Celena M. Garcia
Olympia Fields
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate psychology student with hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and at-risk youth. Skilled in implementing behavioral strategies, facilitating group interventions, and building positive client relationships. Aspiring to pursue graduate studies in psychology with a focus on clinical practice and child/adolescent development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Technician
Shapiro Developmental Center
Kankakee
01.2024 - Current
- Support individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living skills and community integration.
- Collect behavioral and developmental progress data to guide individualized treatment plans.
- Facilitate personal goal-setting and promote independence through structured support.
- Organize and supervise safe community outings and events to enhance social skills.
Behavior Technician (RBT)
ABC-A+ Behavioral Consulting and Treatment, Inc. / Autism Care Therapy
Oak Lawn
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Applied ABA strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and promote skill acquisition.
- Collected and analyzed data to evaluate client progress toward treatment goals.
- Supported social and cognitive skill-building through structured activities and community integration.
- Reinforced positive behaviors using evidence-based interventions in individual and group settings.
- Partnered with BCBAs and multidisciplinary teams to implement individualized treatment plans.
Customer Experience Specialist
Best Buy
Tinley Park
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Delivered high-quality customer service and consistently achieved sales goals.
- Trained and mentored new employees on company procedures and service standards.
- Built communication and problem-solving skills by addressing diverse customer needs.
Intern
Redeploy Illinois
Chicago
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted with youth intake procedures and case documentation.
- Assisted with group well-being sessions focused on coping skills, decision-making, and resilience.
- Helped develop organizational procedures for engaging with high-risk youth populations.
- Connected participants with community resources, employment opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Collaborated with staff and community stakeholders to expand outreach to underserved youth.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Governors State University
University Park, IL12.2025
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Prairie State University
Chicago Heights, IL05-2023
Skills
- Behavioral Intervention & Redirection
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Data Collection & Progress Monitoring
- Group Facilitation & Client Engagement
- Relationship Building with Clients & Families
- Problem-Solving & Crisis De-escalation
- Crisis intervention
- Data collection
- Evidence-based practices
- Group facilitation
- Individualized treatment planning
- Client rapport building
- Progress monitoring
- De-escalation techniques
Timeline
Intern
Redeploy Illinois
06.2024 - 08.2024
Mental Health Technician
Shapiro Developmental Center
01.2024 - Current
Behavior Technician (RBT)
ABC-A+ Behavioral Consulting and Treatment, Inc. / Autism Care Therapy
01.2023 - 01.2025
Customer Experience Specialist
Best Buy
01.2019 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Governors State University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Prairie State University