Shawn McPherson
Hummelstown
Summary
With a proven track record at the Department of Veterans Affairs, I excel in client needs assessment and active listening, significantly enhancing recovery outcomes. My background as a U.S. Marine fortified my resilience and communication skills, enabling me to lead with empathy and achieve remarkable client progress through effective care planning and stress reduction techniques. I have extensive experience in both group and individual education, group facilitation, and providing educational services in a wide variety of topic including health, fitness, and nutrition.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2018 - Current
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and provided support during their journey towards achieving them.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans based on clients'' individual strengths, needs, and preferences.
Mental Health Counselor
Gaudenzia
10.2013 - 04.2016
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Implemented self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies for clients to emulate in their own lives.
- Improved patient treatment outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing customized treatment plans.
Case Manager
Case Management Unit (CMU)
03.2011 - 10.2013
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
Mental Health Counselor
Community Services Group
03.2009 - 03.2011
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Implemented self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies for clients to emulate in their own lives.
United States Marine Corps
U.S. Marines
08.2002 - 06.2006
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Education
Health And Life Coach Certification - Health, Fitness, Nutrition, And Stress Management
Health Coach Institute (HCI)
12-2024
Master of Education - Health And Fitness And Program Development
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA08-2019
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2011
Skills
- Group Facilitator
- Group and Individual Education practices
- Self-care techniques
- Care planning
- Stress reduction
- Active-listening
- Goal setting
- Client needs assessment
- Individual counseling
Certification
Certified Health Coach
Certified Life Coach
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2018 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Gaudenzia
10.2013 - 04.2016
Case Manager
Case Management Unit (CMU)
03.2011 - 10.2013
Mental Health Counselor
Community Services Group
03.2009 - 03.2011
United States Marine Corps
U.S. Marines
08.2002 - 06.2006
Health And Life Coach Certification - Health, Fitness, Nutrition, And Stress Management
Health Coach Institute (HCI)
Master of Education - Health And Fitness And Program Development
Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Pennsylvania State University
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