VALERIA TORRES
Montgomery,IL
Summary
Dynamic counseling professional with a proven ability to deliver impactful client interactions and therapeutic support. Expertise in implementing effective counseling strategies while fostering a supportive and safe environment for clients. Committed to collaboration and adaptability, ensuring seamless teamwork and a client-centered approach to care. Proficient in active listening and CBT interventions, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Behavioral Technician
Westside Children’s Therapy
06.2023 - Current
- Being responsible for the direct implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming with clients under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
- Implement direct therapy services for assigned clients and caseload, following programming written by BCBA.
- Engage with BCBA during regular supervision sessions to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Collect and record data on patients behavior, complete and submit required documentation (SOAP notes, etc) in a timely manner, aligned with Westside's policies and procedures.
- Trained and mentored new staff on behavioral techniques and best practices.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and therapists to ensure cohesive care.
Graduate Assistant
Lewis University
12.2024 - 12.2025
- Served as a liaison between faculty members and students for addressing concerns or issues related to coursework or academic policies.
- Organized workshops and seminars, enhancing student engagement and academic resources.
- Created a student support group called "Rise Together" to increase student engagement.
- Organized events and workshops for promoting learning outside the classroom, fostering a sense of community among students.
- Assisted in development of grant proposals, leading to successful funding of departmental research projects.
Counseling Intern
Westside Children’s Therapy
01.2025 - 11.2025
- Facilitated individual sessions for children with diverse needs under supervision.
- Conducted assessments and evaluations to identify behavioral and emotional challenges.
- Developed tailored intervention plans to support client goals and improve outcomes.
- Implemented therapeutic techniques and activities to enhance coping skills in children.
- Analyzed client progress data to refine treatment strategies and drive improvements.
- Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
- Participated in client consultations with Supervisor and collaborated regularly with families to discuss courses of treatment.
- Maintained up-to-date clinical documentation via electronic recordkeeping systems.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering trust and open communication in therapy sessions.
Assistant Manager
Lacoste
02.2020 - 06.2023
- Led team to enhance customer service standards, resulting in improved client satisfaction.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing discrepancies and optimizing stock levels.
- Mentored staff, fostering professional development and enhancing overall team performance.
- KPI driven and commercially aware of the business performance.
- Supported market, traveled to assist in store openings and training staff from various locations.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Sales Associate
Shinola Detroit
09.2018 - 02.2020
- Becoming an expert on brand and products in order to drive sales.
- Being able to create community with guests by providing the best customer service and creating community with team by embodying brand values.
- Making productive use of down time by keeping store clean, presentable and stocked at all times.
- Building relationships through meaningful outreach to guests (sending emails and text messages through Salesforce).
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL12.2025
Bachelors - Psychology
Aurora University
Aurora, IL12.2021
Associate in Fine Arts - undefined
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL05.2019
Skills
- Applied behavior analysis
- Children & Adolescent counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Parent Support Training
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Adaptable in dynamic environments
- Effective conflict resolution skills
- Proficient in collaborative problem-solving
- Building rapport
- Client advocacy
- CBT & DBT Interventions
- Multicultural competence
Certification
- RBT - Registered Behavior Technician
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Counseling Intern
Westside Children’s Therapy
01.2025 - 11.2025
Graduate Assistant
Lewis University
12.2024 - 12.2025
Registered Behavioral Technician
Westside Children’s Therapy
06.2023 - Current
Assistant Manager
Lacoste
02.2020 - 06.2023
Sales Associate
Shinola Detroit
09.2018 - 02.2020
Bachelors - Psychology
Aurora University
Associate in Fine Arts - undefined
Waubonsee Community College
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lewis University
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- FVSRA Day Break 1 Program
- Mutual Grounds
- Hesed House
- Feed my Starving Children
- Trauma Focused CBT training