatment plans.
  • Managed caseload of diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring intervention or support.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
  • Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication among participants and promoting mutual support.
  • Built trust with at-risk populations through empathetic listening and culturally sensitive counseling approaches.
  • Assisted families in navigating complex systems related to mental health services and resources available within the community.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing solution-focused counseling sessions addressing specific concerns.
  • Successfully navigated ethical dilemmas by consulting with colleagues or referring to relevant licensing board guidelines for guidance in decision-making processes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring comprehensive care for clients.
  • Improved client outcomes through the implementation of effective crisis intervention strategies during high-risk situations.
  • Maintained accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.
  • Advanced professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to mental health counseling practices.
  • Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
  • Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families.
  • Facilitated weekly group sessions to encourage self-reflection and problem-solving.
  • Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
  • Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
  • Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.

Counseling Intern

Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center
03 2021 - 01 2022
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care, resulting in holistic support for clients.
  • Assisted lead counselor in developing comprehensive treatment plans to address client needs and goals effectively.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques effectively for greater success in achieving desired behavioral changes among clients.
  • Participated actively in supervision sessions to continuously enhance professional knowledge and counseling skills.
  • Facilitated psychoeducation workshops on various topics such as healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation to empower clients with essential life skills.
  • Fostered resilience within clients by integrating strengths-based approaches into therapeutic interventions.
  • Developed strong rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during therapy sessions.
  • Maintained confidentiality and adhered to ethical standards throughout all interactions with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
  • Increased client engagement by utilizing creative therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs and preferences.
  • Enhanced client progress by implementing evidence-based counseling techniques in individual and group sessions.
  • Provided support and education to family members of clients in order to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of mental health issues.
  • Provided crisis intervention support when necessary, ensuring the safety of at-risk clients during critical situations.
  • Promoted a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering trust and open communication in therapy sessions.
  • Strengthened client coping skills through teaching stress management techniques and mindfulness practices.
  • Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
  • Implemented specific interventions to decrease behavior excesses and increase behavioral deficits.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Used various approaches such as art and play therapy for alternative means of counseling younger ages of children.

Self-emplyed (Special needs)

Behavioral and Underlying Developmental Services
04 2021 - Current
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Worked with the children within families who were diagnosed with learning or behavioral challenges to assist them with coping skills.
  • Used psychoeducation to teach family members effective ways to redirect and/ or motivate their children.
  • Provided respite for families of challenging children.

Registered Behavior Technician

Thrive Therapy
04 2021 - 07 2021
  • Conducted functional assessments to identify triggers and develop targeted interventions for challenging behaviors.
  • Promoted positive behavior change by utilizing reinforcement strategies, token economies, and behavior contracts.
  • Supported clients'' academic success through implementation of evidence-based teaching strategies aligned with their individual learning needs.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress, enabling data-driven decision making for intervention adjustments and goal development.
  • Empowered clients to self-advocate by teaching them effective communication strategies and adaptive coping mechanisms.
  • Utilized technology tools for data collection and analysis, streamlining the process of monitoring client progress and informing treatment plan adjustments.
  • Developed rapport with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication essential to successful treatment outcomes.
  • Facilitated generalization of learned skills across various environments by collaborating with educators, therapists involved in clients'' care networks.
  • Enhanced client''s communication skills through the use of visual aids, social stories, and roleplaying activities.
  • Increased client independence through the teaching of daily living skills such as self-care routines, meal preparation, and household chores.
  • Integrated creative problem-solving methods into therapy sessions to foster critical thinking abilities among clients facing challenges in everyday situations.
  • Prevented instances of maladaptive behavior escalation using de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe environment for both staff members and clients alike.
  • Assisted Board Certified Behavior Analysts in designing personalized treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs and goals.
  • Provided parent training on ABA techniques to support consistency in care across home, school, and community settings.
  • Improved client behavior by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans and tracking progress.
  • Ensured adherence to ethical guidelines set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board at all times during practice.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members for comprehensive treatment planning and optimal outcomes.
  • Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
  • Promoted positive interactions with children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication, and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
  • Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.

YES WAIVER

Lifepath Counseling
07 2020 - 04 2021
  • Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through the development of skill-building activities tailored to their strengths and interests.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive support strategies for each client''s unique requirements.
  • Maintained the highest standards of professional conduct by upholding strict confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive client information, fostering an atmosphere of trust and discretion at all times.
  • Enhanced client independence by providing assistance in daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and transportation.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress, making data-driven adjustments to service plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
  • Facilitated community integration for clients by identifying accessible social opportunities within their local area, promoting active participation in events and gatherings according to individual preferences.
  • Delivered high-quality services consistently by keeping abreast of industry best practices through ongoing professional development initiatives.
  • Developed strong partnerships with local community organizations, enhancing clients'' access to resources and support networks that promote well-being and independence.
  • Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes or urgent care needs among clients served.
  • Mitigated potential crises swiftly using expert de-escalation techniques when working with clients exhibiting challenging behaviors due to mental health or cognitive impairments.
  • Improved the quality of care for individuals with disabilities by developing and implementing personalized service plans.
  • Built strong relationships with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication to better address individual needs.
  • Coordinated respite care services for family caregivers, allowing them time away from caregiving duties without compromising the safety or well-being of their loved ones.
  • Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
  • Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
  • Took active role in patient and family planning process, detailing instructions, and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns.

Education

bachelor’s degree - Interdisciplinary Studies

Stephen F. Austin University
Nacogdoches, TX
12.31/2011

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health - Clinical Mental Health

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
08.2020

Skills

  • MS Office
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Flexible

Certification

I currently am certified with my Red Cross CPR/AED certification as well as ANSA/CANS assessment trainings, PMAB Skills, COPSD, crisis management, CPI certification and telehealth practices.

Timeline

Early Childhood Educator

Choctaw Early Headstart
06 2017 - 04 2019

QMHP; YES WAIVER

Texoma Community Center
04 2019 - 07 2020

Licensed Professional Counselor

Basepoint Academy
08 2022 - Current

Counseling Intern

Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center
03 2021 - 01 2022

Self-emplyed (Special needs)

Behavioral and Underlying Developmental Services
04 2021 - Current

Registered Behavior Technician

Thrive Therapy
04 2021 - 07 2021

YES WAIVER

Lifepath Counseling
07 2020 - 04 2021

bachelor’s degree - Interdisciplinary Studies

Stephen F. Austin University

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health - Clinical Mental Health

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

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Shawnda M. Kulig