SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• US Citizen
• Military Veteran with Disability Rating over 30%, Combat Campaign Medal Recipient
• Current Security Clearance
• Expert knowledge and experience in employing therapeutic modalities of individual, family, couples, and group intervention to enhance the readjustment of Veterans, active duty service members, and their families as well as civilian counterparts
• Provided services to eligible individuals experiencing a variety of psychological and psychosocial problems and established treatment plans that facilitated change through restructuring and reorganizing the client’s thought process
• Counseled individual as well as delivered group therapy services
• Collaborated with internal and external agencies within military and civilian communities and established excellent working relationships to coordinate outreach, referral, and follow-up care coordination

LICENSURE

Marriage & Family Therapy; Nov 2022

EDUCATION

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) ─ Northcentral University, Scottsdale, AZ  2019

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) ─ Argosy University, Honolulu, HI  2017 – 2019

Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies (SAAS) ─ University of Hawaii, West Oahu, HI  2015

Bachelor of Psychology ─ University of Maryland, College Park, MD  2005

Minor in Business Management

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER – KALAELOA

Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (HCAP), 91-1096 Yorktown St, Kapolei, HI 96707 

Administers and coordinates all activities and operations of a district office which includes establishing and maintaining a program evaluation system for the district; assisting with the administration and supervision of the annual budgets, financial reporting, and all information required to advise the Board of Directors of the financial condition of the District; and developing program proposals. Collaborated with and maintained excellent working relationships with external agencies.

• Coordinated all district services such as Employment Services, Taxes, WAP, LIHEAP, Client Case Management, Client Development, and so forth.
• Supervised, train, and evaluate district staff in the performance of their duties and assigns appropriate staff development.
• Conducted crisis interventions to immediate identify needs, evaluate risk, and initiate safety planning.
• Coordinated care with service providers, case managers, and landlords to locate and secure permanent housing with a sense of urgency.
• Coordinated viable partnerships with community organizations, associations, agencies, faith-based groups and individuals which and are not limited to the development of Memorandums of Agreement or Memorandums of Understanding consistent with agency purposes.
• Organized community activities and involvement to provide opportunities for low-income people to become self-sufficient, including giving support and direction to low-income participants and to assist them in their efforts to become self-sufficient.
• Provided readjustment counseling using therapeutic and psychosocial interventions to achieve goals and measurable outcomes for participants to transition back into society and the workforce.
• Reviewed and maintained participants’ files/records; collaborated and assessed course of actions to maximize opportunities for participants’ independence, health, and well-being.
• Exhibited cultural competence by restructuring and reorganizing documentation and services for Non-COFA and Eligible Non-Citizens.

RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS NCO

Task Force Oceania (TFO), 322nd CA BDE, BLDG XO662, Carter Dr, Fort Shafter, HI 96858-5495 

Improve regional access to Oceania Countries by reinforcing trust with partners and allies, set conditions for future operations, and increase readiness of U.S. Army Forces.  Demonstrate U.S. capabilities and commitment, to the shared values of the societal, community and governmental leaders in the Oceania Countries.

• Conducted Religious Key Leader Engagements (RLE) with 21 faith-groups leaders to spread a message of faith, hope, trust, recovery, and unity with the Palauan people.
• RLEs led to several invitations to participate and speak in ministry and community activities that included 5 church services, 3 Sunday schools, and 2 youth sports camps, 2 prison chapel services, and 3 drug and alcohol abuse symposiums.
• Networked with religious and community leaders that led to meetings with the government leaders on matters of religion, religious freedom, and substance abuse prevention that included the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., the Vice President, his cabinet, as well as the Governors of Angaur State, Ngarchelong State, the Chief of Police, and the Chief Public Defender.
• Coordinated and participated in the invitation from the Muslim community in Palau, to tour the Islamic Center and learn about challenges they are facing.
• Played a pivotal role in demonstrating the US Army commitment to the Republic of Palau through the coordination and execution of religious leader engagements, engineering projects, and training exercises.

