I am a mental health counselor who is extremely passionate about supporting families specifically families with high risk adolescents. I am also fully aligned with the MST model, its approach and philosophy to support families in need and address systemic concerns. I am fully invested in this work and have been motivated since attending 5 day as an MST therapist to continue strengthening my understanding and utilization of the model not just to support families but also to support other professionals in the field develop and strengthen their skills to support our communities.
MST Supervisor
Jan 2016 - Jan 2019
Jewish Board
- Provided overall MST Team leadership, including planning, directing, organizing and supporting four MST therapists in providing outcome-driven multi systemic therapy with families while remaining adherent to the MST model
- Managed referrals/ intakes for the program (encompassing 2 teams) by collaborating with community providers, the Administration of Children’s Services, and Juvenile Justice system in efforts to sustain contract utilization and service the community
- Conducted weekly individual and group supervision and participate in weekly consultation with MST expert consultants in efforts to develop and refine a multi-systemic conceptualization of the causes of identified concerns presented by individual families
- Supported MST therapists in building clinical skills through quarterly development planning
- Provided 24-7 crisis support to MST therapists as needed and rotating on-call coverage for youth and their families
- Managed, tracked, and reported MST outcome data to local, state and national auditors
- Carried cases for coverage and as needed in order to sustain contract utilization
- Assisted administrative staff in collection of information for program effectiveness.
MST Therapist
Jul 2015 - Jan 2016
Jewish Board
- Received extensive training in an evidence model of treatment to address antisocial behavior in at risk adolescents.
- Conducted family and individual therapy with a caseload of 5 families for 3-5 months in the home and in community settings with families of adolescents who display risk factors for placement and safety concerns.
- Utilized strength based approach while emphasizing behavioral change in the youth’s natural environment; working with the dynamics within the home, school, peer groups and community in order to reduce negative conduct behaviors.
- Conducted MST assessments including review of referral information, key participants, systemic strengths and weaknesses, and analysis of the FIT of presenting behaviors within an ecological context.
- Engaged primary caregivers and other key stakeholders in active change-oriented treatment.
- Facilitated collateral contacts with representatives from schools, agencies and other community organizations on behalf of youth and families in efforts to increase supports for the family and address drivers related to referral behaviors.
- Advocated on behalf of children and their families to help them meet their needs and achieve their desired level of independence and self-sufficiency. While also modeling assertive communication skills for caregivers in efforts to sustain progress post treatment.
- Linked families with resources available in the community in efforts to increase supports and sustain behavioral changes.
- Worked collaboratively with a team of fellow MST professionals while participating in clinical supervision, team meetings, case consultation and trainings.
- Independently facilitating weekly group supervision while reviewing weekly documentation and providing constructive feedback and support that coincides with MST principles and analytical process.
- Attended individual supervision as needed in order to address barriers to treatment and improve clinician skills.
- Created client centered goals and treatment plans in order to address behavioral concerns and generalize treatment gains.
- Maintained clear and concise documentation of treatment efforts that promote peer and supervisory review and feedback and that demonstrate compliance with MST principles and analytic process as evidenced by weekly summaries and session documentation.
- Provided 24 hour on call support to families which include addressing crisis, while focusing on family strengths and needs.
Care coordinator
Aug 2012 - Jul 2015
PSCH/ Wellness Network
- Provided intensive care coordination and monitoring of client’s ability to obtain basic needs, maintain their safety and adhere to wellness goals, treatment and rehabilitation through bi-weekly contact with client in community settings and continuous follow up with service providers and supports.
- Completed mandated paperwork, i.e., Service document forms, Client registration forms, Individualized care plans with emphasis on client’s strengths and needs, High risk assessments, etc.
- Completed incident reports in a timely fashion and address individual crisis and needs of the client in order to promote re-stabilization within the community.
- Advocated for clients to receive needed psychiatric, medical, social, residential, financial and other appropriate services.
- Motivated clients to participate and remain consistent in their mental health, substance use and medical treatment.
- Encouraged AOT mandated clients to comply with the regulations of the court orders in order to develop skills and supports needed to develop a better quality of life.
- Provided support and resources to clients coping with transitional life challenges i.e.: homelessness, addiction rehabilitation, unemployment etc.
- Provided informal support and network building to help clients increase his/her support system outside of the mental health system.
- Attended team meetings and clinical case conferences in order to provide better service and advocate for client needs.
- Conducted outreach efforts to enroll referred clients and assess their current goals and needs.
Mental Health Counseling
Aug 2010 - May 2015
Brooklyn College CUNY
Bachelors of Arts in Sociology
Aug 2006 - Jun 2010
Hunter College CUNY