Experience

WJS ALLEGHENY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Clinical Manager and Behavior Specialist

  • Oct 2015 - Present


WJS Psychological Associates Inc.

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Behavior Specialist Consultant

  • Oct 2015 - Present

  Write and monitor behavioral treatment plans for children diagnosed with mental health and behavioral disorders, provide assistance in the development of adaptive skills in order for the diagnosed child to take a more positive and functional role across environments, provide prescribed behavioral consultation per doctor orders, and train staff on appropriate therapeutic interventions, conduct FBA's and write appropriate follow-up treatment plans. BSC's gather and analyze all data obtained by the MT and TSS, participate in all clinical meetings for each client, and completion of all requirements per prescription. The BSC is the lead clinician for each respective case and is to collaborate with all involved parties on the least restrictive treatment for each client. The BSC consults on all clinical decision making for each client. Disorders addressed: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, all language and neuro-cognitive/developmental disorders. Main therapies utilized: Applied Behavior Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (either separate or in conjunction with one another depending on the client's ability). Show less


WJS Psychological Assoc Inc
• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Clinical Supervisor, ABA and Autism

  • Aug 2017 - Jun 2019


Acadia Healthcare Southwood Hospital IDD/ASD

• Assistant Clinical Program Director

  • Mar 2015 - Oct 2015

  Administration, management, clinical supervision, behavior planning, Autism focus but also use of mental health knowledge in co-morbid cases, and assisting Clinical Program Director in overall supervision of the program: "The psychiatric treatment of children and adolescents with severe emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disabilities is best accomplished within a comprehensive treatment program specifically designed to meet individualized needs. Southwood's IDD/ASD Program provides treatment for up to 44 males between the ages of 6 and 21 years of age. In our IDD/ASD Program, the treatment of the children and adolescents who are entrusted into our care is best effected through a collaborative interdisciplinary approach that follows the (CASSP) principles. The foundation of these principles guide the therapeutic process by incorporating the following: Child-centered services Family-focused services, Community-based services, Multi-system services, Least restrictive / least intrusive services. In following these principles, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed for each patient through collaboration with the child himself, the child’s family members, and child-serving systems that have already been identified in the child’s life. The IDD/ASD Program recognizes that the active involvement of family members in the treatment of the individual is of primary importance. Children and adolescents who engage in this residential treatment program benefit from a psychoeducational approach. The IDD/ASD Program’s staff members provide training and education to family members, as well as other child-serving systems. The relationship between Southwood staff, family members, and other individuals in the child’s life is seen as a fully collaborative one and is essential to the care and overall wellbeing of the child."-Southwood Hospital Website Show less



Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, Inc.

• Admissions Assessment Clinician

  • Jan 2013 - May 2015

  Conduct full mental health assessments on children and adolescents ranging from age 4 to 19 requiring inpatient hospitalization for mental health and conduct based issues. assessments include mental status exam, gathering history, the use of varying psychotherapy approaches and psychiatric descriptors to aid the psychiatrist and treatment team in diagnostics and initial treatment planning. The formulary diagnosis is made by the Masters level clinician upon admission and the comprehensive evaluation is utilized by the physician and treatment team prior to meeting the child to provide the team with as much information as possible to allow speedy and comprehensive treatment. Show less



Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital

• Social Service Coordinator (SSC), Inpatient Child and Adolescent MH, Master Level Clinician, Sr.

  • Jun 2011 - Mar 2015

  • Responsible for daily participation in mental health assessments, treatment team, writing of individualized treatment plans, family contact, and patient contact within 24 hours of admission. • Providing therapy through principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to both, patient and family. Additionally, medication education, mental health diagnosis education, and behavioral support strategy education is provided daily to patient and family for increased stabilization. • Aiding patients and families in application of behavioral strategies in the home, providing resources and materials necessary as to avoid inpatient hospitalizations. • Collaboration and consultation with outpatient providers for continuity of care, arranging new mental health services for the patient’s benefit. • Adhering to all requirements of patient/clinician confidentiality, HIPPA, and JCAHO standards. • Daily use of ICANotes Behavioral Medical Record and Progress Note Software. • Facilitate monthly trainings for new hires and current staff regarding Autism and Intellectual Disabilities for the inpatient level of care. Show less



PLEA

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations

• BHRS Wraparound

  • Feb 2007 - Aug 2010

  One-on-one behavior plan based Therapy utilizing the principles of ABA with an ever-growing knowledge of Autism. One-on-one behavior plan based Therapy utilizing the principles of ABA with an ever-growing knowledge of Autism.