 GPD CASE MANAGER/SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR 

United States Veterans Initiative (USVETS), PO. Box 75329, Barber’s Point, Kapolei, HI 96707-0239                                                                                                                          

Worked directly with veterans in a Clinical setting as well as Low-Demand and Bridge-Housing programs.  Implemented plans and processes to support Veterans in need of housing, employment, education/training, financial provisions, sobriety support/addiction treatment, legal, family and social services, and medical/psychiatric treatments.

• Instrumental in launching US VETS first Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which offered group and individual counseling services on a weekly basis.  
• Served as lead instructor for Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for homeless veterans; facilitated classes in relapse and recidivism prevention that focused on patterns, cycles, and problems associated with alcohol and drug use; to improve decision-making abilities, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms.
• Completed intake screening and assessment of Veteran; entered data into HMIS system as applicable as well as other required internal and external databases while complying with confidentiality and HIPAA standards.
• Incorporated complex multiple causations in differential psychosocial assessment and directed service delivery to eligible Veterans; assisted Veterans in readjusting to civilian life as well as effectively dealing with life obstacles.
• Participated in staff meetings designed to promote team building, staff development, and quality services.
• Developed and updated individualized readjustment counseling service plans to help prevent relapse and recidivism as well as instill achievable goals and measurable outcomes.
• Maintained active coordination with Vet Centers and external agencies to initiate referral services for individuals; determined eligibility, and completed appropriate documentation.
• Coordinated with service providers and landlords to locate and secure permanent housing with a sense of earnestness.
• Conducted timely assessment of Veterans in crisis to identify immediate needs, evaluate risk, and initiate safety planning actions; linked Veteran with suitable care coordinators to render assistance.
• Delivered detailed progress notes that aligned with Data/Assessment/Plan (DAP) format; maintained confidentiality on all files.
• Documented all clinical interactions to include breathalyzers and onsite urinalysis; complied with organization policies.

 MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health, 91-2301 Old Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706 

Provided comprehensive behavioral health services to adolescents and children experiencing problems with psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Made recommendations for treatment planning and implementation.

• Applied effective counseling processes that clearly defined patient/family problems; utilized advanced counseling skills including evidenced-based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment to formulate treatment goals.
• Developed supportive relationships with patients; earned trust and respect that enhanced counseling services.  
• Worked with autistic patients; observed and documented behaviors and formulated success plans involving personal hygiene as well as physical and cognitive therapy.
• Employed sensitivity attributes within multicultural counseling sessions; embraced varied social context in individual actions and applied differing viewpoints to help patients express feelings/behaviors in a healthy manner.
• Provided complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients in psychological distress through one-on-one counseling.
• Recorded patient assessments; uploaded information into personal files and secured to maintain confidentiality.
• Conducted bi-weekly group sessions for 135 patients, daily group sessions for 112 patients, and one-on-one counseling for 57 patients; assisted in modifying behavior/thinking, dealing with emotions, and applying effective decision-making processes.

SUPERVISOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS/SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR (OIF/OEF)

US Army Area Support Group, Camp As Sayliyah, Doha, Qatar 

Supported Army and Air Force services with counseling, suicide prevention programs, and religious support. Worked with internal and external agencies to orchestrate logistics for over 5K individuals.

• Coordinated cross-cultural/religious functions between local nationals and government officials; encouraged cultural learning and agility to build relationships within high-threat level area.
• Led weekly group meetings and individual counseling sessions on Substance Abuse Recovery; decreased relapses.
• Retained records for 850 military personnel utilizing social services programs; strictly adhered to confidentiality measures.
• Disseminated weekly and monthly reports on religious activities and mental health statuses of the military community; influenced personnel to engage in beneficial programs.
• Scheduled various training to include resiliency, relationship building, and suicide prevention for 3700 personnel; increased personal growth and awareness for participants.
• Managed key control, reservation, and supply system for two facilities; secured controls/equipment with minimal errors.

 SUPERVISOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS/SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR   MAR 2011 – JUN 2013

US Army Regional Correctional Facility, Cole Barracks, Europe, Mannheim, Germany

Coordinated daily operations of Religious Ministry Team for correctional facility. Collaborated with staff members to evolve religious support plans and requirements to fulfill military protocol.

• Assisted 55 inmates in substance abuse recovery by establishing a Substance Abuse Recovery Program.
• Created the first Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at the correctional facility; facilitated classes and individual counseling sessions to improve decision-making abilities, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms of the inmates.
• Established multiple programs to benefit military personnel and family members; started spiritual fitness, communication skills, and relationship and family-building skills programs as well as conducted over seven Strong Bond Trainings.
• Coordinated Relapse Prevention and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy groups; taught prisoners’ awareness and coping mechanisms three times per week.
• Received two 100% ratings; one from Army Corrections Technical Assistance Visit and the other from the American Corrections Association Technical Assistance Visit.
• Improved relations between staff and prisoners by executing productive biblical and life skills training classes.
• Provided guidance and emotional support to 27 prisoners placed on suicide-watch; saved lives and delivered hope.
• Released new data/treatment plans to assist 25 prisoners seeking relief from substance abuse.
• Developed short- and long-term goals that aligned with education and rehabilitation objectives; helped prisoners recognize and resolve problems, correct behavior, and improve attitudes. 

SUPERVISOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS/CONTRACTING SPECIALIST    MAR 2007 – MAR 2011

US Army 4TH Battalion, 23RD Infantry Regiment, 5-2 Stryker Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA 

Key player in delivering training services for Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants. Provided spiritual support to military members and their families as well as civilians and contractors. Managed and procured government contracts for communication and family building conferences.  

• Taught 57 Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants in specific areas of concern that included Emergency Medical Ministry, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills, Religious Support Training in Joint Armed Forces Environment, and Traumatic Event Management.
• Incorporated religious diversity to serve all faith groups.
• Directed funding allocations for multiple programs; enhanced over 2700 personnel’s lives with spiritual fitness, life skills, relationship & family building skills, and suicide awareness training.
• Coordinated delivery of 2500+ care packages to deployed personnel; boosted morale and well-being of service members.
• Orchestrated 37+ Strong Bond Trainings; increased individual resiliency and strengthened families.
• Constructed “Containerized Chapel” in austere locations; met deepest spiritual needs of personnel.
• Monitored $550K+ worth of equipment in five locations; conducted semi-annual audits and updated system accordingly.
• Ran unit’s post-deployment reintegration program; held 55 outdoor events for 850+ personnel.

 ADDITIONAL TRAINING

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Online Course May – July 2020

Strong and Ready Family; Strong Bonds Leadership Training Course; Dec 2017, Sep 2015, Apr 2012                                    

Alcohol and Drug Group Rehabilitation Training Course; Jan – Feb 2012

ASSIST Instructor Refresher Course; Nov 2010

ASSIST Instructor Course; May 2008

ACE Instructor Course; Oct 2007

Emergency Medical Ministry Course; July 2007

Family Wellness Course; June 2007

 

CERTIFICATIONS 

CPR, AED & Basic First Aid Certification; Nov 2022

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Certification; July 2020

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Instructor Certification; July 2019

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/ VOLUNTEER WORK

Volunteer | American School of Doha, Qatar

• Served as referee at boys’ and girls’ basketball games
• Maintained game stations for field days

Volunteer | Special Olympics, Germany

• Assisted special needs children and served food at five Special Olympic events

Volunteer | Orphanages/School, Seoul, Korea

• Provided monthly support and guidance at several orphanages for disabled and abandoned children
• Instructed bi-weekly classes to 25 mid-school children on Language Arts and English grammar
• Taught weekly English speaking and writing skills to 225 Korean Soldiers as well as bi-monthly American Culture classes
• Participated in 11 cross-cultural events within Korean community