Stephanie Cruz
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Compassionate and driven MSW graduate with over three years of case management experience and advanced clinical training as an Intern Therapist providing services to children, adolescents, and adults. Experienced in delivering individual and group therapy using Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP) evidence-based interventions, along with conducting biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and progress documentation. Brings over 15 years of customer service and administrative experience, strong technological proficiency, and a commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Fluent in Spanish.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager
Penny Lane
07.2022 - Current
- Responsible for the accurate and timely documentation of services delivered to clients and families on a daily basis.
- Identified and developed a list of community resources/ referrals in assigned service areas specific to the needs of the clients and families served.
- Attended and participated in outreach services and agency meetings to provide the community with information regarding Penny Lane Centers' services. These activities included driving into the community, as needed.
- Collaborated and consulted with the treatment team and outside agencies to assist client with access to needed resources and services.
Therapist Intern
Penny Lane Centers
05.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided individual and group therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in community-based settings.
- Utilized Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP) interventions to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral concerns.
- Facilitated therapy groups addressing emotional regulation, coping skills, trauma, and interpersonal functioning.
- Maintained accurate, timely clinical documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Applied trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based interventions.
- Documented therapeutic goals and client progress.
Employment Specialist Intern
Penny Lane Centers
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Assessed client strengths, skills, and vocational interests using motivational interviewing techniques.
- Assisted clients with job applications, resumes, and interview preparation.
- Identified employment barriers and collaborated with treatment teams to address them.
- Built relationships with local employers to support competitive job placements.
- Coordinated and participated in job fairs, broadening networking opportunities for both clients and employers.
Student office Assistant
Antelope Valley College- Admissions and Records/ Transcripts Office
07.2017 - 12.2019
- Maintained confidential student records securely while upholding strict privacy standards set forth by the institution''s policies.
- Welcomed office visitors and alerted staff to arrivals of scheduled appointments.
- Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and distributing mail.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA12.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Minor in Psychology
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA05.2022
Associates of Arts - Sociology
Antelope Valley College
Lancaster, CA12.2019
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Clinical Documentation & Progress Notes (Exym/EHR systems)
- Individual & group therapy (children, adolescents, adults)
- Case management & care coordination (3 years)
- Trauma-informed, strengths-based practice
- Crisis intervention & motivational interviewing
- Rapport Building with Diverse Populations
- Resource linkage & client advocacy
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid, USA 10/2024
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for Mental Health Professionals, DMH, 08/2022
- California Integrated Practice CANS Los Angeles County, PRAED, 07/2025
Timeline
Therapist Intern
Penny Lane Centers
05.2025 - 12.2025
Employment Specialist Intern
Penny Lane Centers
08.2024 - 02.2025
Case Manager
Penny Lane
07.2022 - Current
Student office Assistant
Antelope Valley College- Admissions and Records/ Transcripts Office
07.2017 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Minor in Psychology
California State University, Bakersfield
Master of Social Work -
University of Massachusetts Global
Associates of Arts - Sociology
Antelope Valley College