Kourtney Gates
Carlisle
Summary
I am a counselor with a proven track record in communication and crisis intervention, dedicated to empowering clients through tailored treatment plans and engaging group therapy sessions. A compassionate mental health professional adept at client advocacy and establishing strong rapport, ensuring a supportive environment for growth. Experienced in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive mental health support and implement evidence-based therapeutic practices that enhance overall well-being. Committed to fostering resilience and positive change in clients' lives through innovative and effective strategies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FLS School Based Counselor
Diakon
Mechanicsburg, PA
08.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address clients' needs and goals.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote peer support and engagement.
- Conducted assessments to identify client challenges and strengths effectively.
- Provided crisis intervention strategies to ensure safety and stability for clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve client engagement and success rates.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, making strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote peer support and effective communication skills.
- Provided Drug and Alcohol education and counseling
School Based Therapist
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Harrisburg, PA
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Provided individual therapy to students in a school-based setting, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns
- Conducted initial assessments and ongoing evaluations to monitor progress and adjust treatment goals as necessary
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
- Facilitated psycho education for students on topics related to mental health promotion and awareness
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records in compliance with legal and ethical standards
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, and special education professionals
- Participated in treatment team meetings to discuss complex cases, share insights, and coordinate care for students requiring additional support
- Worked closely with community resources such as local mental health agencies or hospitals to provide referrals when needed
- Developed strong rapport with students through active listening skills, empathy, trust-building exercises
- Collaboratively worked with families using family systems approach
- Designed therapeutic activities that were engaging while promoting skill-building
- Provided crisis intervention services, including risk assessment and safety planning
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in school-based mental health
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines related to providing mental health services in a school setting
- Supported students' social-emotional development by facilitating social skills groups or conflict resolution sessions
- Leveraged technology platforms such as teletherapy or online counseling tools to provide virtual counseling services when necessary
- Educated parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's mental health goals
- Incorporated mindfulness techniques into therapy sessions as a tool for stress reduction and emotion regulation
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address client mental health needs.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate client progress and adjust therapeutic approaches as needed.
Family Reintegration Program Worker
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Harrisburg, PA
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Provided individual therapy sessions to clients, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions
- Implemented community outreach initiatives to promote mental health awareness and resources.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs, strengths, and treatment goals
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records in compliance with legal and ethical standards
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when necessary to address immediate mental health emergencies or safety concerns
- Collaborated with insurance companies to obtain authorization for ongoing therapy services for clients requiring extended treatment periods
- Attended regular supervision meetings with senior therapists to discuss cases, seek guidance, and enhance professional development
- Participated in continuing education courses related to new therapeutic modalities or advancements in the field of psychology
- Worked closely with families of clients by providing family counseling sessions aimed at improving communication dynamics
- Provided culturally sensitive therapy services by considering the unique backgrounds, beliefs, values, and experiences of each client
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of ethical guidelines outlined by professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Worked with youth probation officers and placement facilities as well as children and youth workers.
- Facilitated client intake processes, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to protocols.
- Developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Recovery Navigator
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Harrisburg, PA
01.2024 - 03.2024
- Coordinated communication between clients and multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
- Developed and maintained documentation processes for client assessments and progress tracking.
- Communication with Probation and Case managers
- Advocating for client
- providing transportation
- problem solving and social skills
- completing drug screens and the paperwork to prepack it for lab pickup
Administrative Assistant
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Harrisburg, PA
03.2023 - 12.2023
- Checking clients in/out
- Auditing paperwork
- Using Electronic Medical Records (Lighthouse)
- Faxing documents
- Putting together charts for intakes
- Leading sober leisure activities with clients in program
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
- Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Developed and maintained filing systems to ensure efficient document retrieval.
- Working with therapist's/recovery navigators/CRS to assist clients
- Managed scheduling and coordination of appointments for multiple counselors and clients.
- Trained new administrative staff on office procedures and software applications.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
Certified Phlebotomist
Penn state heath
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Computer programs such as SunQuest and epic
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.
- Able to do all ages especially kids
- Collected blood specimens using venipuncture and capillary techniques ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented quality control measures to improve specimen integrity and reduce errors in laboratory testing.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to coordinate patient care and streamline phlebotomy services.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, ensuring consistent availability for efficient operations.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Contributed to positive patient experiences through empathetic communication skills during blood draws and sample collections.
- Determined donor eligibility by conducting screenings, interviewing prospective donors, and obtaining medical histories.
- Conducted routine equipment maintenance checks, ensuring all devices were in proper working order for optimal patient care.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Improved patient comfort by employing efficient and gentle phlebotomy techniques.
- Handled difficult venipuncture situations skillfully, adapting techniques as needed based on individual patient needs or anatomy variations.
- Increased laboratory efficiency by processing and organizing specimens in a timely manner.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, following proper infection control procedures to minimize risk of contamination.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Claremont Nursing home
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Following individualized care plans for my residents by working closely with the nursing staff
- Providing bedside care/support
- Assisting residents with activates of daily living
- Establishing a special connection with residents through empathy and other relationship building techniques
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Implemented infection control measures to maintain a safe environment for residents.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
Cashier, Service Associate, Checkout Coach
Giant Food Stores
02.2018 - 05.2021
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balance throughout shifts.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and store navigation.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth store operations.
- Trained new cashiers on register operation and customer service standards.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally to enhance satisfaction levels.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster PA05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Addiction Studies
ASPEN UNIVERSITY
Phoenix, AZ12-2023
Phlebotomy Certification -
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg, PA07-2021
High School Diploma -
CUMBERLAND PERRY AREA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL
Mechanicsburg, PA06-2021
High School Diploma - undefined
NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
06-2021
Skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Organizational skills
- Administrative skills
- Crisis intervention
- Microsoft Office
- Ethics of healthcare
- Charting patient’s data
- Auditing
- Strong computer knowledge
- Customer service
- Experience with children
- Addiction counseling
- Counseling
- Mental health support
- HIPAA
- Building rapport
- Client advocacy
- Treatment Planning
- Adolescent counseling
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Treatment plans
Certification
- Passed CPCE exam (2026)
- Working on LPC- Licensure and exam
Timeline
FLS School Based Counselor
Diakon
08.2025 - Current
School Based Therapist
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
10.2024 - 06.2025
Family Reintegration Program Worker
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
03.2024 - 10.2024
Recovery Navigator
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
01.2024 - 03.2024
Administrative Assistant
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
03.2023 - 12.2023
Certified Phlebotomist
Penn state heath
01.2021 - 12.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Claremont Nursing home
01.2020 - 12.2021
Cashier, Service Associate, Checkout Coach
Giant Food Stores
02.2018 - 05.2021
High School Diploma - undefined
NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lancaster Bible College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Addiction Studies
ASPEN UNIVERSITY
Phlebotomy Certification -
Harrisburg Area Community College
High School Diploma -
CUMBERLAND PERRY AREA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL