Thomas Walker
Fairmont
Summary
Compassionate counselor skilled in crisis intervention, mental health support, and client needs assessment. Proven ability to foster trust and facilitate open communication to empower clients on their healing journeys.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Counselor
Faith Church International
06.2026 - Current
- Provided guidance and support to individuals facing personal challenges.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop outreach programs for youth and families.
- Cultivated trusting relationships with clients to foster open communication and healing.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Assisted in crisis intervention efforts, ensuring safe environments for participants.
Qualified Mental Health Specialist
WVU Medicine Rockefeller Neurological Institute
03.2026 - Current
- Assisted in developing individualized treatment plans for patients with mental health disorders.
- Supported multidisciplinary teams in conducting patient assessments and evaluations.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote peer support and engagement.
- Documented patient progress and maintained accurate records in electronic health systems.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to clinical staff promptly.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that enhanced patient well-being and recovery goals.
- Served diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults, families, couples from various cultural backgrounds addressing an array of mental health issues.
- Ensured compliance with documentation standards, completing accurate and timely progress notes for each client interaction.
- Aided clients in achieving personal goals by providing support, guidance, and practical assistance.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and facilitating open communication during sessions.
- Delivered group therapy sessions focused on coping skills development, stress management techniques, and other relevant topics.
Pastoral Counselor
Self-employeed
01.2018 - 02.2026
- Provided confidential counseling to individuals and families facing emotional and spiritual challenges.
- Developed tailored intervention strategies to address diverse client needs and promote healing.
- Conducted assessments to identify client issues and recommend appropriate resources or referrals.
- Cultivated a safe, non-judgmental environment for open dialogue and personal growth.
- Served as a visible presence at church events to foster connections with congregants while actively seeking opportunities to provide care and support when needed.
Teacher's Assistant /Tutor, Special Needs Students
Haywood County Schools
01.2014 - 06.2017
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet diverse student needs.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Collaborated with parents and community stakeholders to support student learning initiatives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
Sr. Pastor/Counselor
Haywood House of Praise
01.2014 - 06.2016
- Led worship services, fostering spiritual growth within congregation.
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs to enhance local engagement.
- Provided pastoral care, offering counseling and support to congregants in need.
- Mentored junior staff and volunteers, enhancing team effectiveness and cohesion.
- Oversaw church administration, ensuring efficient operations and resource management.
- Led effective pastoral care for congregation members, providing spiritual guidance and support during times of crisis or need.
Worship/Associate Pastor of Worship
The Dynamic Church
01.2007 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented engaging worship programs that enhanced community participation.
- Coordinated music selection and rehearsals to ensure cohesive worship experiences.
- Trained and mentored volunteer teams in worship service preparation and execution.
- Collaborated with pastoral staff to align worship themes with church mission and vision.
DELTA Coordinator Western North Carolina
Haywood County Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Allianced
11.2004 - 11.2005
- Coordinated outreach programs to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Developed training materials for staff and volunteers, enhancing educational initiatives.
- Facilitated support group sessions, fostering a safe environment for survivors.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for community events, increasing participation rates.
- Collaborated with local agencies to streamline resources for victims of violence.
- Conducted Coordinated Community Response Team meetings with first responders and community leaders.
Worship Arts Pastor/Worship/Associate
New Covenant Church
01.1996 - 10.2003
- Led worship services, fostering engaging environments for congregational participation.
- Developed and implemented music programs aligned with church vision and community needs.
- Mentored worship team members, enhancing musical skills and spiritual growth.
- Collaborated with church leadership to integrate worship arts into overall ministry strategy.
- Managed audio-visual systems, ensuring high-quality production for services and events.
- Organized training sessions for volunteers, promoting teamwork and skill development in worship arts.
- Evaluated worship service feedback to continuously improve congregational experiences and engagement.
- Coordinated special events, incorporating diverse artistic expressions to enrich community outreach efforts.
- Led the Worship Arts team in planning, organizing, and executing weekly rehearsals for improved performance quality.
- Built relationships with local worship leaders, fostering a network of support and collaboration within the community.
- Planned seasonal productions that incorporated various artistic elements including drama, dance, visual arts, music performances.
- Oversaw budget management for Worship Arts department, optimizing resource allocation for maximum ministry effectiveness.
- Played an instrumental role in growing congregation size through engaging worship experiences attracting newcomers.
- Served as Youth Worship leader
- Counseled church members
- Conducted Visitations, Funerals, Weddings
Education
Associate of Arts - Bible/Theology
Christian Life School of Theology
Columbus, GAMaster of Science - Clinical Counseling
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Cleveland, TNBachelor of Science - Counseling Psychology
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa, GA12-2012
Skills
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- HIPAA
- Mental health support
- Self-care strategies
- Behavior monitoring
- Crisis response
- Adolescent counseling
- Empathy development
- Suicide prevention
- Client needs assessment
- Intake assessments
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational interviewing
- Care planning
- Needs assessment
- Grief counseling
- Strong public speaker
- PTSD specialist
- Substance abuse counseling
- Social skills teacher
- Public speaking
- PTSD group specialist
- Family therapy background
- Juvenile therapy
- Suicide risk assessments
- Psychiatric populations
- File and record keeping
- Emotional support
- Conflict resolution
- Positive patient experiences
- Decision-making
- Time management
Accomplishments
United States Army Fort Drum NY 1986- 1989
E-4
Army Achievement Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Timeline
Counselor
Faith Church International
06.2026 - Current
Qualified Mental Health Specialist
WVU Medicine Rockefeller Neurological Institute
03.2026 - Current
Pastoral Counselor
Self-employeed
01.2018 - 02.2026
Teacher's Assistant /Tutor, Special Needs Students
Haywood County Schools
01.2014 - 06.2017
Sr. Pastor/Counselor
Haywood House of Praise
01.2014 - 06.2016
Worship/Associate Pastor of Worship
The Dynamic Church
01.2007 - 05.2011
DELTA Coordinator Western North Carolina
Haywood County Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Allianced
11.2004 - 11.2005
Worship Arts Pastor/Worship/Associate
New Covenant Church
01.1996 - 10.2003
Associate of Arts - Bible/Theology
Christian Life School of Theology
Master of Science - Clinical Counseling
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Counseling Psychology
Toccoa Falls College