Experience

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  BE SOMEONE Therapy

  • Psychologist

    • Apr 2020 - Present

    Empowering and supporting clients using empirically supported interventions in a restorative private practice space.

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  The Lovett Center

  • 900 Lovett Boulevard; Houston, TX 77006

  • Psychotherapist

    • Jun 2015 - Apr 2020
    • 900 Lovett Boulevard; Houston, TX 77006

    Provided evidence-based mental health treatment to children, adolescents, and their families.

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  The Children's Assessment Center

  • Pre-Doctoral Intern/Post- Doctoral Fellow

    • Sep 2012 - Jun 2015

    • Provided individual, family, group, and play therapy services to sexually abused children, siblings, and non-offending caregivers• Created and implemented a 10-week skills training group for adolescents who self-harm• Facilitated clinical intervention for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation• Collaborated with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, medical professionals, community agencies, and the court system to provide appropriate services for sexual abuse survivors• Provided psychological evaluations to sexually abused children and non-offending caregivers• Participated in a formal collaboration between the Children’s Assessment Center and Harris County Juvenile Services to better provide treatment to sexual abuse survivors in the court system• Supervised the work of Pre-Doctoral Psychology Interns in regards to psychological assessments • Conducted a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy group for boys ages 8-10• Assessed individuals’ psychological functioning using empirically supported instruments and generated reports of findings• Facilitated semi-structured Forensic Extended Assessments to assess for possible sexual trauma of children who have not yet disclosed• Provided court testimony in the Juvenile Court system and Family Court system• Conducted suicide and homicide assessments as needed• Developed an intake assessment and provided individual and group treatment for survivors of human trafficking

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  Houston ISD

  • PHD Practicum Clinician

    • Aug 2010 - Dec 2010

    • Conducted classroom behavioral observations and assessment of students with Disruptive Behavior Disorders • Worked with teachers on individual education and behavior programs• Provided individual and school-wide empirically supported crisis assessment and intervention(National Organization for Victim Assistance methods) following critical incidents• Facilitated weekly individual short-term therapy for a caseload of students presenting with adjustment disorders, behavior problems, and poor peer relationships• Participated in formal interdisciplinary conferences to identify student needs, determine treatment goals and assess the effectiveness of intervention provided (e.g., Individualized Education Program meetings, Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings)

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  Covenant House

  • PHD Practicum Clinician

    • Dec 2009 - Sep 2010

    • Provided Solution Focused Brief Therapy to homeless young adults addressing trauma, mental illness, parenting skills, identity, and anger as recommended by shelter staff, providers, or per court orders• Conducted crisis assessment and intervention related to psychosis, suicidality, and aggression • Delivered psychoeducation regarding drug abuse, independent living, vocation preparedness, and sexual health• Evaluated client functioning to make placement and treatment recommendations to the shelter’s social worker• Collaborated with community providers to make appropriate referrals for additional mental health services

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  Texas Children's Hospital/ Baylor College of Medicine

  • PHD Practicum Clinician

    • Aug 2009 - Sep 2010

    • Instituted an affiliation agreement between the University of Houston and the Baylor College of Medicine authorizing training, as I was the first practicum student accepted • Conducted empirically supported individual and family therapy for adolescent and young adult outpatients in the Adolescent Medicine Clinic who presented with Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, and disordered eating• Provided evidence-based individual therapy (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), psychoeducation, relaxation groups, and Family Systems Therapy to inpatients on the Eating Disorder Unit diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa• Administered diagnostic assessments to patients (e.g., Eating Disorder Inventory, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent)• Participated in the nationwide Leadership and Education Adolescent Health training program• Presented patient treatment and progress to interdisciplinary team members (e.g., physicians, registered nurses, dieticians, social workers, psychiatrists) in semi-weekly case conferences

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  Seton Shoal Creek Hospital

  • Child and Adolescent Therapist

    • Oct 2004 - Aug 2008

    • Facilitated empirically supported individual, family, and group therapy for patients ages 5-17 who presented with significant emotional and behavioral issues• Worked with a multidisciplinary team to generate individualized treatment goals and discharge planning • Selected to represent community and hospital providers in nationwide research studies, public appearances, and speaking events• Identified a trend of hospital admission recidivism and spearheaded a team to develop and implement evidence-based therapeutic program curriculums for the Child and Adolescent Unit• Supervised master’s level social work practicum students• Networked with community providers to generate a database utilized for referrals and discharge planning

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  Austin Travis County MHMR

  • Behavioral Health Consultant

    • Feb 2004 - Oct 2004

    • Assisted with program development bridging the services of city and state efforts to address mental health needs in underserved communities • Screened underinsured patients (e.g., Patient Health Questionnaire, semi-structured interviews)for mental health issues at a community medical clinic • Conducted bilingual individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults addressing behavioral health issues related to obesity, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, substance abuse• Implemented treatment for women’s health issues related to domestic violence and sexual health with specific cultural consideration • Provided psychoeducation groups regarding obesity to Spanish speakers • Identified an underutilization of services due to cultural factors and provided workshops, created visual aids, and consulted with physicians to raise mental health awareness and encourage access to treatment

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  Crossroads Residential Treatment Center

  • Adolescent Therapist

    • Nov 2002 - Dec 2003

    • Facilitated evidence-based long term individual therapy (e.g., Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy) for emotionally disturbed females ages 11-18 placed in residential treatment • Conducted stress management, relaxation, and life skills groups in addition to Insight-Oriented group therapy• Implemented family therapy aimed at reunification after discharge• Provided clinical training (e.g., lectures, workshops, case conferences) and supervision of direct care staff • Maintained on-call access to provide intervention during crises (e.g., runaways, psychotic episodes, self harm, suicidality, and aggressive behavior)

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  American Cancer Society

  • Quitline Counselor

    • Jun 2002 - Oct 2002

    • Developed personalized smoking cessation treatment goals and quit plans based on individual smoking patterns• Facilitated clinically proven manualized telephone therapy for smokers and tobacco users• Provided psychoeducation on the implications of tobacco addiction and recommendations for smoking cessation behavioral strategies

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  Caring Family Network

  • Masters Student Clinician

    • Jan 2001 - Jan 2002

    • Provided individualized counseling for children and teenagers in therapeutic foster care presenting with Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, and attachment problems• Case managed clients to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, • Implemented structured, skill-building, therapeutic group activities for foster homes• Led a group of 5 bilingual children in a LifeBook project addressing adjustment to foster care • Developed and executed a 4-session sexual health psychoeducation group curriculum for adolescent females• Created an adolescent psychoeducation drug education curriculum for foster families to facilitate