Qualifications
• Delivering over six years of remote Telemental Health care with a variety of clients and settings, implementing evolving patient safety, adaptability, and engagement protocols and techniques in the industry
• Multifaceted knowledge and abilities in direct clinical, supervisory, and consultatory roles in a variety of agency and healthcare settings
• Over 25 years of clinical assessment and treatment experience with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, gender dysphoria, mood disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, grief, anger, chronic illness, within adolescent, adult, elder, veteran, LGBTQ+ populations
• Author, educator, and presenter of a variety of social work, clinical, mental health, and healthcare topics for professionals and the general population
Licenses and Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida (SW 5478), North Carolina (C003436)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Massachusetts (110348)
• Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), National Association of Social Workers
• Licensed Massage Therapist, Florida (MA 34970)
• Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (308956-00)
• Board Certified–Tele Mental Health Provider™ (BC-TMH) (369)
• Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Certificate, SE Trauma Institute
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDRIA Trained
• Qualified Supervisor, Florida Department of Health
Education
September 2001, Massage Therapist, Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center, Miami, FL
May 1996, Master of Social Work, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
June 1982, Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA
Professional Experience
February 2002 to present, Somatic Therapist • Educator • Advocate • Consultant (remote), Healing Concepts, LLC, Hollywood, FL
• Provide individual somatic psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing®; Tele mental health services
• Assist people with the realization of their own optimal health, healing, and well being
• Provided therapeutic massage and body work services in clinic, homes, at sporting events
• Design and present educational programs and provide consultation in the areas of health, wellness, prevention, trauma, veterans, gender identity, vulnerable populations, and inclusiveness
• Actively participate in research, publications, committee membership contribution, and other opportunities to foster inclusiveness in healthcare
November 2020 to present, Clinical Risk Specialist (remote), AbleTo, Inc., New York, NY
• Clinically review over 100 high risk cases per month to determine remote preventative health model program enrollment appropriateness that can provide best practice support and mitigate safety risk
• Support program therapists, behavioral coaches, Engagement Center associates with consultation and real time risk assessment, mitigation, and management
• Collaborate with the Sr. Clinical team to define and implement workflows, processes and procedures that guide effective and best practice service delivery
• Consistent positive interaction with multiple stake holders and active participation in support of company strategic growth
• Executive Committee Member- Employee Resource Group (ERG)- Voices of Visibility- supporting LGBTQ+ members of the AbleTo workforce
May 2019 to January 2020, Licensed Clinician, Behavioral Health Associates of Broward- Counseling Centers of Goodman Jewish Family Services, Davie, FL, Parkland, FL
• Provided individual and group psychotherapies to address unique needs of referred clients
• Specialization in treatment of complex trauma and the facilitation of healing with clients exposed to gun violence, school shootings, holocaust survivors, and other trauma related experiences
December 2018 to January 2021, Virtual Therapist (remote), AbleTo, Inc., New York, NY
• Delivered evidence-based therapy and psychoeducation remotely, preventative health program model, via videoconference and/or phone, utilizing CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and other solution-focused approaches, to patients who are suffering from behavioral issues associated with a medical or life transition such as diabetes, terminal illness, caregiver strain, supporting 20 clients per week
May 2017 to May 2019, ARC Remote Assessment Specialist, Assessment and Referral Center, HCA- University Hospital and Medical Center, Tamarac, FL
• Utilized latest telemedicine technology
• Provided remote psychiatric crisis assessments of patients within HCA emergency rooms, psychiatric intake departments and hospital medical floors, serving approx. 25 patients weekly
• Mental status evaluation, recommendations to physician regarding patient's level of behavioral health care needs, and confirmation of medical stability for inpatient psychiatric admission
• Supported callers with community information and referrals
August 2008 to May 2017, Senior Social Worker, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL
• Provided direct and remote patient care, individual and group therapies, case and crisis management assistance for US military veterans and families in emergency department, outpatient clinic, medical floor, and locked mental health unit settings
• Functioned in clinical, leadership and supervisory roles to evaluate, develop, and implement national, regional, and local policies and healthcare parity for the care of LGBTQ+ and specialized needs of Transgender Veterans
• Fostered collaborative relationships with community-based Veteran service organizations
• Coordinated staff scheduling of Senior Social Workers in Emergency Department
• Supervised and supported four Senior Social Workers and an Administrative Assistant in an Outpatient Clinic Social Work Department
• Contributed to the planning and development of Emergency Department policies, procedures and related education, design of process flow documentation
• Provided Employee Assistance Program support services within Miami VAHS upon request
September 2007 to September 2008, Wellness Coach, Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center, Hollywood, FL
• Instructed and assisted members with cardio and strength training in 6,000 sq. ft. wellness center
• Created and presented behavioral health curriculum for YMCA Fit Family Challenge pilot program addressing childhood obesity in middle school age children
• Designed and presented educational workshops for YMCA general membership
• Provided therapeutic massage and bodywork services
• Oversight of repair and maintenance of exercise equipment
