Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Stefani Shepard

Weehawken

Summary

Compassionate and mission-driven MSW candidate at Syracuse University with extensive experience providing clinical support in outpatient behavioral health settings. Skilled in conducting psychosocial assessments, facilitating individual and group therapy sessions, and delivering trauma-informed care to adults with severe mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. Currently completing an internship at Medallion Behavioral Health, where I support high-risk, clinically ill adults through therapeutic interventions, crisis de-escalation, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. Proficient in clinical documentation, case management, and navigating systems of care while maintaining strict HIPAA compliance. Holds a B.A. in Psychology and four years of honorable U.S. Navy service. Committed to advancing health equity and preparing for licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), with a long-term goal of practicing in hospital or integrated medical settings.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Social Work Intern

Medallion Behavioral Health
05.2025 - Current
  • Facilitate group psychotherapy sessions on topics such as stress reduction, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and anger management using evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing to support recovery and self-efficacy in clinically ill adult clients.
  • Conduct structured intake interviews, psychosocial assessments, and bio-psycho-social evaluations to determine client needs, risk factors, and appropriateness of care plans for individuals with chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I/II, GAD, and substance use disorders.
  • Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to clients with complex psychosocial needs—many with histories of incarceration, homelessness, or sexual offense convictions—supporting stabilization, treatment adherence, and goal setting through trauma-informed care.
  • Maintain thorough, clinically appropriate case documentation including progress notes, treatment plan updates, and service coordination logs in compliance with HIPAA and internal agency standards.
  • Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary care teams (psychiatrists, RNs, peer specialists, and program directors) during weekly case conferences to align therapeutic interventions, monitor symptomatology, and adjust treatment goals.
  • Assist clients with skill-building in domains such as hygiene, job readiness, nutrition, and financial literacy to enhance independent living capabilities and reduce barriers to community integration.
  • Provide crisis de-escalation and safety planning for clients experiencing acute distress or psychotic symptoms, following agency protocols and making referrals to emergency services when necessary.
  • Participate in clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of psychopharmacology, co-occurring disorders, and ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations.

Care Coordinator

Weekend Health
11.2022 - 06.2025
  • Managed a national caseload of 700+ patients across behavioral health, metabolic wellness, and chronic care verticals, triaging complex cases to appropriate mental health or clinical providers.
  • Conducted ongoing needs assessments via telehealth and developed strengths-based, person-centered care plans in collaboration with patients, families, and medical providers.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and interdisciplinary teams, facilitating coordination of therapy, psychiatry, and medication management while mitigating care gaps.
  • Supported patients in navigating insurance coverage, prior authorizations, prescription refills, and referrals to social services, including housing and food assistance programs.
  • Maintained HIPAA-compliant documentation of all client interactions, clinical escalations, and care plan adjustments within electronic health record systems (EHR).
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to enhance patient engagement, adherence to treatment, and long-term wellness outcomes.

Child Study Team Intern

School #6 Cliffside Park
05.2024 - 01.2025
  • Deliver school-based therapeutic services and behavioral interventions to students aged 9–16 within classified special education settings (LLD, MD, OHI, ERI), addressing emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges through individualized care strategies.
  • Administer and interpret psychosocial assessments, behavioral observations, and functional behavior analyses to inform the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  • Lead weekly social-emotional learning (SEL) groups that cultivate emotional regulation, conflict resolution, peer relationship building, and executive functioning skills in students with trauma exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Support multidisciplinary IEP/Child Study Team meetings by synthesizing behavioral data, family insights, and student progress toward academic and social goals.
  • Provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling for students experiencing acute mental health challenges, using de-escalation techniques and school safety protocols.
  • Engage families and caregivers through outreach, progress updates, and resource linkage to community mental health and educational supports, enhancing continuity of care and student outcomes.
  • Uphold strict adherence to FERPA, ensuring confidentiality of student records and ethical handling of sensitive educational and behavioral health information.

Senior Clinical Support Associate

Cerebral
12.2021 - 08.2022
  • Supported client intake, onboarding, and ongoing clinical case management in a fast-paced telehealth mental health platform serving 150+ clients daily.
  • Facilitated coordination between psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and patients to ensure continuity of care and timely treatment interventions.
  • Managed high volumes of support tickets involving medication logistics, therapy session scheduling, and client crisis escalations while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
  • Contributed to quality assurance by identifying systemic issues in care delivery processes and collaborating with internal teams to streamline workflows and improve the client experience.

Social Work Intern

Keep Smiling Therapy
09.2021 - 12.2021
  • Co-developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with licensed social workers to support clients with mood disorders, adjustment difficulties, and interpersonal issues.
  • Led psychoeducational sessions focused on anger management, emotional literacy, and coping skills for clients aged 13 to 40, using techniques aligned with CBT and solution-focused therapy.
  • Assisted in community resource navigation for clients with social determinants of health concerns, including housing instability and access to therapy.
  • Maintained accurate, HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation and engaged in clinical supervision to reflect on ethical practice and intervention effectiveness.

Education

Master of Science - Social Work

Syracuse University
12-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Queens College of The City University of New York
06-2022

Skills


  • Psychosocial Assessment
  • Individual and Group Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Case Management and Care Coordination
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • HIPAA-Compliant Documentation
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Referral Identification and Resource Navigation
  • Client and Community Outreach

Affiliations

  • United States Navy Aviation Ordnanceman - 2015 through 2019
  • Certified Life Coach - 2022

Timeline

Social Work Intern

Medallion Behavioral Health
05.2025 - Current

Child Study Team Intern

School #6 Cliffside Park
05.2024 - 01.2025

Care Coordinator

Weekend Health
11.2022 - 06.2025

Senior Clinical Support Associate

Cerebral
12.2021 - 08.2022

Social Work Intern

Keep Smiling Therapy
09.2021 - 12.2021

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Queens College of The City University of New York

Master of Science - Social Work

Syracuse University

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