Whitney Scaramella, RSS
South Windsor ,CT
Summary
Pursuing a career as a recovery support specialist due to the personal experience with my husbands schizoaffective disorder, bipolar and addiction which led to his overdose/suicide. I myself am also in recovery for an eating disorder and suicide attempts. As a mother of 9 (of which some have mental health and special needs), I have a clear understanding of the emotional toll in mental health and addiction that affects not only the addict but the family as well. My goal is to be there for people and their families who are going through mental health and/or addiction and to help them achieve recovery. Being able to use my own lived experience to show them resilience can lead to recovery.
The role of a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is to be an educational advocate for clients to help them achieve their goals in recovery. To help them connect to others in the community and give resources to them. I help my peers with forming a wrap around plan and we also work on mindfulness and other coping skills as well. I make sure to treat them respect, dignity and not judge them but to meet them where they are. It’s our job as a RSS to educate and help the world embrace recovery and to be recovery minded.
My mission is to help anyone going through trauma for mental health or addiction improve their daily lives and also to show them recovery is possible and amazing!
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recovery Support Specialist-Associate
Hartford Healthcare -Natchaug Hospital
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Demonstrating an extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and share this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Building relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Observe strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information. HIPPA Compliant.
- Run individual therapy for children ages 4 to 18.
- Display sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Attend family sessions for support of clients.
- One on One Peer Support for adolescents and children.
- Member of a clinical support team in a non clinical role.
- Help patients to deal with realities of mental health diagnoses and develop coping skills.
- Use Epic to document in medical records.
- Guide clients in identifying personal goals, identify and help them to exercise their rights.
- Advocate for my clients.
- Secure and find resources relevant for my clients wellbeing.
- Participate in case reviews.
- Help clients with formulating coping skills that work for them.
- Explain harm reduction approach to my clients.
- Safety planning with my clients.
Wellness and Recovery Specialist -Family Peer
Beacon Health Options
01.2023 - Current
- Identifies opportunities for engagement of members and their families in forming a supportive, recovery Network
- Act as a resource for staff on decision-making and problem-solving.
- Initiates and maintains contact with assigned individuals and providers to determine members response to services.
- Work with families to help formulate IEP's.
- Advocate for families to get connected with the right services they need.
- Trained and wraparound philosophy to help members create a plan of care.
Hairstylist
Cost Cutters Hair Care
03.2003 - 01.2019
- Used scissors, trimmers, clippers, razors and brushes on customers.
- Offered highly skilled and diverse salon services to over 18 daily customers, including cuts, color services.
- Evaluated client needs and recommended treatments and strategy to achieve desired result, while maintaining hair health.
- Resolved guest complaints about service or style.
- Processed payments by entering sales in register.
- Counted and documented opening and closing cash amounts daily.
- Supported reception efficiency by taking phone calls, inputting appointments and collecting payments.
- Educated clients about products and self-maintenance for healthy hair based on needs and preferences.
- Performed in-home services for elderly clients unable to travel to salon.
- Sanitized and organized station and tools.
- Consistently received positive performance reviews from guests.
- Recorded notes for future reference, including customer preferences and services delivered.
- Offered color swatches to help clients choose desired hair color.
- Suggested treatments and styles to suit customers' appearance and desired look.
Hairstylist
Owner
01.2019 - Current
- Educated customers on products to maximize benefits.
- Processed payments, entering sales in register for prompt customer service.
- Scheduled customer appointments and rearranged individual time slots to meet demand.
- Suggested treatments and styles to suit customer appearance and fashion choices.
- Trimmed, cut and shaped hair and hairpieces based on customer preference.
- Completed in-home services for elderly clients unable to travel to salon.
- Permed, relaxed and bleached hair for customers daily.
Education
Nursing
Salve Regina University
Newport, RIPsychology
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CTRecovery Support Specialist - Peer Support For Mental Health And Addiction
Recovery Leadership Academy
Hartford, CT12.2020
Hair Design
Connecticut Institute of Hair Design
East Hartford, CT12.2000
Skills
- Good rapport with my clients
- Community Resources
- Client advocacy
- Rapport building
- Mental health services
- Learning disability awareness
- Interpersonal abilities
- Recovery guidance
- Arranging transportation
- Social activity planning
- Mental health support
- Providing direction
- De-escalation
- Service navigation
- Documentation
- Experience with diverse populations
Certification
- Recovery Support Specialist -Recovery Leadership Academy 12/2020
- SMART Recovery-Facilitator/Family and Friends Training May 2021
- CPI-Non violent crisis intervention training 7/2021
- Alternatives to Suicide-Facilitator Training 7/2022
- Love 146-Not a Number Facilitator Training 6/2022
- CPR trained 7/2021
Timeline
Wellness and Recovery Specialist -Family Peer
Beacon Health Options
01.2023 - Current
Recovery Support Specialist-Associate
Hartford Healthcare -Natchaug Hospital
03.2021 - 12.2022
Hairstylist
Owner
01.2019 - Current
Hairstylist
Cost Cutters Hair Care
03.2003 - 01.2019
Nursing
Salve Regina University
Psychology
Central Connecticut State University
Recovery Support Specialist - Peer Support For Mental Health And Addiction
Recovery Leadership Academy
Hair Design
Connecticut Institute of Hair Design
- Recovery Support Specialist -Recovery Leadership Academy 12/2020
- SMART Recovery-Facilitator/Family and Friends Training May 2021
- CPI-Non violent crisis intervention training 7/2021
- Alternatives to Suicide-Facilitator Training 7/2022
- Love 146-Not a Number Facilitator Training 6/2022
- CPR trained 7/2021
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