Professional Licenses
I am currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) in North Carolina.
Work History
From January 2019 to December 2022, I worked in Opioid Treatment Programs, serving persons in need. I've served in multiple positions throughout my tenure, starting off as a therapist and transition over to a clinical supervisor, and finally to program director.
In December 2022, I stepped out of Opioid Treatment and began my career in outpatient mental health. Although this was a short career move, I learned extensively a lot about the position (see below).
After my position in outpatient mental health, I worked as a federal contractor for an organization through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). After the contract ended, I left and went to an inpatient unit at a hospital in Winston-Salem, NC.
In December 2022, I stepped out of Opioid Treatment and began my career in outpatient mental health. Although this was a short career move, I learned extensively a lot about the position (see below).
After my position in outpatient mental health, I worked as a federal contractor for an organization through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). After the contract ended, I left and went to an inpatient unit at a hospital in Winston-Salem, NC.
Theoretical Modality & Speciality
I specialize with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and as part of my theoretical modality, I have worked extensively within the following modalities: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Existential Therapy.
Professional Clinical Experience
I have provided clinical counseling services to individuals of various backgrounds, ethnicities, socioeconomic classes, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and individuals with different types of mental health and substance use diagnoses.
There have been various situations in which I have been placed in opportunities to deescalate persons or groups of people, making decisions that were for the good of all persons involved. During these challenging times, I have had to rely on not just myself and my knowledge, but consult with professionals in the field. Decisions were always made that emphasized the safety of all parties.
There have been various situations in which I have been placed in opportunities to deescalate persons or groups of people, making decisions that were for the good of all persons involved. During these challenging times, I have had to rely on not just myself and my knowledge, but consult with professionals in the field. Decisions were always made that emphasized the safety of all parties.
As part of my services, I mentor college students in their last year of their graduate program through the NAADAC and NBCC Minority Fellowship Program. Through my mentor-mentee relationships, I teach students counseling ethics, basics in health ethics, human rights, patient rights, basics in federal and state regulations, and 42 CFR Part II. I assist students in working toward building a counselor identity and building their self-confidence throughout their internship and practicum. Additionally, I assist them in understanding what it means to advocate not just for patients, but also for themselves.
In my administrative roles, I have experience with program development, program re-development, business and community relationships, marketing, credentialing and paneling, clinical supervision, treatment team, cutting costs, developing and implementing policies and procedures, developing and implementing assessments, developing and implementing audits, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational regulations and policies.
When I work with clients, not only do I provide clinical counseling services to them, but also when the need arises I help them learn self-advocation. Although I advocate at the state and federal level, and have done in the past, I help clients understand that it is their job to make sure their voice is heard. I help clients understand, per human and patient rights, that they have a right to have their voice heard and I help them achieve that goal in the most appropriate capacity possible (i.e., complaints, active in the community, politics, etc.).
As part of our community services programs, we offer two free services. One is our online 'One Moment Journal'. Every day is a quote for the day. It brings together various cultural, philosophical, and spiritual / religious ideologies in a motivational message, each day of the year.
On January 8th, 2025, we will also be starting our podcast, focusing on mental health, substance use, and suicide awareness. As part of our topics, we will be talking about a lot of various ideas on the podcast, from the daily message to leadership, to community events, speakers, new research, clinical practices, etc.
On January 8th, 2025, we will also be starting our podcast, focusing on mental health, substance use, and suicide awareness. As part of our topics, we will be talking about a lot of various ideas on the podcast, from the daily message to leadership, to community events, speakers, new research, clinical practices, etc.
