About me:
EXPERIENCE
July 2013 - May 2022 Therapist in private practice at Serenity Counseling Services, Stuart, Florida where I treated individuals, couples, families and groups. Provided assessments and treatment for substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
May 2019 - August 2020 Therapist in private practice as an independent contractor with two practices in the Denver, Colorado area.
July 2013 - August 2014 Clinical Director, Waters Edge Recovery, Stuart, Florida where I was reponsible for managing delivery of treatment services for a partial hospitalization program and later, an intensive outpatient program for substance use disorders. Supervised all clinical personnel.
April 2013 - July 2013 Clincal Director, Treasure Coast Recovery, Stuart, Florida where I managed all clinical staff and implemented clincial programming for partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient services.
2006 - 2013 Primary Therapist and Art Therapist in a variety of dual diagnosis and substance use disorder facilities where I facilitated individual, group and family therapy.
2007 - 2012 Per Diem Consultant and/or Companion for a sober coaching company located out of Ocala, Florida. Appeared on Dr. Phil in 2012 in the episode entitled "The Two Amandas" as part of the team who provided intervention and transportation for clients going to inpatient addiction treatment.
2005 Completed my Master of Social Work at New York University, New York, New York. Internships included two semesters at an outpatient clinic for middle school aged children in Brooklyn, New York; Medical social work at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan; and a Community residential setting in Brooklyn, New York.
2003 - 2007 Provided intervention and counseling services to children ages 7 - 9 at a Summer day camp in New York. Trained and managed a staff of 10 counselors.
EDUCATION
New York University, New York, New York, Master of Social Work 2005
New York University, New York, New York, Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy Training 2004
Reiki Master Certification 2004
New School University, New York, New York, Creative Arts Therapy program 2003
American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York, New York 1996
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, BA in Political Science, Minor in Spanish 1992
Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain, Spanish Intensive Fall 1991
Saint Mary's College, Raleigh, North Carolina, AA in Liberal Arts 1990
CONTINUING EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
Telehealth Best Practices 2023 & 2021
Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders 2023
Internal Family Systems Institute Online Circle: Foundations of the IFS Model certificate training 2021-2022
Culture and Social Determinants of Health 2022
Internal Family Systems Collective Trauma Summit 2021
Treating Child Obesity 2021
Practice with Diverse Populations: Tools for Cultural Competence 2020
Treating Behavioral Addictions 2019
Psychodrama Master level classes completed at New York University 2004/2005 and Take Psychodrama Out for a Spin 2017
Substance Abuse Expert training and certification exam by US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 2014
Creating Roots for Healing: Discovery Leads to Transformation 2014
Advanced & Basic Clinical Hypnosis with Rapid Trauma Resolution 50 hours 2013
Level 1 Yoga Instructor completed 2008
Full list of continuing education can be obtained upon request.
VOLUNTEER
ACLU Treasure Coast Chapter, Past Board Member and Secretary, represented ACLU at local LGBTQI+ events
Free Arts NYC - Volunteered for Free Arts Day at local NYC shelters, and post 9/11 at the triage center for children who lost one or both parents
Provided Reiki as a volunteer at NY hospital after 9/11
Volunteered at New York Public Interest Research Group