Susie Simmons
Decatur
Summary
Diligent with a solid counseling background in providing comprehensive mental health support. Successfully applied trauma-informed therapeutic techniques to assist clients in overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. Demonstrated empathy, effective communication, and multicultural sensitivity in client interactions.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Couch Counseling Services
Anniston, AL
05.2025 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility, completing DHR Assessments, creating treatment plans for DHR-mandated clients and court-mandated counseling referrals, and facilitating mandatory support resources.
- Demonstrates mastery in treating individual clients with diagnoses including: anxiety, depression, attention-deficit, bipolar disorder, autism, executive functioning, anger management, domestic violence, and addiction.
- Proficient in maintaining telehealth records and in-person SOAP and DAP notes, clients aged 5-adult for Medicaid and Insurance billing records.
- Proficient in conducting supervised visitation for parents and children.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly, able to work efficiently independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects and safety protocols.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and proven track record of strong therapeutic alliance with clients.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Yellow Bird Counseling
Birmingham, AL
05.2025 - Current
- Provided therapeutic support to Metro Birmingham telehealth clients through individual and group counseling sessions.
- Developed treatment plans tailored to client needs and goals, to include Gender Dysphoria, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Career Development, Life Transitions, ADHD/ ADD, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Grief.
- Developed treatment plans for Internal Family Systems to include heterosexual couples, LGBTQ couples, and family counseling.
- Maintained accurate health records through the Sessions Health portal in compliance with ethical standards.
- Conducted assessments and mental exams to evaluate the client's mental health status and document progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive client care.
- Created and facilitated a 12-week group, Creating Community and Deeper Connections, for a marginalized population challenged with isolation, mobility, transportation, and affordability.
- Maintained client rapport, ongoing patient care, graduate studies, and 25-35 hours weekly during clinical internship.
- Used a trauma-informed therapy approach to develop a therapy curriculum framework rooted in the Four Agreements to integrate and adjust session activities specific to the needs of the client and tailor as needed to include CBT, TCBT, somatic practices, Reality Therapy, REBT, and aspects of career development- leading to ownership of thoughts, choices, and actions.
- Completed 4 hours of administrative work weekly to include intake process, billing, client community communication, and client set-up in telehealth platform.
Licensed Professional Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta
Decatur, Georgia
02.2004 - Current
- Sole proprietor and Leader of Susie & Beth Team -Initiated and grew top producing sales team, increasing closed residential sales transactions from 2009-2020 between 30-60%
- Represented local and national bank asset managers with preparation and sale of bank owned REO properties 2006-2009
- Cultivated relationships with local and national developers and builders, created SWOT Analysis reports to determine pricing, product and position when representing their homes and communities as primary listing broker from ground breaking concepts to final building completion 2009-present
- Performed comparative market analysis to estimate property value, scheduling appraisals in fluctuating markets to insure pricing position and loan value
- Guided and assisted buyers and sellers throughout entire transaction processoverseeing execution of preparation, coordinating services, reviewing inspection reports, negotiating and scheduling repairs, completing punch lists, scheduling utilities and movers, transfer of deed and taxes
- Designed and advertised client properties on websites, local radio, social media, real estate guides, and direct mail campaigns
- Created professional networks and cultivated long term relationships with vendors to assist buyers and sellers throughout entire transaction to final sale process
- General Manager for full home renovations of individual clients-coordinated timelines with homeowners and suppliers, scheduled installations, problem solved logistics, overseeing renovations from concept design to installation and completion
- Conferred with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators on adherence to terms and conditions of purchase agreements before closing dates
- Developed networks of attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors to whom clients may be referred
- Recognized among TOP PRODUCING AGENTS in Dekalb County in 2012, top 1-10% of Keller Williams Realty Agents from 2004-present, Pinnacle Award Recipient, Rookie of the Year 2001
Trafficking Recovery Residential Assistant
BELOVED
Atlanta, Georgia
11.2023 - 06.2024
- Assisted residents with daily living activities and transportation to meetings and work place, fostering independence and enhancing quality of life.
- Coordinated recreational activities, promoting social engagement among residents.
- Monitored health and safety standards and administered medications, ensuring compliance with facility regulations.
- Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, improving resident outcomes.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between residents when necessary, promoting a harmonious living environment for all occupants.
- Contributed to staff meetings, sharing progress reports and providing suggestions on potential operational improvements.
- Directed resident setback incident reports to appropriate treatment team personnel for remediation.
- Conducted daily welfare checks and room checks and coordinated with facility staff to meet resident needs.
- Assisted residents with transitioning into new living environment and maintained strong relationships with residents.
