Victoria Hough
Tarpon Springs,FL
Summary
Ordained pastor experienced in providing emotional and spiritual support to individuals in need. Utilizes effective communication and empathetic listening to foster trust and understanding. Knowledge of various counseling techniques and spiritual guidance to address diverse challenges and promote well-being.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Pastor, Ministry Resident
NewSpring Church
Tarpon Springs, FL
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and delivered engaging sermons to foster spiritual growth within the congregation.
- Authored sermons, speeches, and other religious materials.
- Coordinated community outreach programs to enhance church visibility and engagement.
- Facilitated Bible study groups, promoting scriptural understanding and personal application.
- Provided pastoral care through counseling sessions, addressing congregational needs compassionately.
- Mentored volunteer leaders, enhancing their skills in ministry roles and responsibilities.
- Evaluated program effectiveness regularly.
- Provided pastoral counseling to individuals seeking guidance on personal or relationship issues, promoting emotional well-being within the congregation.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Served as a mentor to children in the church community, offering guidance and support.
- Collaborated with worship leaders to create meaningful worship experiences that connected with diverse audiences.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the church by promoting open dialogue and inclusive programming.
- Oversaw the administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Assisted in the recruitment and training of new volunteers, ensuring a strong support system for ongoing ministry efforts.
- Fostered strong partnerships with local organizations by participating in joint community service projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
- Interacted with the local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
- Assisted with the organization and implementation of Sunday school activities.
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to the church and managed daily operations.
- Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
Community Engagement and Training Coordinator
Water's Edge Christian Services
Meadville, PA
07.2021 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented training programs for community agencies, schools, churches, and community members to increase knowledge of coping skills and reduce stigma of mental health challenges.
- Provided Older Adult, Adult, and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings as a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer for community agencies, churches, and community members.
- Coordinated logistics for training sessions, ensuring resource availability and participant engagement.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback surveys and assessments, refining content as needed.
- Collaborated with community and faith leaders to identify training needs aligned with organizational and community task force goals.
- Served on community task forces to reduce trauma and create a trauma-informed community.
- Advocated for families for educational and behavior goals for their children with Individual Educational Plan meetings with schools.
- Collaborated with families as a FREDLA-certified Family Peer Support Specialist to help them meet their goals as a family.
- Maintained training records and compliance documentation to support regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions for new hires, fostering a smooth transition into company culture.
- Leveraged learning management systems to deliver online courses and track participant progress.
- Mentored junior trainers, providing guidance on instructional techniques and program delivery methods.
- Maintained accurate records of employee participation in training events, tracking progress towards learning objectives.
- Coordinated logistics for training events, including scheduling facilities, securing necessary equipment, and managing participant registration.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring support for employees seeking professional growth and development.
- Developed engaging instructional materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive activities.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives, making adjustments as needed to optimize results.
- Delivered high-quality classroom instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by encouraging employee engagement in training opportunities.
- Facilitated communication between trainers and participants before and after sessions to ensure clear expectations and follow-up support were provided as needed.
- Enhanced employee performance by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, resulting in reduced time to full productivity.
- Partnered with external vendors to source specialized training content or services when required by organizational needs or strategic priorities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, fostering trust and collaboration in support of shared learning objectives.
- Increased employee retention rates through targeted training interventions and career development opportunities.
- Conducted thorough needs assessments to identify skill gaps and develop appropriate training solutions.
- Reduced training costs by negotiating with external vendors for high-quality, cost-effective training materials and resources.
- Increased training session attendance, actively promoting sessions through engaging communications and scheduling flexibility.
- Adapted training content for global audience, considering cultural differences and language barriers to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Tailored training methods to suit remote work environments, enhancing participation and knowledge retention among virtual teams.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Adapted training content for a global audience, considering cultural differences and language barriers to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Designed and delivered web-based, self-directed learning materials.
Night Manager, Counselor/Advocate
Women's Services, Inc.
Meadville, Pa
09.2013 - 2014
- Provide one-on-one supportive counseling for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
- Calculated and recorded service hours for clients.
- Maintained client files.
- Maintained client information packets.
- Provided victim advocacy within the legal, housing, transportation, and other various systems.
