Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rissa Przekop

Kingston,NY

Summary

Accomplished Therapeutic Group Facilitator with a proven track record at FAMILY OF WOODSTOCK, enhancing client satisfaction and engagement through innovative facilitation and empathy. Expert in mental health knowledge and active listening, significantly improved participant interaction in virtual and in-person settings. Skilled in crisis handling and multicultural sensitivity, fostering inclusive environments and promoting personal growth.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Therapetic Group Facilaitor

FAMILY OF WOODSTOCK
10.2023 - Current
  • Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
  • Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
  • Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
  • Provided constructive feedback to participants during debriefing sessions, fostering personal growth and skill development.
  • Led virtual training sessions using web-based platforms while maintaining high levels of participant interaction and engagement throughout the event duration.
  • Improved client satisfaction by tailoring facilitation techniques to meet diverse group needs.

Program Director for Housing

Family Of Woodstock
05.2005 - Current
  • Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
  • Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
  • Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
  • Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
  • Maintained and updated project related documents.
  • Established and maintained effective working relationships with stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and support.
  • Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.

Direct Support Professional

New Horizons Resources
06.2004 - Current
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
  • Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
  • Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
  • Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
  • Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
  • Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
  • Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
  • Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
  • Implemented individualized behavior management plans, reducing incidents of challenging behaviors within the residence.
  • Monitored and reported changes in clients' health and well-being, enabling timely interventions.
  • Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
  • Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
  • Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
  • Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
  • Transported clients to and from medical appointments with safety and efficiency.

Education

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling

Pace University
Pleasentville, NY
12.2025

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services

Empire State College
Highland, NY
05.2005

Skills

  • Mental health knowledge
  • Verbal De-escalation
  • Nonviolent Communication
  • Client Confidentiality
  • Multicultural Sensitivity
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Self-Care Practices
  • Referral Networking
  • Empathy Display
  • Crisis handling
  • Documentation skills
  • Reflective listening
  • Mental Health Assessment
  • Safety Planning
  • Crime Prevention
  • Non-violent resolutions
  • Hotline management
  • Referral Coordination
  • Alliance Building
  • Problem-Solving
  • Active Listening

Timeline

Therapetic Group Facilaitor

FAMILY OF WOODSTOCK
10.2023 - Current

Program Director for Housing

Family Of Woodstock
05.2005 - Current

Direct Support Professional

New Horizons Resources
06.2004 - Current

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling

Pace University

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services

Empire State College
Rissa Przekop