career objective                              

client-focused behavioral health specialist eager to contribute strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills toward actively supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and maximizing productivity

relevant experience                        

nami (national alliance on mental illness) newton wellesley and eastern massachusetts, newton, ma     

volunteer professional mental health advocate                                                                                   2001 c present 

• perform a range of functions for this organization dedicated to raising awareness of the needs of individuals with mental illnesses in the private and public health care sectors; assist mentally disabled individuals in finding and maintaining employment
• work closely with disabled individuals, their families, and their employers to create a positive and productive work environment, job descriptions, return to work incentives, and customized goals
• develop, implement, and promote innovative programs serving a diverse range of participants, identify and secure presenters; planned and executed lecture series with subject matter experts on employment for individuals with disabilities
• deliver education, training, and ongoing guidance; facilitate family support group
• apply depth of knowledge regarding community, regional, and national resources towards effectively partnering with public and private organizations
• provide administrative / secretarial support for the board of directors; serve as a key contributor on nami and affiliate projects

 

~ affiliations & board memberships ~

massachusetts department of mental health, boston, ma          

member, subcommittee on employment                                                                                             2005 c present

member, metro suburban area board                                                                                                  2008 c present

 

massachusetts general hospital, boston, ma    

member, advisory council for the bipolar clinic and research program                                 2005/6 c present / 2009

 

nami newton wellesley affiliate, eastern, ma   

board member                                                                                                                                     insert years

family support group facilitator                                                                                                         2008

 

~ conference attendance & participation ~

u.s. business leadership network conference, insert location                                                                2007

the national business group on health, insert location                                                                           2007

job accommodation network (jan) conference, insert location                                                              2006, 2007

education                                           

northeastern university, boston, ma

bachelor of science in education; specialty in recreation education and recreation therapy

• teamed with operant conditioning specialists on teaching intellectually disabled children and preparing them to return home from the fernald state school in waltham, ma
• conducted occupational therapy sessions to assist mentally ill patients with acquiring the lifeskills necessary for successful discharge from norwich state hospital in connecticut
• fulfilled the role of recreation therapist, planning and executing programs for  the obesity inpatient ward of tufts new england medical center
• recipient of constance k. greene award for academic excellence and community service

 

north shore community college, danvers, ma

associate in applied science; specialty in floriculture

~ certifications ~

national certificate of achievement in employment services, new england rehabilitation continuing education program (nercep)

employment training and education certification, association of community rehabilitation educators (acre)