Dr. Sheila Thomas
Fayetteville,NC
Summary
A clinical mental health provider and military veteran with more than 30 years of proven experience in the profession. Possess a comprehensive background servicing civilians, military, and veteran-specific issues, and families with mental health and substance misuse disorders, and readjustment issues.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Veteran Administration: Fayetteville VET Center
Fayetteville, NC
05.2014 - 12.2024
- Responsible for providing mental health counseling to combat veterans and active-duty soldiers with complex traumas, with an active caseload ranging from 70-100 clients.
- Conduct Intake/Assessment interviews, develop and implement treatment plans, and amend them based on treatment goals as needed.
- Provide short and long-term individual, group, and family counseling using Evidence-Based Treatment and psychoeducational and life skills classes (Anger Management, Stress Management, Resilience Training).
- Connect with the community by providing counseling at off-site locations that span more than three counties.
- Conduct outreach events to promote services that address the needs of veterans, soldiers, and their families.
- Provide case management: Knowledgeable of community resources; refer to appropriate care as needed; telephone calls, follow-up, schedule appointments (Virtual Care Manager).
- Possess the skills and practice immediate assessment and crisis intervention.
- Presents and participates in weekly case staffing with the clinical team.
- Possess the ability, knowledge, and use of electronic record systems and maintain clinical records IAW to agency, Federal, and HIPAA standards.
- Abide, follow, and adhere to regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and confidentiality.
Behavioral Health Specialist/Technician
Department of Defense: Womack Army Medical Center
Fort Bragg, NC
02.2007 - 05.2014
- Conducted screening and intake assessment.
- Co-facilitated group counseling and taught life skills classes.
- Co-facilitated psycho-educational groups: combat stress and post-traumatic stress, stress management, and anger management.
- Practiced as a psychometrician with a neuropsychologist 3 times weekly, administering and scoring testing batteries.
- Used electronic record system and maintained clinical records IAW with hospital, Federal, and HIPAA standards.
Adjunct Professor
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
08.2009 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented engaging course materials to enhance student understanding of psychological concepts.
- Facilitated discussions that encouraged critical thinking and application of psychological theories in real-world scenarios.
- Provided personalized feedback on assignments, leading to increased understanding of course material and improved performance.
- Promoted active learning through group activities during class sessions, encouraging peer collaboration and deeper understanding of course content.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting open communication.
Clinical Supervisor
Moore County Day Reporting Center
Carthage, NC
08.2004 - 02.2007
- Supervised the daily operation of the program, including assisting with budget and financial needs.
- Served as Interim Director for 3 County agencies for a 3-period (Day Reporting, Child Support, Youth Services).
- Responsible for the program evaluation and quality assurance: collected, tabulated, organized, and interpreted data- related to client and program outcome measures.
- Consulted and collaborated with stakeholders: families, community agencies, probation, judges, and the district attorney.
- Coordinated and participated in Team Meetings to ensure continuity of care, which aided in the delivery of appropriate services and minimized at-risk behavior to the client and community.
- Supervised counselors full-time and interns mentored, trained, and evaluated.
- Conducted screening, intake, assessment, and treatment planning.
- Performed individual and group counseling.
- Maintain clinical records in accordance with (IAW) agency, Federal, and HIPAA standards.
Student Assistant Specialist/Coordinator
Berkeley County School
Moncks Corner, SC
11.2001 - 05.2004
- Facilitated and coordinated programs that promoted prevention and life skills.
- Advised the County Prevention Director and the Assigned School Principal on the effectiveness of prevention and recommendations.
- Collaborated with the School Guidance Department and taught prevention and life skills classes.
- Established and maintained partnerships within schools and the community to implement research-based programs.
- Coordinated and trained stakeholders at the district and local levels on the prevention programs (in-service, presentation, etc.).
- Conducted needs assessment: surveys and focus groups.
- Developed and disseminated materials: brochures, fact sheets, newsletters.
- Facilitated activities within a specific prevention awareness week/month.
Counselor
Moore County Day Reporting Center
Carthage, NC
10.1997 - 09.2001
- Established, organized, and implemented the County's first offender Day Reporting Center Substance Abuse Outpatient Program.
- Assessed and screened the client's substance use disorder, need for services, and treatment planning.
- Provided short-term and long-term counseling.
- Conducted individual, group, family, and crisis counseling.
- Provided case management.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relations with a network of service agencies and stakeholders.
- Maintained clinical records IAW with the agency, Federal, and HIPAA standards.
Counselor
University of Alabama at Birmingham/HSF
Birmingham, AL
04.1995 - 10.1997
- Conducted intake and assessment interviews.
- Provided individual and group counseling.
- Facilitated classes.
- Maintained clinical records IAW with agency, hospital, Federal, and HIPAA standards.
Education
Doctor of Education - Counseling and Psychology
Argosy University
Sarasota, FLMaster of Arts - Counseling and Psychology
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDBachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
University of Maryland
Heidelberg, AE, University CollegeSkills
- Communication/Listener
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Crisis Intervention
- Culturally Sensitive
- Leadership/Trainer/Educator
- Classroom/Group Management
- Technical Skills/Customer Service
- Knowledgeable with Microsoft Office
- Computer-based programs
- Office equipment
- Evidence-Based Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Therapy
- Mindfulness
Accomplishments
Doctoral Dissertation: Community-Based Needs Assessment, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.
2024 Nominated and received the Department of Veterans Affairs “I Care Award” representing Integrity, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
Active Member, Fayetteville Junior League: an organization of women whose mission is to advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact.
Active Member, Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated: an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time.
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, NC#8769
- National Certified Counselor, 31506
- Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, NC#230
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Veteran Administration: Fayetteville VET Center
05.2014 - 12.2024
Adjunct Professor
Methodist University
08.2009 - 05.2011
Behavioral Health Specialist/Technician
Department of Defense: Womack Army Medical Center
02.2007 - 05.2014
Clinical Supervisor
Moore County Day Reporting Center
08.2004 - 02.2007
Student Assistant Specialist/Coordinator
Berkeley County School
11.2001 - 05.2004
Counselor
Moore County Day Reporting Center
10.1997 - 09.2001
Counselor
University of Alabama at Birmingham/HSF
04.1995 - 10.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
University of Maryland
Master of Arts - Counseling and Psychology
Bowie State University
Doctor of Education - Counseling and Psychology
Argosy University
Military Service
- United States Army, 01/01/88, 04/01/94, Medical, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD/Washington, DC
- United States Army Reserve-Retired MSG, 10/01/06, 12/01/19, Senior Religious Affairs Specialist