Tonja Bangel
Amherst,NY
Summary
Positive, empathetic, and resilient, with strong understanding of effective recovery strategies and motivational techniques. Knowledge of addiction counseling and mental health support combined with skills in active listening and crisis intervention. Dedicated to fostering positive change and empowering individuals on their recovery journey.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CRPA, Recovery Coach
Save The Michaels Of The World
Buffalo, NY
01.2023 - Current
- Facilitated recovery planning sessions to empower clients in achieving personal goals.
- Developed and implemented individualized support strategies based on client needs and progress.
- Assisted clients in navigating community resources for health services and support networks.
- Monitored client progress, providing feedback and adjustments to recovery plans as needed.
- Conducted motivational interviewing techniques to enhance client engagement and self-efficacy.
- Trained new staff on best practices in recovery coaching and client interaction methods.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support for clients.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Encouraged clients'' sense of responsibility for their recovery journey by teaching them essential coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques.
- Mentored new Recovery Coaches, sharing best practices and contributing to their professional development.
- Gathered information about useful resources and helped coordinate referrals.
- Facilitated connections between clients and peer support groups, fostering a strong network for continued success posttreatment.
- Enhanced client engagement in recovery programs by providing compassionate support and guidance.
- Established trust and rapport with clients, creating a strong foundation for open communication and collaboration throughout the recovery process.
- Increased clients'' self-awareness by conducting regular assessments and facilitating reflective exercises.
- Empowered clients to set and achieve realistic goals through guided goal-setting sessions and progress monitoring.
- Promoted healthy lifestyle choices through education on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices.
- Fostered a supportive environment for group therapy sessions, encouraging open communication and mutual respect among participants.
- Served as an advocate for clients within the healthcare system by communicating effectively with medical professionals regarding treatment plans and concerns.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, connecting clients with appropriate emergency resources as needed.
- Conducted workshops on various topics related to addiction and mental health, raising awareness in the community about available resources.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners, enabling better access to resources and support services for clients.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring a holistic approach to client recovery.
- Participated in multidisciplinary meetings focused on providing comprehensive assistance.
- Streamlined administrative processes, reducing paperwork burden on staff while maintaining accurate records for each client.
- Maintained strict adherence to confidentiality standards, protecting clients'' privacy during the recovery process.
- Evaluated client progress regularly using evidence-based assessment tools and adapted coaching strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify barriers to recovery and develop strategies for overcoming them.
- Contributed to program improvement initiatives by providing feedback on curriculum content based on client needs and experiences.
- Improved client recovery rates by developing personalized coaching plans tailored to individual needs.
- Provided group, family, and individual coaching to support recovery goals.
- Signposted additional support services, including housing, employment and childcare assistance.
- Improved relapse prevention rates with targeted recovery program mentoring.
- Supported clients with compassionate, empathetic face-to-face coaching.
- Documented case management activity for accurate, reliable records.
- Maintained client confidentiality and adhered to HIPAA guidelines.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Initiated and facilitated support groups at both Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facilities.
- Active team member with the Lackawanna Treatment Court.
- CHAMP Coordinator (Community Healthcare Access Mental Health Project) 1/2025-4/2025.
- ATC Treatment Intake Specialist 6/2025-present.
- Narcan Training Specialist .
- NYS Gambling Training Specialist
- Community Outreach Events Representative
- Both Family and Peer Support Specialist
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Hilbert College
Hamburg, NY11.2023
CRPA
IHNO
Buffalo, NY04.2022
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
EMR
Caseload Management
Knowledge with SUD
People Skills
Public Speaking
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Computer skills
- Organizational skills
- Calm under pressure
- Active listening
- Organization and time management
- Decision-making
- Problem resolution
- Verbal communication
Certification
- Nys certified peer recovery coach
- March 2021 to March 2023
- Completed certified course IHN
- I have met the requirements to start coaching.
- Cosmetology License
- Certified Recovery Specialist
Additional Information
- Skills
- Retail, Sales, Customer Service, Microsoft Office, Inventory, Cash Handling, Customer Service, Inventory, MS Office, Marketing, Microsoft Office, Retail, Sales
- Basic Computer Skills - Proficient
- February 2019
- Measures a candidate's ability to perform basic computer operations, navigate a Windows OS, and troubleshoot common computer problems.
- Full results: https://share.indeedassessments.com/share_assignment/z8zwrbb3si2-dorq
- Search Engine Optimization - Completed
- Measures a candidate's ability to interpret online website performance metrics and understand search engine optimization tactics.
- Full results: https://share.indeedassessments.com/share_assignment/0tpev-udjet-lf8
- Attention to Detail - Completed
- Identifying differences in materials, following instructions, and detecting details among distracting information.
- Full results: https://share.indeedassessments.com/share_assignment/31r-hp-dfscwob7z
- Retail Skills: Shelf Stocking - Familiar
- Measures a candidate's ability to receive and store merchandise or product.
- Full results: https://share.indeedassessments.com/share_assignment/aymdsasdb4lja-ae
- Indeed Assessments provides skills tests that are not indicative of a license or certification, or continued development in any professional field.
Timeline
CRPA, Recovery Coach
Save The Michaels Of The World
01.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Hilbert College
CRPA
IHNO