July 2005 to July 2008, January 2002 to April 2003, Family Therapist II, Residential Treatment Services Coordinator, Access Services, Broward Addiction Recovery Center, Broward County Commission, Human Services Department, BARC Division, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Coordinated and screened the appropriate placement of approximately 90 clients referred for residential treatment each month
• Developed tools and processes to facilitate and manage the screening process and flow of clinical information between referral sources and program, working closely with multi-level staff
• Provided Access Services intake coverage and Baker Act initiations as needed
• Conducted initial assessment and psychosocial evaluation consisting of: substance abuse/addiction history, family assessment, treatment planning, mental health and special needs recommendations and referrals
• Provided back-up Criminal Justice Liaison assistance within county courtrooms and jails
August 2004 to July 2005, Massage Therapist, Massage Oasis, Pembroke Pines, FL
• Provided Therapeutic Chair Massage services in a retail kiosk setting
• Promoted and sold massage related products
December 2002 to December 2004, Telephonic Care Manager, National On-Call Center, United Behavioral Health, Coral Gables, FL
• Responsible for initial telephonic clinical review providing authorization of inpatient services
• Authorized emergent care coverage according to UBH level of care criteria, service appropriateness, and medical necessity
• Advocated/collaborated with service providers to ensure proper service coordination
November 1997 to January 2002, Residential Counselor, St. Luke’s Addiction Recovery Center, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, Miami, FL
• Provided addiction treatment services for dually diagnosed individuals as part of a residential treatment center multi-disciplinary team
• Maintained average 10 client caseload including: initial assessment and diagnosis, individual, group and family psychotherapy, specialized group work, aftercare planning, referrals
• Clinical supervision and support for 17 masters level practicum student interns and clinical program support in absence of Clinical Director
April 1997 to September 1997, Lead Case Manager/Supervisor, Esperanza Center, Christian Community Service Agency, Miami, FL
• Responsible for supervision, support, guidance, and professional development of four program Case Managers and other staff
• Maintained various duties of Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS(HOPWA) Program service delivery through the management of policies and procedures, cultivation of productive landlord relationships, monitoring of case work, and frequent client contact
April 1996 to April 1997, Social Work Coordinator, Special Immunology Program, Lambda Counseling Center, Coconut Grove, FL
• Serving outpatient needs in a five physician HIV/AIDS practice
• Psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, case work, mental health referrals, counseling and support with individuals, families, and significant others; hospital discharge planning
September 1994 to April 1996, Clinical Internships
Employee Assistance Program, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL
• Individual therapy and crisis intervention with individuals and families
• Group work and education with management and employees within various departments
Medicana Nursing Center, Lake Worth, FL
• Individual and group work with elder residents and with caregivers
September 1982 to March 1994, Electrical Project Engineer
• Spanning over 11 years in industry as an Electrical Project Engineer
• Specializing in controls and system process design and manufacturing
• Developed flexibility and effective project management skills, adhering to strict deadlines
• Produced concise product designs and documentation for manufacturing and customer use
• Enhanced interpersonal and communication skills through manufacturing assistance and customer support interactions
• Direct supervision of electrical draftsperson
Volunteering
Somatic Experiencing® International
• December 2021 to present: Research Committee Mentor
• January 2021 to February 2021: Peter Levine SE™ Research Award – Application Reviewer
• October 2020 to present: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Member
• August 2020 to present: Conference Committee Member
December 2011 to present, Give an Hour, Bethesda, MD/virtual
Professional Organizations
2020 to present, member, Gay Lesbian Medical Association
2011 to present, associate member, European Association for Body Psychotherapy
2010 to 2021, member, American Massage Therapy Association
2004 to present, member, past board member, past vice-president, United States Association for Body Psychotherapy
2004 to present, clinical advisory board member/therapists’ collective member, Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe), Fort Lauderdale, FL
2002 to 2022, member, Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, National and Florida Chapters
2001 to 2018, member, past second vice-president Broward Chapter, Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, Inc.
1999 to 2009, member, Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA)
1995 to 2005, member, past board member, Beulah Rothman Center for Group Work Studies (CGWS)/Florida Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG), Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
1994 to present, member, past board member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National and Florida Chapters, Broward Unit
Community Service
2004 to 2019, clinical advisory board member/therapists’ collective member, Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe), Fort Lauderdale, FL
January 1997 to May 1998, Cosmopolitan Community Center of Miami, Inc., Miami, FL
February 1994 to June 1994, Consultant, Anti-Violence Coalition, Providence, RI
June 1991 to April 1994, Victim Advocate, Victim Recovery Program, Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA
January 1991 to August 1992, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Southeastern Massachusetts (PFLAG), North Easton, MA
January 1990 to April 1994, New Bedford Center for Health and Human Services, Project Care, New Bedford, MA
1986 to 1994, member, Alliance of Gays, Lesbians and Supporters of New Bedford, (AGLAS), New Bedford, MA
1978 to 1985, Call Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician, Westport Fire Department, Westport, MA
1976 to 1988, George N. Alden Ambulance Corps., New Bedford, MA
