CLINICAL AND TREATMENT-RELATED EXPERIENCE
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
— Viktor E. Frankl —
FOUNDER AND CEO
ATLANTIC COUNSELING FOR EMPOWERMENT, PLLC
June 2022 - Present
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Lead clinician at Atlantic Counseling for Empowerment (ACE); an ethically motivated, industry-leading, and cutting-edge counseling and psychotherapy practice offering tailored and client-specific treatment that is culturally sensitive for individuals, couples, families, and groups
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Focusing on evidence-based, equitable, and inclusive care via a hybrid treatment model with both in-person and TeleMental Health services
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Specializing in solution-focused counseling and insight-oriented therapy with powerful results and positive, long-lasting outcomes
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Primary mission is “to help others help themselves and empower others to power themselves.”
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In addition to multiculturally competent counseling, psychotherapy, assessments, and evaluations, other qualified professional services include coaching, consulting, and supervision that embraces diversity
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
GREATER THINGS, LLC
June 2020 - June 2022
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Private practitioner within a diverse and thriving group practice, offering individual, group, and family counseling
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Specialized in the counseling of bipolar and related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and co-occurring disorders
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Provided tailored, evidence-based treatment from a social constructivism paradigm, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy within a transtheoretical model framework
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Utilized a variety of counseling techniques and educational skills, including motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, 12-step-based treatment, mindfulness, wellness, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution
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Conducted a range of assessments to monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes, including the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire, Flourishing Scale (FS), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)
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Employed a practice management system, while developing individualized, solution-focused, and strength-based treatment plans, and maintaining efficient clinical records via HIPPA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) software
PRIMARY THERAPIST
COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS CENTERS
January 2020 - June 2020
Provided individual counseling at a research-oriented treatment center, specializing in substance-related and addictive disorders across the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) continuum of care
Conducted evidence-based treatment from a social constructivism paradigm, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy within a transtheoretical model framework
Performed a battery of assessments to monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes, including the Brief Addiction Monitor-Revised (BAM-R), Session Rating Scale (SRS), and Outcome Rating Scale (ORS)
Created individualized, solution-focused, and strength-based treatment plans for clients and their families
Collaborated across the continuum of care within a multidisciplinary treatment approach
Sustained systematic clinical documentation via HIPPA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) software
FAMILY THERAPIST
LIFESKILLS SOUTH FLORIDA
August 2019 - December 2019
Delivered best practices with efficacious treatment in family therapy and counseling at a high-end residential facility and leader in the treatment of co-occurring disorders
Practiced from a social constructivism paradigm, integrating structural family and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques within a Bowen family systems and transtheoretical model framework
Led therapeutic groups focusing on the Family Support Program and its principles of support, training, education, empowerment, and recovery (STEER)
Provided a robust recovery program for clients and their families, including a comprehensive family assessment, intensive family therapy, and transition to a lower level of care
Active in a collaborative and multidisciplinary treatment approach involving all levels and members across the continuum of care
Attentive and consistent communication with families, while maintaining fastidious clinical records in accord with all internal and external standards/policies
GROUP THERAPIST
THE LIVING SOLUTION
December 2016 - May 2017
Administered evidence-based treatment in group counseling at an addictions treatment center for men, while taking a multidisciplinary clinical approach in the provision of individually-based, tailored treatment
Approached treatment from a social constructivism paradigm, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy within a transtheoretical model framework
Facilitated process, therapy, experiential, and psychoeducational groups, while specializing in the treatment of alcoholism, substance/process addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders
Utilized a variety of counseling and educational skills, including motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, 12-step-based treatment, mindfulness, wellness, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution
Participated in all clinical team meetings and collaborated with the entire staff to provide highly integrated, competent, and quality care
Maintained detailed and meticulous clinical documentation in adherence with all internal and external standards/policies
PRIMARY THERAPIST
MANDALA HEALING CENTER
October 2015 - January 2016
Delivered individual, group, and family counseling, while conducting evidence-based treatment interventions at a premier ASAM level 3.5 facility
Specialized in addiction treatment with an emphasis on programs designed for individuals suffering from alcoholism, substance/process addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders
Satisfied rigorous internal and external standards regarding clinical documentation (intake evaluations, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes)
Developed and implemented individualized and client-appropriate treatment plans for an average caseload of 8 to 10 clients and families
Applied skillful and fluent use of conflict resolution, relapse prevention, and crisis intervention, both from a counseling and didactic modality
Participated in daily, multidisciplinary case conferences and treatment plan reviews, while maintaining aftercare treatment plans for entire individual caseload
