Valerie Cruz
Long Island City,NY
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate psychology graduate with a strong foundation in human behavior, mental health, and social services. Advocate for underserved populations and fostering meaningful change through evidence-based interventions. Skilled in facilitating empathetic discussions, conducting assessments, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Seeking admission to a Master of Social Work program to further develop clinical, supervisory, and policy-making skills in pursuit of a career in social work.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Therapist
A&J Behavioral Health
10.2023 - Current
- Promote positive reinforcement techniques throughout therapy sessions, motivating clients towards goal achievement.
- Reduce challenging behaviors by implementing evidence-based interventions and monitoring their effectiveness.
- Train caregivers and family members in ABA techniques, promoting consistency in the therapeutic environment.
Paraprofessional
Academy for Careers in Television and Film
10.2023 - Current
- Improve classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervise students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Deliver personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Medical Receptionist
Bracetown Orthodontics
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive data to protect patient and business information.
- Managed multi-line phone system and pleasantly greeted patients to confirm/schedule appointments and update patient records.
- Checked patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current.
Front Desk Receptionist
LaGuardia Community College/CUNY
04.2017 - 06.2022
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Kept physical files and digitized records organized for easy updating and retrieval by authorized team member.
- Helped accommodate students with disabilities or special needs for alterations to test administration.
Assistant Group Leader
Jacob Riis Academy
07.2014 - 08.2015
- Created engaging environment that fostered sense of belonging.
- Provided homework assistance, academic enrichment and physical activity using program curriculum and materials.
- Planned, prepared and implemented successful learning environment that supported and challenged child development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY
05-2020
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Observing and monitoring behavior
- Educational and emotional support for individuals with disabilities
- Cultural competency and diversity awareness
Volunteer Experience
TERRAVIV: Church Planting Internship - San Juan, Puerto Rico 07/2022- 08/2023
- Produced high-quality visual content for promotional materials, website, and social media platforms, effectively conveying the church's message and values.
- Collaborated closely with classroom teachers at a low-income school to provide individualized attention to students, helping them grasp concepts, complete assignments, and succeed academically while creating a positive learning environment.
- Provided group therapy at a girls' home for displaced and unaccompanied teenage girls. Lead group discussions & facilitated therapeutic conversations to support emotional expression and resolution.
- Assisted in the development of strategic plans for outreach, growth, and engagement, ensuring alignment with the church's core values.
- Engaged with the local community to build relationships, understand their needs, and tailor the church's programs, outreaches, and activities accordingly.
Timeline
Behavior Therapist
A&J Behavioral Health
10.2023 - Current
Paraprofessional
Academy for Careers in Television and Film
10.2023 - Current
Medical Receptionist
Bracetown Orthodontics
09.2020 - 06.2022
Front Desk Receptionist
LaGuardia Community College/CUNY
04.2017 - 06.2022
Assistant Group Leader
Jacob Riis Academy
07.2014 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY
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