Tina Puga
Summary
Understanding Peer Support Specialist knowledgeable in care system navigation and willing to share life experiences related to mental illness. Energetic professional with more than 8 years of expertise providing mental support as well as advice and assistance to those wanting to change lives positively.
Results-driven mental health professional with comprehensive understanding of peer support dynamics. Known for fostering collaborative environments and achieving positive outcomes. Reliable team member adept at adapting to changing needs and priorities. Highly skilled in active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Mental Wellness Clinic
03.2017 - Current
- Facilitated therapeutic recreational activities designed to build social connections among peers while promoting hope and encouragement. Utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and stability within the supportive environment.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment to encourage open communication about personal challenges and goals.
- Conducted regular progress assessments, updating care plans as needed to reflect evolving client goals and circumstances.
- Promoted client self-advocacy through education on rights, responsibilities, and navigating complex systems of care.
- Assisted clients in developing and maintaining personalized wellness plans, guiding them in setting achievable goals for improved mental health outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans based on clients'' individual strengths, needs, and preferences.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Heritage Health: Therapy
02.2017 - 04.2024
- Assisted clients in developing and maintaining personalized wellness plans, guiding them in setting achievable goals for improved mental health outcomes.
- Conducted regular progress assessments, updating care plans as needed to reflect evolving client goals and circumstances.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment to encourage open communication about personal challenges and goals.
- Facilitated therapeutic recreational activities designed to build social connections among peers while promoting physical wellbeing.
- Took training for a recovery coach.
- Took training for a Certified Forensic Peer Support Specialist.
Chemical Dependence Specialist
Kootenai Medical Center
12.2006 - 04.2013
- Efficiently gathered information from families and social services agencies to inform development of treatment plans
- Recorded comprehensive client histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members
- Consulted with and developed appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans for dually diagnosed clients
- Created and reviewed master treatment and discharge plans for each client
- Charted and recorded information in client files
- Effectively managed time and caseloads based on5-15 clients daily
- Tracked client movement on and off the unit by documenting times and destinations of clients
- Documented all patient information including service plans, treatment reports and progress note
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans that focused on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of problems
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services
- Interacted with clinical staff and external resources such as school or community personnel
- Conducted outreach, advocacy and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crisis intervention
- Referred clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes
- Executed appropriate risk-assessment and mitigation strategies
- Worked with clients that have been diagnosed with mental health, emotional and substance abuse disorders
- Worked as a counselor with clients diagnosed with bipolar, depression, anxiety and personality disorders
- Led clients in individual, family group, and educational groups
- Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills
- Quickly responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose
- Monitored patients prescribed psychotropic medications to assess the medications effectiveness and side effects
- Evaluated clients to determine potential need to transfer to specialized inpatient mental health facilities
Education
certification - counseling
California Paramedical and Technical College
Long Beach, CA01.2003
High School Diploma - basic
Somerset High School
Bellflower, CA01.1981
Skills
- Peer advocacy
- Mental health awareness
- Self-care techniques
- Stress reduction
- Resource navigation
- Wellness strategies
- Boundary setting
- Recovery planning
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Mental Wellness Clinic
03.2017 - Current
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Heritage Health: Therapy
02.2017 - 04.2024
Chemical Dependence Specialist
Kootenai Medical Center
12.2006 - 04.2013
High School Diploma - basic
Somerset High School
certification - counseling
California Paramedical and Technical College
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