Compassionate mental health professional experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. Demonstrated strengths in active listening, problem-solving, and empathy for diverse patient populations. Achieved improved patient outcomes through tailored treatment plans and the establishment of trust-based relationships.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Foster Care Case Manager
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
07.2025 - Current
Facilitated Child and Family Team Meetings to collaboratively address family needs and develop support strategies
Develop and implement family permanency plans
Evaluate strengths and needs of children and families
Completed home studies to assess family dynamics and inform case planning
Oversaw supervised visits between children and their families to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Conduct face to face visits with children in custody to verify well-being
Prepare for and attend court hearings
Coordinate with community providers
Maintained accurate documentation in TFacts to ensure compliance and support case management
Child and Family Specialist
Holston United Methodist Home for Children
03.2021 - Current
Facilitated family counseling sessions with biological families to strengthen relationships and promote reunification
Delivered individual counseling to foster children, fostering emotional resilience and coping skills
Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate individual needs
Develop and implement individual service plans
Provide case management services
Coordinate and communicate with school and other mental health professionals
Implemented behavior management strategies to support positive development and address challenging behaviors
Peninsula Therapist
Covenant Health
01.2023 - 04.2025
Facilitated IOP in residential group setting to support recovery and engagement.
Provide individual therapy to adolescents
Provide family therapy
Facilitate Anger Management group
Facilitate Grief Group
Facilitate Suicide Survivor group
Facilitate cottage groups
Evaluated crisis situations to identify interventions and recommend effective strategies.
Provided diagnosis to inform treatment planning and therapeutic interventions.
Care Coordinator System of Care Across Tennessee
Tennessee Voices
08.2019 - 03.2021
Ensured high fidelity and quality in Wraparound Process to enhance support for families
Complete assessments including CANS and Caregiver Strain
Develop and implement Care Plans with family and team members
Maintain up to date case records on each family
Engaged local organizations to strengthen community partnerships and resources for families
Case Manager (Residential Program)
Smoky Mountain Children's Home
05.2016 - 08.2019
Evaluated and de-escalated youth in crisis using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to ensure safety and stability.
Assessed youth's treatment needs through comprehensive evaluations to inform individualized care.
Developed and monitored treatment plans to align with youth's evolving needs.
Coordinate with other mental health professionals
Communicate regularly with youth, families
Direct Care
The Florence Crittenton Agency
04.2015 - 04.2016
Provided direct care and support for teen girls in alcohol/drug recovery program, fostering a safe environment for recovery.
Completed TCI Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training to manage challenging behaviors effectively, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for clients.
Obtained CPR and First Aid certification to maintain readiness for emergency situations, enhancing overall safety for clients.
Student Worker
Johnson University
01.2013 - 12.2015
Supported students in navigating computer lab resources and troubleshooting issues
Teaching Assistant test administration, grading, confidentiality
Office worker proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
Accounts Payable Clerk
Scott's Plumbing Company
03.2010 - 07.2012
Started position as secretary to assist staff answering phones and scheduling jobs
Processed billing for large contract jobs
Started position as secretary to assist staff answering phones and scheduling jobs
Teaching Assistant (Special Ed)
Christenberry Elementary School
01.2008 - 06.2008
Provided targeted sight reading instruction to children with autism and Down Syndrome, promoting literacy skills in an inclusive classroom environment.
Supported children with special physical, emotional, and mental needs, fostering their well-being and developmental progress.
Supported students with special needs in daily learning tasks.
Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom activities.
Organized and maintained classroom supplies and resources effectively.
Court Clerk
Knoxville City Court
08.2004 - 08.2005
Supported judge in courtroom operations to facilitate efficient proceedings.
Collaborated with diverse groups, including attorneys and defendants, to ensure effective communication and understanding.
Delivered customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues to enhance courtroom experience.
Lead Teacher
Broadway Baptist Daycare
05.2002 - 05.2003
Facilitated enriching learning experiences for infants, fostering growth and development
Provided a caring and safe environment
Supported parents in feeling at ease and confident through regular communication and reassurance
Houseparent
Tennessee Baptist Children's Home
05.2001 - 05.2002
Advanced from relief houseparent to lead houseparent for cottage of 8 teenage girls
Monitored and supported school progress of residents to foster academic success
Kept up with school progress
Assigned daily chores to residents to encourage responsibility and teamwork
Observed and documented client behavior to ensure compliance with guidelines
Accompanied clients to medical and mental health appointments
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis on Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix
10-2019
Bachelor of Science - Human Services: Counseling Concentration
Johnson University
Knoxville
12-2015
Bachelor of Science - Bible and Theology
Johnson University
Knoxville
12-2015
Skills
Client assessments
Crisis intervention
Mental health assessment
Child advocacy
Family support
Motivational interviewing
Community outreach
Case documentation
Strategic planning
Team collaboration
Effective communication
Verbal communication
Conflict resolution
Interpersonal skills
Microsoft Office proficiency
Adaptability and flexibility
ACTIVITIES
Former Mobile Meals Volunteer Former Girl Scout Leader Former Mobile Meals Volunteer Former Girl Scout Leader
Timeline
Foster Care Case Manager
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
07.2025 - Current
Peninsula Therapist
Covenant Health
01.2023 - 04.2025
Child and Family Specialist
Holston United Methodist Home for Children
03.2021 - Current
Care Coordinator System of Care Across Tennessee
Tennessee Voices
08.2019 - 03.2021
Case Manager (Residential Program)
Smoky Mountain Children's Home
05.2016 - 08.2019
Direct Care
The Florence Crittenton Agency
04.2015 - 04.2016
Student Worker
Johnson University
01.2013 - 12.2015
Accounts Payable Clerk
Scott's Plumbing Company
03.2010 - 07.2012
Teaching Assistant (Special Ed)
Christenberry Elementary School
01.2008 - 06.2008
Court Clerk
Knoxville City Court
08.2004 - 08.2005
Lead Teacher
Broadway Baptist Daycare
05.2002 - 05.2003
Houseparent
Tennessee Baptist Children's Home
05.2001 - 05.2002
Master of Science - Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis on Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services: Counseling Concentration