Dedicated mental health professional bringing background working with individuals suffering from substance abuse and behavioral disorders. Focused on client advocacy, prevention and education to reduce impacts and recurrence of serious issues. Collaborative with multidisciplinary teams to create solid support networks for client needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substance Abuse Counselor
Gateway Foundation Rehab Centers-Corrections Div
Valdosta, Georgia
01.2024 - 09.2025
Conducted individual counseling sessions to address substance use disorders and promote recovery.
Developed personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive client assessments and ongoing evaluations.
Coordinated resources and referrals to support clients' recovery and reintegration into the community.
Monitored client progress through regular follow-ups, adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
Participated in case management meetings to strategize on client care and resource allocation.
Utilized evidence-based practices to enhance the effectiveness of counseling interventions.
Assessed client readiness for change and developed appropriate motivational strategies.
Addictions Counselor and Group Facilitator
Redirect Counseling & Driver Improvement Services
Valdosta, Georgia
06.2023 - 09.2025
Developed individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive client assessments and progress evaluations.
Facilitated supportive group therapy sessions to foster community and shared experiences among participants.
Identified client needs and coordinated resources to optimize treatment and recovery pathways.
Implemented crisis intervention strategies to manage acute situations and ensure client safety.
Utilized evidence-based practices to guide counseling techniques and improve treatment effectiveness.
Advocated for clients' needs within interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care coordination.
Conducted assessments of clients to identify problem areas and develop appropriate interventions.
Maintained accurate client records according to agency policies while ensuring confidentiality of all information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Case Manager
Legacy Behavioral Health Center
Valdosta, Georgia
06.2023 - 01.2024
Facilitated client intake processes to assess individual needs and develop personalized care plans.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and resource availability for clients.
Developed and implemented effective crisis intervention strategies to support clients in distress.
Conducted regular evaluations of client progress, adjusting service plans as necessary to meet evolving needs.
Documented client interactions thoroughly to maintain compliance with agency guidelines and improve service quality.
Conducted follow-up assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and client satisfaction.
Assisted clients in navigating complex healthcare systems to access necessary behavioral health services.
Monitored and reported on client outcomes to identify trends and areas for program improvement.
Identified barriers to client success and collaborated with clients to develop strategies for overcoming challenges.
Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
Discharge Planner
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc
Lake City, FL
09.2020 - 06.2023
Developed individualized care plans to address patient needs and preferences for successful discharge.
Facilitated patient education sessions to enhance understanding of post-discharge care requirements.
Coordinated follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care after discharge.
Managed resource allocation for services such as home health and community support for discharged patients.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate patient progress and adjust care strategies accordingly.
Documented patient assessments and care plans, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations.
Monitored patient outcomes post-discharge to identify areas for service improvement and support.
Reviewed discharge documentation for accuracy and completeness to prevent potential readmissions.
Advocated for patient needs within care teams to ensure a holistic approach to discharge planning.
Care Coordinator for Mobile Crisis team
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc
Lake City, FL
06.2019 - 09.2020
Coordinated patient care by scheduling appointments and managing follow-ups for optimal treatment pathways.
Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to address patient needs.
Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans based on feedback and clinical evaluations.
Conducted comprehensive assessments of patient needs to tailor interventions effectively.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of healthcare policies to ensure compliance in patient care practices.
Streamlined data management processes to enhance accessibility and accuracy of patient information.
Collaborated with insurance providers to ensure approval and coverage of necessary treatments.
Educated clients on available resources and services within their communities.
Responded promptly to inquiries from patients regarding their care plans.
Provided case management services to ensure the delivery of quality care.
Academic Advising Specialist
Georgia Military College
Valdosta, Georgia
07.2016 - 06.2019
Managed project timelines and coordinated cross-functional team efforts.
Developed training materials for new staff onboarding and process understanding.
Analyzed data trends to support decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.
Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration on projects.
Provided mentorship to junior team members, fostering skill development and growth.
Coordinated with other departments to ensure efficient workflow processes.
Generated reports to track performance metrics of team members.
Developed and implemented specialized procedures for customer service operations.
Group Facilitator
Pathway To Hope Counseling Services
Valdosta, Georgia
07.2016 - 01.2019
Designed interactive workshops focused on conflict resolution and team dynamics.
Implemented strategies to improve participation rates in group sessions.
Created resource materials to support ongoing group discussions and learning.
Identified barriers to participation and implemented solutions to address them.
Encouraged open communication among group members to foster a supportive environment.
Developed goal-setting frameworks to help participants track progress and achievements.
Education
Master of Arts - Pursuing advanced degree in Clinical Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Castleton University
Castleton, VT
Associate of Science - Addiction Studies
Community College of Vermont
Burlington, VT
Paralegal Studies
Woodbury College
Montpelier, VT
Professional Advancement - Addiction Counseling
New England Institute of Addiction Studies
Skills
Individual counseling
Treatment planning
Crisis intervention
Case management
Group facilitation
EMH
Documentation accuracy
Communication skills
Exceeding metrics
Problem solving
Conflict resolution
Specimen testing
Crisis management
Clinical documentation
Substance abuse education
Behavior modification
Intervention planning
Motivational interviewing
Medication-assisted treatment
Psychoeducation delivery
Anger management
Clinical assessment
Co-occurring disorders
Addiction assessment
Substance detoxification
Life skills training
Relapse prevention
Substance use screening
Continuing care planning
Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)
Plan treatments
Affiliations
Self care
Music
Writing
Outdoor activities
Volunteer service
5 years hotline experience-domestic violence
3 years hotline experience - sexual assault
3 years crisis hotline and suicide hotline
2 years of work with veterans
5 years mentoring and peer support
Certification
Pursuing CADC II
Certified tax consultant
Professional Development
4000 CEU hours in addictions and mental health
Other
I have over five years of high volume phones and hotline, chat, email and virtual group facilitation and client care including three years exceeding metrics requirements
Timeline
Substance Abuse Counselor
Gateway Foundation Rehab Centers-Corrections Div
01.2024 - 09.2025
Addictions Counselor and Group Facilitator
Redirect Counseling & Driver Improvement Services
06.2023 - 09.2025
Case Manager
Legacy Behavioral Health Center
06.2023 - 01.2024
Discharge Planner
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc
09.2020 - 06.2023
Care Coordinator for Mobile Crisis team
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc
06.2019 - 09.2020
Academic Advising Specialist
Georgia Military College
07.2016 - 06.2019
Group Facilitator
Pathway To Hope Counseling Services
07.2016 - 01.2019
Master of Arts - Pursuing advanced degree in Clinical Counseling