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
ATLANTIC PEDIATRICS
October 2014 - October 2015
Managed the day-to-day information technology operations of a thriving private pediatric practice, along with the maintenance of patients’ information, health records, intakes, and appointments
Facilitated the insurance claims process, while sensitively and ethically coordinating the exchange of patients’ information in accordance with HIPPA privacy and security rules
MENTAL HEALTH INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM AND
INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES INTERN
MERIDIAN HEALTH
August 2013 - September 2014
Received clinical experience in group, individual, and family therapy, while providing counseling and psychoeducation to a diverse client population being treated for a variety of disorders and problems, including the following: adjustment disorders, co-occurring disorders, mentally ill chemical abusers (MICA), mood disorders, personality disorders, physical/sexual abuse, relationship difficulties, serious mental illness (SMI), substance abuse/dependence (SUD), and trauma
Trained in suicide risk assessment and crisis interventions, and gained expert knowledge in relapse prevention and post-hospitalization plans, including community resources and referrals
Conducted diagnostic interviews, biopsychosocial assessments, intake evaluations, progress notes, and process notes in both an inpatient and outpatient setting
Developed proficient skills in formulating individualized treatment plans and comprehensive case conceptualizations
Participated in weekly outpatient staff meetings and inpatient clinical review meetings, involving a collective analysis of program functions and individual clients’ progress
Participated in daily, multidisciplinary case conferences and treatment plan reviews, while maintaining appropriate aftercare treatment plans for entire individual caseload
COORDINATOR OF RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
THE SANCTUARY IN DELRAY BEACH
December 2011 - April 2013
Conducted intake evaluations and weekly client progress reports, while offering counseling interventions to residents of a clinically esteemed men’s sober living facility
Co-lead weekly interpersonal therapy groups, provided exclusively for residents and aftercare clients
Facilitated and helped to coordinate the residents’ daily scheduled activities, providing a healthy transition toward a more productive and balanced lifestyle with job/volunteer and community opportunities
Populations included clients suffering from substance abuse/dependence (SUD), mentally ill chemical abusers (MICA), serious mental illness (SMI), and co-occurring disorders, along with abuse and trauma
TEACHING AND SUPERVSION EXPERIENCE
“Tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin —
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
May 2022 - Present
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Full-time faculty member of the CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
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Teaching and enriching core courses, while, advising, mentoring, supervising graduate counseling students
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Participating actively in all faculty and committee meetings and departmental, administrative-related functions, including student learning assessments and academic program reviews
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Providing service and leadership to the school and professional counseling communities, including admissions and recruitment, Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the international and professional academic honor society for counseling students, counselor educators, and professional counselors, along with the Student Development Plan (SDP) committee, dissertation/thesis committee-related duties, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee
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Conducting research and scholarship while maintaining a successful private counseling practice and providing pro bono services
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Engaging in and staying actively involved in professional advocacy efforts, including the promotion of pro-counseling legislation and addictions prevention
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
LYNN UNIVERSITY
January 2021 - May 2022
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Taught Human Growth and Development (CSL 560) within the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
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Revised the curriculum and syllabus to meet current professional practice and accreditation standards
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Developed and administered all in-class and/or online examinations, assignments, lectures, and discussions
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Monitored and evaluated all of the course requirements according to rubrics
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Maintained an open, academic, and professional dialogue with all students in order to outline the course expectations and requirements, while providing timely and formative feedback
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Utilized the video teleconferencing application, Zoom, and the web-based LMS, Canvas, as a supplement or alternative to in-class activities
AFFILIATE FACULTY, COUNSELING@NORTHWESTERN
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
September 2020 - May 2022
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Taught appointed courses in the online, CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, including the following:
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Theory and Technique of Substance Abuse Counseling (COUN 452-6), a graduate course reviewing key concepts necessary to understand substance and behavioral addictions from both a psychodynamic- and pragmatic-based approach to addictions counseling
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Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling (COUN 483-6), a graduate course in understanding the ACA ethical standards and their application to treatment, along with a review of ethical decision-making models and major ethical and legal issues in the practice of professional counseling
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Collaborated with core faculty in the development and delivery of curricula, asynchronous and synchronous material, and supplemental content
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Conducted weekly synchronized discussions and lectures, while facilitating all of the asynchronous assignments, discussions, and material
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Monitored and evaluated all of the course requirements and assignments according to rubrics
