Experience

New Jersey Department of Children and Families

• United States
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Family Service Specialist I

  • Sep 2018 - Present

• Family Service Specialist II

  • Apr 2014 - Sep 2018

  Direct case practice work with adolescents and young adults in foster care receiving Independent Living services (ages 16-18) or Individual Stabilization services (ages 18-21). Teamed with youth and supports to create realistic and individualized goals towards emotional well-being, health, academics, social connections and safety nets, financial literacy, employment, and permanent housing. Promoted self-sufficiency and resilience. Advocated for best placement and therapeutic services. Promoted family connections by supporting youths’ need to stay connected. Advocated in court on behalf of youth and encouraged court participation. Connected youth to post foster care community support services. Show less

• Family Service Specialist II

  • Oct 2012 - Oct 2014

  Direct case practice work with children and families receiving services due to concerns of abuse/neglect and out of home placement. Teamed with families to assess strengths, needs, and supports and devised realistic and achievable case plans that focused on addressing underlying needs, creating support systems, and ensuring safety and well-being of children, as well as parents/caregivers. Advocated for what was in the best interest of children and families to reduce traumatization. Advocated for better understanding of family needs by looking at situations through the socio-economic lens. Strongly promoted family preservation by advocating in court for extensions for parents/caregivers. Show less



Straight and Narrow, Inc.

• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Substance Abuse Counselor

  • Sep 2007 - Oct 2012

  Provided individual and group counseling to youth ages 14-18 with diagnosed substance abuse problems and co-occurring needs in a residential setting. Conducted family counseling sessions. Conducted bio-psychosocial assessments. Connected youth and families to post treatment services to promote best outcomes. Attended Muti-Disciplinary Team meetings with courts, probation officers, schools, and parents. Advocated for youth to be released from youth detention centers. Provided individual and group counseling to youth ages 14-18 with diagnosed substance abuse problems and co-occurring needs in a residential setting. Conducted family counseling sessions. Conducted bio-psychosocial assessments. Connected youth and families to post treatment services to promote best outcomes. Attended Muti-Disciplinary Team meetings with courts, probation officers, schools, and parents. Advocated for youth to be released from youth detention centers.


Montclair State University
• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee
• Teacher Assistant - Department of Counseling

  • 2002 - 2004