Valerie Morales
Bronx,NY
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Atria Senior Living, excelling in operations management and activity coordination. Expert in developing engaging programs that enhance resident well-being while managing budgets effectively. Skilled in recruiting and employee development, fostering a collaborative environment that drives success and retention.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Engage Life Program
Atria Senior Living
Bronx, NY
09.2019 - Current
- Developing, in consultation with Residents'; feedback and interests, medical recommendations, research and personal observation the best community events to enhance their daily lives through engagement and stimulation.
- Managing every aspect of the Engage Life Program. This includes training all Program Instructors (ELPI), volunteers and drivers to ensure high efficiency and successful execution.
- Engaging with and supporting community public relations including partner collaborations with the Corporate, Private and Public sectors to share our successes and positive publicity stories.
- Sales and outreach to achieve 100% property capacity. Conducting regular and impromptu entertainment activities to engage and motivate all residents/patients, families and visitors.
- Enhance departmental needs and goals within strict departmental budgets.
Arts Coordinator/Employment Specialist
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter
Bronx, NY
12.2016 - 08.2019
- Created several robust engaging programs for Louis Nine House residents including Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Creative Writing, and Drama.
- Supervised Louis Nine House staff and volunteers to effectively facilitate arts-related groups and activities.
- Lead structured group programs designed to improve and maintain the general health and overall well-being of the residents.
- Formed a collaborative network with other arts, human services, and community groups.
- Participated in Clinical Case Review Conferences and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Counseled tenants pursuing educational/vocational goals and facilitated them with internal and/or external resources and supports as needed.
Head Start Preschool Teacher
Walk Beside Me for Knowledge
Honduras, Central America
01.2016 - 11.2016
- Provided high-quality language lesson development and delivery
- Advised on co-curricular clubs and activities
- Participated in ongoing planning, evaluations and design enhancements of curriculum
- Implemented multiple instructional strategies to maximize every student's ability at appropriate levels
- Effectively collaborated with other teachers in developing and sharing curriculum strategies and best practices
- Served as a liaison between families, school administration, and other community resources to support student success outside the classroom
Family Counselor/Program Assistant
NY Council on Adoptable Children
New York, NY
05.2011 - 12.2015
- Developed and implemented Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) for clients and families.
- Counseling infected clients and affected family members on concerns ranging from disclosure of HIV status to family members, unsatisfactory relationships, housing issues, medicine compliance and financial hardships, providing crisis intervention as necessary.
- Evaluated progress regularly, adjusting counseling approaches as needed to optimize results for clients.
- Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.
- Served as an advocate for clients within the community, coordinating resources and referrals to support their goals effectively.
Education
Master of Arts - Art Therapy
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
SUNY College At Oswego
Oswego, NY05-2008
Skills
- Recruiting
- Employee Development
- Retention
- Operations management
- Budget management
- Crisis management
- Patient Safety
- Activity coordination
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
Timeline
Director, Engage Life Program
Atria Senior Living
09.2019 - Current
Arts Coordinator/Employment Specialist
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter
12.2016 - 08.2019
Head Start Preschool Teacher
Walk Beside Me for Knowledge
01.2016 - 11.2016
Family Counselor/Program Assistant
NY Council on Adoptable Children
05.2011 - 12.2015
Master of Arts - Art Therapy
Hofstra University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
SUNY College At Oswego