Interim Director
Oakhurst Cooperative Pre-School
Decatur, Georgia
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Resolved personnel problems that arose during planning process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary
- Used internet, video archives, and other informational sources to obtain accreditation for cooperative pre-school model
- Met with administration, teachers and parents weekly to assess classroom needs, co-op classroom schedules and modify daily routines as needed to accommodate individual needs of students
- Facilitated monthly Board Meetings to convey progress and measure success of program accreditation efforts
- Wrote and edited local news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources
- Located and negotiated lease for permanent location of pre-school
- Performed management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning and marketing
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Cator Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center
Decatur, Georgia
01.2000 - 03.2004
- Leveraged sales forecasting models to anticipate demand; increased annual sales over 40% during tenure
- Generated leads and followed up on customer inquiries, scheduled tours, and negotiated events contracts from inception to execution
- Built multiple customer relationships and cultivated long-term partnerships with associated vendors, event facilities and talent scout agencies
- Created email lists and performed cold calls to communicate product information and promotions to customers
- Prepared quotes and proposals for new and existing clients
- Utilized CRM tools to monitor customer interactions and inform strategy
- Resolved customer disputes and accounts receivable discrepancies
- Attended industry events and conferences to promote event facility and interact with potential customers
- Prepared budgets and worked with department heads to approve budget expenditures
- Determined seasonal price schedules and discount rates
- Analyzed trends and results to determine annual unit and gross-profit plans
- Assessed marketing potential of new and existing competition, considered statistics and expenditures
- Reviewed operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability
- Monitored customer preferences, competitors' products and fees to determine focus of sales efforts and implementation
Lead Teacher
Lullwater School
Decatur, Georgia
08.1998 - 05.2000
- Lead teacher for ability-based classroom grades 3-5 and 6-8; Implemented school's curriculum consistent with unique learning needs of students with ADHD, Behavior and Language Disorders
- Attended and participated in professional development activities and conferences to enhance skills and job knowledge
- Identified individual student needs and collaborated with staff members to assess and solve behavioral and learning challenges through independent and collaborative classroom assignments
- Created and implemented behavior modification strategies and custom lesson plans specific to classroom needs using differentiated instruction and hands-on active learning techniques
- Built a positive rapport with students by identifying and optimizing their individual character traits, talents and interests to encourage them to take risks in their academic learning
- Designed and implemented individual self assessment tools and portfolios for reflective evaluation of progress and academic achievement in classroom
- Coordinated and facilitated learning abroad trips and helped students learn about language, literacy, science and life skills in real world settings
Outreach Services Coordinator
The Frazer Center
Atlanta, Georgia
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Identified and coordinated special services on behalf of parents of special needs children
- Coordinated and scheduled guest speakers from associated outreach programs to present services on behalf of families of the Frazer Center
- Estimated materials, budget costs and employee requirements to complete services rendered
- Assigned work to employees based on material and worker qualifications of specific jobs
- Facilitated surveys to assess customer needs and satisfaction
- Responded to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Assisted in developing service standards and guidelines
- Generated weekly reports to inform management on service performance
- Conferred with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about services and obtain details of complaints
Teacher
The Heiskell School
Atlanta, Georgia
08.1997 - 05.1998
- Developed and maintained classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for social and emotional development of students
- Managed student behavioral issues to optimize classroom learning environment
- Motivated and engaged students, developing skills and knowledge for academic foundation
- Organized and used variety of teaching techniques, maximizing individual and group learning
- Integrated technology into classroom and lesson plans, supporting and engaging students with available resources
- Attended and participated in professional development activities and conferences to enhance skills and job knowledge
- Adapted curriculum, addressing needs of scholars with varying abilities and cultural backgrounds
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL04-2026
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Sales & Marketing
Troy University
Troy, AL, US12-2000
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham, AL, US05-1995
Skills
- Client-centric relationship building
- Trauma-informed care
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Client Management
- Client advocacy
- Multicultural competence
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Time management
- Family systems theory
- Anger management
- Substance abuse counseling
- Behavior modification
- Grief counseling
- Stress management techniques
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
Affiliations
- Rotary International
- PowerCore Business Networking
Certification
Licensed Individual Salesperson - Real Estate
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration, such as hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and golf
- Youth Development Programs
- Exploring various forms of art, such as art journaling, painting, and creating themed groups to nurture creativity and personal growth
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destinationlocally, nationally, and internationally
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community child trafficking initiatives
Timeline
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Couch Counseling Services
05.2025 - Current
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Yellow Bird Counseling
05.2025 - Current
Trafficking Recovery Residential Assistant
BELOVED
11.2023 - 06.2024
Interim Director
Oakhurst Cooperative Pre-School
01.2005 - 12.2006
Licensed Professional Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta
02.2004 - Current
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Cator Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center
01.2000 - 03.2004
Outreach Services Coordinator
The Frazer Center
01.1999 - 01.2000
Lead Teacher
Lullwater School
08.1998 - 05.2000
Teacher
The Heiskell School
08.1997 - 05.1998
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville State University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Sales & Marketing
Troy University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary Education
Birmingham-Southern College
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Self, Artist, Decatur, Georgia, 2015-01, Present, Marketed and promoted artwork through various media outlets for fundraiser events, Created compelling artwork using a variety of mediums, Collaborated with other artists, curators, and galleries to create innovative art projects, Participant and contributor in local and out-of-state fundraisers for Decatur Rotary Club, Manna, Boys and Girls Club
- Decatur Rotary Club, Member / Social Chairman, Decatur, Georgia, 2013-01, 2023-08, Created publicity messages, position statements and other club communications based on club's objectives, Coordinated social events for club members leveraging relationships with local community businesses for sponsorship, Participated in ongoing volunteer service opportunities with local community non-profit organizations - Concrete Jungle, Polio Vaccine drive, Frazer Center Forest, Woodland Gardens, Habitat for Humanity