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Maintained an open, academic, and professional dialogue with all students in order to outline the course expectations and requirements, while providing timely and formative feedback
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Utilized the video teleconferencing application, Zoom, and the web-based Learning Management System (LMS), 2U, for all synchronized class activities
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
May 2019 - May 2022
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Supervising and/or teaching students within the CACREP-accredited Mental Health Services (MHS) Program, including the following:
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Counseling Theories and Techniques (MHS 6401), a graduate course in the Department of Counselor Education, examining the cognitive-behavioral and other counseling theories with an emphasis on the competencies, skills, and techniques associated with these theories
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Issues in Mental Health Counseling Practice (MHS 6701), a graduate course in the Department of Counselor Education, examining the profession of mental health counseling, including its history, identity, roles, and trends
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Practicum in Mental Health Counseling Practice (MHS 6800), the first of three advanced graduate courses in the Department of Counselor Education, involving individuals, families, and groups in field placement settings, along with a university-based seminar in which skills and competencies are evaluated in case reports and session presentations
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Advanced Practicum in Mental Health Counseling Practice (MHS 6801), the second of three advanced graduate courses in the Department of Counselor Education, involving individuals, families, and groups in field placement settings, along with a university-based seminar in which skills and competencies are evaluated in case reports and session presentations
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Internship in Mental Health Counseling Practice (MHS 6830), the final of three advanced graduate courses in the Department of Counselor Education, involving individuals, families, and groups in field placement settings, along with a university-based seminar in which skills and competencies are evaluated in case reports and session presentations
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Revising the curriculum and syllabi to meet current professional practice and accreditation standards
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Developing and administering all in-class and/or online examinations, assignments, lectures, and discussions, while offering competent and qualified clinical supervision
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Monitoring and evaluating all of the course requirements according to rubrics
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Maintaining an open, academic, and professional dialogue with all students in order to outline the course expectations and requirements, while providing timely and formative feedback
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Utilizing the video teleconferencing applications, Zoom and Cisco Webex, along with the web-based Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, as a supplement or alternative to in-class activities
INSTRUCTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
January 2018 - May 2019
Taught appointed courses in Student Development Services (SDS), including the following:
Career and Lifespan Development (SDS 3340), an undergraduate course averaging 40 students per semester, covering the theory and practical application of career and lifespan development skills
Interpersonal Communication (SDS 4410), an undergraduate course averaging 40 students per semester, covering the theory and application of interpersonal communication skills
Developed and designed the courses and syllabi according to the three C’s (Content; Critical Thinking; Communication) of the State Advisory Committee (SAC)
Created all of the online examinations, assignments, and discussion boards via Canvas
Monitored and evaluated all of the course requirements according to rubrics designed for each of the assignments
Maintained an open, academic, and professional dialogue with all students in order to outline the course expectations and requirements, while providing timely and formative feedback
GRADUATE CONSULTANT, GRADUATE COLLEGE
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
January 2018 - May 2018
Initiated a first-time collaboration between the Graduate College and the Department of Counselor Education in support of graduate students’ academic, professional, and personal achievement
Conducted in-person, individual consultation and advisory services to a diverse group of graduate students and their concerns (e.g., degree-related difficulties, time management problems, school-work-life balance struggles, etc.)
Provided brief, solution-focused interventions specifically targeted toward graduate students with degree completion issues and problems
Utilized the evidence-based, interpersonal counseling approach of Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) to facilitate in the interpretation and remediation process
GRADUATE ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
January 2016 - December 2017
Assisted faculty in the instruction, supervision, guidance, and grading of masters-level counseling students
Developed and created counseling skills case exemplars, while providing formative feedback and individual coaching on the case conceptualizations and simulated counseling techniques of masters-level counseling students
Provided deliberate practice coaching to masters-level counseling students in order to monitor their progress, competence, and skill acquisition in case conceptualization
Developed and drafted transcriptions of a complete diagnostic evaluation interview and Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) intervention for a specified client presentation
Planned and recorded (DVD format) a standardized diagnostic evaluation interview and CBASP intervention, playing both the roles of counselor and client
Drafted and prepared the exit exam scoring sheet and rubric for the master’s program
Participated as a standardized client (specified presentation) and rater in the exit exams of counselor trainees for both the Practicum in Counseling (MHS 6800) and Internship in Counseling (MHS 6830)
Engaged in weekly face-to-face supervision meetings and adhered to supervisors’ instructional methods for assessment and classroom dynamics
Courses included the following: Psychopathology in Counseling (MHS 6070); Counseling Theories and Techniques (MHS 6401); Practicum in Counseling (MHS 6800); Advanced Practicum in Counseling (MHS 6801); Internship in Counseling (MHS 6830)
Supervisors included the following: Len T. Sperry, MD, Ph.D.; Jon Sperry, Ph.D.; Christina Ladd, Ph.D.; George Stoupas, Ph.D.