Trauma-informed counselor with 17 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations in non-profit settings. Skilled in assessment and treatment planning to identify areas of need and a place to start recovery. Partner with community partners to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Rehabilitation Counselor
Illinois Department of Human Services
Jacksonville, IL
04.2024 - Current
Manage caseload of 250 customers across 3 counties, ensuring access to necessary rehabilitation services.
Assess eligibility and disability needs according to rehabilitation services guidelines, facilitating appropriate support.
Build individualized service plans based on customer needs.
Coordinate services with state-approved vendors and Managed Care Organizations
Link customers to relevant community resources and coordinated referrals to enhance service delivery.
Administrator - Mental Health Resource Center
Prevention First
Springfield, IL
08.2023 - 03.2024
Conducted needs assessments to identify knowledge and skills gaps, guiding future program development.
Established relationships with key stakeholders, securing support for program initiatives.
Instructed Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, Refer courses
Developed high-impact deliverables, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
Case Manager
Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program
01.2020 - 07.2023
Identified resources and tools for families, coordinated referrals to community services, advocated for family needs, and addressed roadblocks to achieve financial stability.
Developed positive relationships with parents to enhance communication regarding children's financial, educational, medical, and social needs.
Analyze family's monthly assets and expenses then write and present charitable recommendations to Board of Managers.
Collaborated with team members remotely using digital communication tools to ensure project alignment. and independently while maintaining open communication with the Director via regular updates on caseload.
Utilization Reviewer
Memorial Behavioral Health
11.2019 - 07.2023
Identified imminent safety concerns, alerting leaders and frontline staff to mitigate risks.
Monitored documentation for process improvement opportunities and resolved issues while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Participated in development and implementation of a new record review tool to align best practices and optimize mental health records management.
Evaluated mental health records to maintain safety and regulatory compliance.
Clinical Screener
Northern Illinois University
07.2018 - 06.2020
Conducted interviews and completed Integrated Assessments for families in foster care across Central Illinois, ensuring thorough understanding of individual needs.
Collaborated with child welfare staff and leadership to identify treatment and service needs, providing informed recommendations to the court to support family reunification.
Director
Memorial Behavioral Health
04.2015 - 06.2018
Collaborated with organizational leadership and board of directors to shape strategic operational direction.
Oversaw daily operations of site, supervising 20 staff across 8 programs including case management and access department to ensure program effectiveness.
Led innovative Employee Satisfaction initiative of self-care and team building, which virtually ended chronic staff turnover, increased productivity, and improved client outcomes.
Partnered with agency and community stakeholders to budget and enhance service access.
Provided training and workshops to promote Memorial Behavioral Health and mental wellness.
Facilitated the Emerging Leaders program with a focus on peer to peer staffing and supervision.
Instructed Mental Health First Aid courses.
Lead Clinician
Memorial Behavioral Health
02.2013 - 04.2015
Delivered individual, couples, family, and group therapy using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to facilitate client engagement and progress.
Conducted mental health assessments and developed individualized treatment plans to address client needs.
Supervised 4-6 staff across 4 programs while maintaining a therapy caseload of 30 clients, ensuring consistent quality of care.
Sexual Abuse Therapist
ABC Counseling and Family Services
08.2009 - 12.2012
Conducted and analyzed assessments for child sexual abuse victims, youth with sexually problematic behaviors, and juvenile sexual offenders to determine risk levels and guide intervention strategies.
Outlined treatment recommendations and provided specialized trauma-informed counseling services for children aged 3-18, families, and groups.
Facilitated psychoeducational groups for parents and professionals to enhance recognition and response to signs of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Development Counseling
University of Illinois
Springfield, IL
01-2010
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
MacMurray College
Jacksonville, IL
01-2006
Skills
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Leadership and direct service experience
Stakeholder relationship management
Prioritize rapport building with clients
Meticulous written/verbal communication
Sound judgment in crisis situations
Certification
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 180.008769
PHP/IOP Case Therapist I/Intake Assessor at Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health ServicesPHP/IOP Case Therapist I/Intake Assessor at Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health Services