- Provided legal accompaniment to court hearings.
- Provided medical accompaniment to hospitals and sexual assault and domestic abuse advocacy while at the hospital and with law enforcement.
- Certified Bystander trainer.
- Provided domestic and sexual violence crisis counseling for the hotline calls.
- Provided legal accompaniment to court hearings.
- Ensured compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Implemented nightly reporting systems to enhance communication between shifts.
- Resolved guest complaints swiftly, maintaining high standards of service satisfaction.
- Handled emergency situations calmly, coordinating with necessary personnel to ensure guest safety and minimal disruption to their stay.
- Created agency forms.
- Resolved guest complaints effectively, working towards satisfactory outcomes that enhanced overall satisfaction levels.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring safety and emotional support during critical situations.
- Established supportive relationships between the mothers and children, assisting them in navigating the complexities of their child's emotional challenges.
- Improved the child's emotional well-being by providing individualized counseling and support.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication during counseling sessions.
- Created a safe and welcoming environment for all clients, enabling open dialogue and effective treatment outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices within the field of child sexual assault and domestic abuse counseling.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
- Conducted outreach programs to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health.
- Ensured the safety of guests through thorough monitoring of the property, conducting security checks, and addressing potential risks.
- Conducted end-of-shift reviews to identify opportunities for improvement in nightly operations moving forward.
- Enhanced guest experience by promptly addressing and resolving nighttime inquiries and issues.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to support client emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and establish appropriate interventions.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and resources for mental health improvement.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Led workshops on stress management and conflict resolution techniques for clients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions and treatment progress in compliance with regulations.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client's background and experiences.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client's background and experiences.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client's care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
- Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Intern
Women's Services, Inc.
Meadville, Pa
05.2013 - 08.2013
- Interned with Family Advocates and Legal Advocates.
- Worked in the hotline office providing domestic abuse and sexual assault crisis counseling.
- Developed and facilitated a self-care counseling group.
- Provided one-on-one supportive counseling.
- Developed a women's domestic abuse and unhoused shelter handbook.
- Assisted with client intake and screening processes to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Supported program coordination by organizing resources and maintaining documentation for services provided.
- Contributed to outreach initiatives, increasing awareness of available programs within the community.
- Collaborated with team members to develop materials for educational workshops and support groups.
- Conducted research on best practices in women's services to enhance program offerings and effectiveness.
- Engaged in regular training sessions to improve knowledge of organizational policies and client care protocols.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, facilitating better communication among staff members.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Utilized strong communication abilities during presentations, which led to increased understanding among colleagues regarding project goals and objectives.
- Facilitated smoother communication channels by organizing regular team meetings.
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
- Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by actively participating in team-building activities.
- Participated in planning and execution of community outreach programs, strengthening community relations.
Education
Master of Arts - Pastoral And Crisis Care
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK01-2026
Bachelor of Science - Developmental Psychology
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA08.2013
High School Diploma -
Conneaut Valley High School
Conneautville, PA06.1996
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Canva, and PowerPoint
- Leadership skills
- Adept at helping others see connections and purposes
- Ability to focus on a person’s individualism
- Inquisitive
- Enjoy challenges
- Ability to work independently
- Self-motivated
- Ability to help others see the connections and purposes in their experiences, talents, actions, and successes
- Adept at seeing people and identifying their essential needs
- Has a love of learning
- The ability to personalize plans for individuals
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Public speaking
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Organizational leadership
- Crisis management and intervention
- Pastoral Counseling
- Spiritual teaching
- Pastoral collaboration
- Church outreach
- Discipleship
- Women's ministry
- Special needs ministry
- Volunteer management
- Marriage counseling
- Spiritual instruction
- Spiritual guidance
Timeline
Associate Pastor, Ministry Resident
NewSpring Church
01.2024 - Current
Community Engagement and Training Coordinator
Water's Edge Christian Services
07.2021 - 01.2024
Night Manager, Counselor/Advocate
Women's Services, Inc.
09.2013 - 2014
Intern
Women's Services, Inc.
05.2013 - 08.2013
Master of Arts - Pastoral And Crisis Care
Mid-America Christian University
Bachelor of Science - Developmental Psychology
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
High School Diploma -
Conneaut Valley High School