Lael Thomas
Mechanicsburg
Summary
Experienced direct support professional with a proven track record of effective and compassionate communication. Seeking to broaden expertise in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Skilled in providing support and guidance to individuals with diverse needs, dedicated to fostering growth and independence. Committed to utilizing strong interpersonal skills and deep understanding of ABA principles to make a positive impact on the lives of those served.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Technician
Vista Autism Services
06.2024 - 02.2025
- Implemented behavior and special education programs with fidelity
- Delivered compassionate care to 7 students throughout a 6 hour school day
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully using Safe Crisis Management techniques to de-escalate situations and ensure student safety.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
Peer Educator
Shippensburg University AOD Office
09.2020 - 05.2024
- Delivered educational group presentations on wellness and harm reduction techniques
- Facilitated Narcan training sessions on campus
- Maintained knowledge base of best practices in college student wellness programs
Resident Support Staff
New Visions
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Provided care to 16 individuals placed in facility caring for individuals with psychiatric disorders
- Ensured safety of residents and monitored movements throughout facility
- Adhered to HIPPA and company protocols to protect residents' privacy while under care
- Documented incidents and updated daily residents' charts
Intern
New Visions
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Shadowed administrative and clinical staff providing long term residential care to various clients
- Reviewed and learned intake procedures at different facilities in the New Visions network
- Facilitated social rehabilitation activities such as group art or games sessions
- Documents residents' behavioral patterns and growth in individuals' charts
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA05.2024
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SPSS
- JASP
- Crisis intervention
- Patient documentation
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Mental health support
- Multicultural competence
Certification
- Narcan administration and trainer, Never expires
- CPR, AED / First Aid, American Heart Saver, 02/26
- FBI Fingerprints Criminal Background Check, 2025
- PA ChildLine Background Check, 2025
- PA State Police Background Check, 2025
- Social, Behavioral, and Educational Research, CITI Program, 10/24
- Verbal Intervention Training, Crisis Prevention Institute, 08/24
Conference Presentations
- Co-presenter, Educational Session, Through the Inclusion of Recovery: Creating a Shared Resource Space for Students at Shippensburg University, PASSHE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, Shippensburg, PA, 11/23
- Co-presenter, Poster Presentation, Satisfaction With Supportive Housing Services Among Individuals with Serious Mental Illness, 9th Annual Meeting, Eastern Psychological Association, Boston, MA, 03/23
Timeline
Behavioral Health Technician
Vista Autism Services
06.2024 - 02.2025
Resident Support Staff
New Visions
08.2021 - 08.2022
Intern
New Visions
05.2021 - 08.2021
Peer Educator
Shippensburg University AOD Office
09.2020 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Shippensburg University
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