Experience

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  United States Air Force

  • Langley Air Force Base

  • Embedded Mental Health Provider

    • Aug 2022 - Present
    • Langley Air Force Base

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  Air National Guard

  • United States
  • Armed Forces
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Director of Psychological Health

    • Aug 2022 - Feb 2023

    By bringing direct behavioral health to the unit, promote psychological health and readiness in operational units through targeted prevention and risk reduction efforts. In addition to offering immediate access to mental health services, build rapport and trust with unit members to gain insight into their unique needs, trends, and issues. Collaborate with leadership, and make recommendations to improve operational environment and quality of life for unit members. Apply and interpret various psychological assessments in accordance with DSM and American Psychiatric Association.• Participate in squadron activities to observe personnel conducting their duties.• Assess workplace conditions, policies, processes, practices, and team dynamics for sources of psychological stressors and barriers to optimal psychosocial health and performance.• Document and apply medical, safety, fitness, and interview data to hone observations and risk analysis.• Develop and implement initiatives to mitigate psychosocial stressors and risk.• Provide psychological consultation, education, and training to senior leaders and medical staff.• Prepare and delivers briefings and presentations on mental-health related issues.

  • Director of Psychological Health

    • Aug 2018 - Aug 2022

    Designed, developed, coordinated, and implemented prevention and community outreach and education programs. Implemented community organization strategies in collaboration with Sustainment of Airmen Readiness & Resilience Team and other key organizations to increase awareness of psychological health, develop coordinated plans for reducing risk factors for individuals and within the community, and build and enhance a general culture that promotes psychological health and wellness. • Conceived and implemented various segments of an Air National Guard (ANG) -specific psychological health strategic plan / Community Action Plan outlining future interventions and community engagement. • Researched, analyzed, and delivered psychological health data to higher headquarters, providing recommendations on emerging trends in need of immediate action.• Founded a nationwide working group for mental-health professionals assigned to work with ANG remotely piloted aircraft groups (RPA); group’s purpose is to share best practices and discuss and resolve emerging challenges.• Serves as director of the suicide prevention program. • Appointed as the Community Action Team Chairperson tasked to form and lead a group of helping professionals to meet the needs of a Wing population of approximately 1,100 Airmen.

  • Director of Psychological Health

    • Aug 2014 - Aug 2018

    Assigned to the ANG in the development of leading a ground-breaking on-site mental health program; first of its kind in the ANG. Developed educational opportunities, and outreach services geared toward the support of ANG service members and their families.• Build strategic coalitions within the community to help expand service offerings and to develop networks that can help clients with specific needs.• Collaborated with organizational leadership on all behavioral and psychological health initiatives and policies to ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations.• Developed and oversaw training programs to help familiarize new service providers in their understanding of the unique challenges faced by military members as well as to assist with crafting programs that addressed these unique needs.• Facilitated the launch of the Hancock Field Joint Health and Wellness Center (J-HAWC) which geographically collocated all of the helping professions on base. First of its kind in the Air National Guard.

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  Air National Guard

  • 174th Attack Wing, Syracuse, NY

  • Director of Psychological Health

    • Dec 2010 - Dec 2013
    • 174th Attack Wing, Syracuse, NY

    Performed the same job functions as the aforementioned Director of Psychological Health position in Syracuse, NY.

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  Syracuse Vet Center

  • Syracuse, NY

  • Readjustment Counselor

    • Dec 2010 - Dec 2013
    • Syracuse, NY

    Scheduled and hosted activities, collaborated with third-party organizations, and facilitated discussion and counseling sessions to address client needs. Participated in and provided assessments in support of the local National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, designed to provide information, services, referrals, and proactive outreach programs to service members and families of the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve throughout all phases of the deployment cycle, including the transitioning phase. Collaborated with medical professionals to address patients’ mental-health needs and to assist with reintroducing veterans back into civilian life, both socially and professionally. • Independently conducted intake and needs assessment of veterans and their dependents; identified symptoms leading to clinical diagnoses of disorders.• Monitored, evaluated, and recorded client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.• Collaborated with specialists and technicians on highly complex cases. Performed follow-up assessments to determine treatment plan effectiveness and to ascertain the need for additional services, as required.• Parlayed professional affiliations into the establishment of new patient resources and third-party programs designed to aid with transition during post-military life.