Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Yadira Cruz-Duron MSHCM LPC-S NCC

Marrero,LA

Summary

Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Possesses outstanding interpersonal and conflict management skills.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Clinical Counselor

National Youth Advocate Program
12.2024 - Current
  • Provided mentoring and supervision to interns and clinical staff to ensure that daily tasks were completed.
  • Participated in on call schedule to support staff as needed.
  • Supported staff with services following Office of Refugee and Resettlement guidelines to reunify unaccompanied minors with the goal of reunification.
  • Implemented an employee wellness program to enhance understanding of mental and physical health.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients'' diverse needs.
  • Maintained confidentiality and upheld ethical standards in all interactions with clients, families, and colleagues.

Behavioral Health Clinical Case Manager EAP Clinical Counselor

Aetna Health Insurance
04.2022 - 12.2024
  • Managed a case load of 100-120 members with 13 engaged members per month.
  • Developed treatment plan with members based on identified care needs to reduce hospital readmissions.
  • Partnered with pharmacists, physicians, and social workers to provide members with wraparound support.
  • Participated in developing a child abuse assessment page to support clinicians when working with children throughout the United States.

Diversion Counselor

Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office Pre-trial Diversion Program
03.2019 - 04.2022
  • Encouraged positive change by helping individuals and families recognize patterns of negative thinking that may be contributing towards symptoms of maladaptive behavior.
  • Took on leadership roles such as mentoring student interns, training new clinicians, and supporting program staff while Clinical Supervisor was on leave.
  • Trained, supervised, and mentored interns to develop their professional skills and ensure procedures were followed.
  • Monitored interns’ professional development and learning plans and provided weekly individual supervision.
  • Presented trainings to staff to increase clinical skills competencies.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress while adhering to confidentiality regulations.
  • Provided individual and group counseling for a diverse population of clients between the ages of 11-17.
  • Worked collaboratively with clients and their families to develop treatment plans and goals that supported efforts for an alternative path to adjudication.
  • Educated clients on mental health topics including self-care strategies, coping skills and lifestyle changes that can improve overall well-being.
  • Organized client referrals to appropriate services and resources.
  • Collaborated with other professionals such as psychiatrists and social workers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
  • Presented during group orientations as well as community meetings to raise awareness of the Diversion Program and advocated for youth impacted by juvenile justice system.
  • Co-presenter for “Teen, Sex, and the Law” group.

Addictions Counselor

Behavioral Health Group
07.2018 - 02.2019
  • Managed a caseload of 70-75 clients and assessed progress through regular evaluations and drug testing.
  • Contributed to program development by analyzing client outcomes data and recommending improvements based on best practices.
  • Participated in Joint Commission Audit
  • Utilized evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Trained new clinicians to ensure smooth adaptation to program and services.
  • Facilitated life skills workshops, empowering clients to manage stressors effectively and make healthier choices in daily living.

Mental Health Counseling Intern

Department of Juvenile Services
01.2018 - 08.2018
  • Conducted assessments of client mental health needs to develop treatment plans and goals for clients between the ages of 11-17.
  • Developed and implemented effective counseling strategies to assist clients in managing mental health issues.
  • Assisted in evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and making necessary adjustments through a trauma-informed care approach to provide clients and families with a safe space while in the juvenile justice system.

Counseling Intern

University of Holy Cross
08.2017 - 08.2018
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills by managing caseload and prioritizing tasks effectively.
  • Provided individual counseling for a diverse population of clients, which included university students as well as community members between the ages of 2-60 years old.
  • Assisted in the development of treatment plans and monitored progress towards goals for clients.
  • Encouraged client self-advocacy through goal setting activities and developing action plans.
  • Established trustful connections with clients by exhibiting empathy, respect for diversity, cultural sensitivity, ethical conduct, and confidentiality.

Patient Service Associate

St. Thomas Community Health Center
07.2016 - 08.2018
  • Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting patients upon arrival, quickly addressing their needs, and answering questions clearly.
  • Assisted patients with insurance verification, ensuring accurate billing and prompt payment processing.
  • Maintained confidentiality by properly handling sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by effectively collaborating with medical staff and other departments.
  • Managed multiple phone lines, addressing patient inquiries and directing calls to appropriate departments as needed.
  • Participated in training sessions for new hires as well as ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry best practices.

Graduate Assistant

University of Holy Cross
08.2017 - 02.2018
  • Served as a liaison between faculty members and students for addressing concerns or issues related to coursework or academic policies.
  • Facilitated student success by identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback on assignments and exams.
  • Developed and managed organized, orderly student databases and tracking systems.
  • Collaborated with faculty members on research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.
  • Expanded professional network through active participation in university-wide events, conferences, seminars, or training sessions.
  • Mentored students with personalized guidance on academic progress, career goals, and professional development opportunities.

Front Desk/Medical Assistant

Algiers Urgent Care
07.2011 - 08.2016
  • Greeted patients and checked them in for their appointments, verifying patient demographics and insurance information.
  • Maintained updated knowledge of HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy rights; always ensured compliance.
  • Answered incoming calls promptly, courteously, and professionally, relayed messages accurately.
  • Provided support services to physicians during examinations as required; assisted with minor procedures as needed.
  • Managed daily operations at the front desk such as checking out patients and collecting payments.
  • Utilized medical software to enter patient data, including medical history and insurance information.

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) -

Jack Welch Management Institute
Herndon, VA
12.2025

Master of Science (M.S.) - Healthcare Management

University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
05.2021

Master of Arts (M.A.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA
08.2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Social Counseling

University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA
08.2018

Certification

  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
  • National Certified Counselor

Accomplishments

  • Chi Sigma Iota Honors
  • Telehealth Certified
  • Member of Juntos CRG through CVS Health
  • Executive Certificate in Leadership

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Lead Clinical Counselor

National Youth Advocate Program
12.2024 - Current

Behavioral Health Clinical Case Manager EAP Clinical Counselor

Aetna Health Insurance
04.2022 - 12.2024

Diversion Counselor

Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office Pre-trial Diversion Program
03.2019 - 04.2022

Addictions Counselor

Behavioral Health Group
07.2018 - 02.2019

Mental Health Counseling Intern

Department of Juvenile Services
01.2018 - 08.2018

Counseling Intern

University of Holy Cross
08.2017 - 08.2018

Graduate Assistant

University of Holy Cross
08.2017 - 02.2018

Patient Service Associate

St. Thomas Community Health Center
07.2016 - 08.2018

Front Desk/Medical Assistant

Algiers Urgent Care
07.2011 - 08.2016

Master of Science (M.S.) - Healthcare Management

University of New Orleans

Master of Arts (M.A.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Holy Cross

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Social Counseling

University of Holy Cross

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) -

Jack Welch Management Institute