Joelle Smorada, LCSW

Experience

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  Di MODOLO International LLC

  Mar 2004 - Nov 2009

  National Account Executive, Fine Jewelry

  For more than five and a half years, I worked alongside the EVP of Sales & Marketing in managing our specialty retailer accounts Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Direct and Saks Fifth Avenue, designing product assortments, setting sales goals, coordinating advertising and promotional events. I also worked with Field Sales Representatives on National and Key independent accounts to assist in enhancing account profitability, sales growth and customer satisfaction. I served as the liaison between the sales and production departments, communicating with overseas regarding outstanding orders and delivery dates, ensuring all databases and sales materials reflect accurate and consistent costing and product information. I compiled and presented key sales data to upper management used in analyzing account and product profitability, and in identifying opportunities for growth. My sales analyses and product knowledge further positioned me as a contact person regarding new samples, editorials, advertising and retailer catalogs. Show less

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  Pet Animal Welfare Society

  Mar 2011 - Dec 2013

  Canine Program Coordinator (Staff) & PAWS Volunteer from January 2010 to present

  As the Canine Program Coordinator I was responsible for securing canine adoptions in line with program procedures, protocols, and principles, assuring that PAWS and its mission, programs, and services were consistently presented in a positive manner. I provided leadership and direction to volunteers. I interviewed potential adopters and evaluated applications for approval, seeking the best fit for both dog and companion. I coordinated timely and accurate record keeping and communication regarding the dogs at the shelter and in foster. I participated in the socialization and training of dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments to prepare them for adoption and increase the likelihood of owner retention. I connected the public to resources including low-cost spay/neuter services, training and veterinary options, and financial assistance programs. ▪My demonstrated dedication to restructure the adoption process and implement a follow-up program resulted in finding 145 dogs their ‘forever homes.’*PAWS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelter dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and placing them in loving new homes for over 50 years. Show less

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  See Spot Smile

  Aug 2011 - Dec 2014

  Owner and Operator

  See Spot Smile provides reliable, skilled dog walking, cat care and pet sitting to the Greater Fairfield County area. I am here to help care for, play with and pamper your precious pets as you would, in the comfort of their own home. I understand that your pets are a very important part of the family and I am sensitive to their unique needs and routines. I am an experienced shelter worker, pet owner, volunteer and Certified Veterinary Assistant who loves every animal as if they were my own. See Spot Smile offers TLP - Tender Loving Pet Care - for your furry friends when you can't be there. For availability, rates and services, references or other questions, please contact me at SeeSpotSmile@hotmail.com. Show less

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  Salesone LLC: INVICTUS / Salesone Studios / INOX Men's Jewelry / Body Vibe

  Jan 2014 - Jun 2015

  Chain Account Coordinator/Licensing

  Worked with Category Manager to grow, support and service the Walmart body jewelry, children’s licensed and men’s stainless steel jewelry businesses from $4 million to $10 million through the development of various promotions and programs, many per the Buyer’s specific requests or requirements.▪Responsible for daily purchase order placement and follow-up with 10+ overseas vendors for samples, orders, parts, packaging, etc. negotiating costs, packing and delivery agreements ▪Managed Walmart item creation process through their designated software systems as well as SalesOne's internal SKUs and UPCs with all specifications in the Sage100 ERP system Worked with Product Development and Graphic Design teams to assist with design, sampling, production and distribution of 3 major licensed goods programs based on properties owned by Disney (Star Wars), Fox (Sons of Anarchy) and Hasbro (Transformers, My Little Pony) in accordance with licensor artwork/style guides, legal language, materials used, packaging and distribution channel requirements▪Complete new product, packaging and display submission approval process from concept through pre-production and production phases within each licensor vendor portal, placing initial stock purchase orders with vendors to allocate to designated accounts and for contractual samples *Salesone, LLC is a 15 year old leader in the Body Jewelry and Stainless Steel jewelry marketplace in the US and beyond. In addition to its own labels, BodyVibe and INOX, the company distributes licensed jewelry from Marvel, DC, Hasbro, Fox, Disney, BBC and more.*** Show less

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  Park Animal Hospital

  Jun 2015 - May 2016

  Certified Veterinary Assistant

  Veterinary Assistant certification received May 2015 from Norwalk Community College

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  City of Bridgeport, Connecticut

  Sept 2015 - Jun 2017

  Assigned daily classroom management of Grade 3-5 students enrolled in the City of Bridgeport’s Lighthouse after-school and summer program, assisting with Grade K-2 students as needed. Responsible for providing a combination of supervision and support for 35-40 children in an economically challenged urban community, many with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Dedicated to creating an atmosphere that was stimulating, encouraging, safe, and adaptive to each child’s individual needs. Related to students in a creative and sympathetic manner, quickly building trust and establishing relationships. Provided a program that fostered children’s social and emotional growth and development of character qualities including caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Organized educational and recreational activities that were both fun and engaging, while improving social interactions, teaching appropriate behavioral responses, and building confidence for both in class and at play. Show less Assigned to the daily management of the 1st Grade class enrolled in the Lighthouse after school and summer program at Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School, as well as assist with students in grades K-5 as needed. Provide a combination of supervision and support for 18 children in an economically challenged and urban community, many with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Relate to students in a creative and sympathetic manner, quickly building trust and establishing relationships, readily responding with advice, comfort, guidance, mediation or discipline as indicated.*Since 1993, the City of Bridgeport is pleased to offer a state of the art after school educational and recreational program in partnership with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, community-based organizations and the Bridgeport public schools. Over 3,000 children are seen daily with enrichment activities that support school day learning. The mission is to provide quality after school and summer programming to youth in grades K-12 during non-traditional school hours. The vision is to provide a safe environment that compliments school day learning and fosters intellectual, cultural, physical, social and emotional development of children by partnering with and supporting the efforts of family, school and community. Children, youth and adults will be provided with opportunities to become independent lifetime learners as well as innovative, creative, and productive citizens.*** Show less

  • Child Care Teacher (3rd, 4th & 5th grade) Lighthouse - Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School

    Sept 2016 - Jun 2017

  • Child Care Teacher (1st grade) Lighthouse - Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School

    Sept 2015 - Aug 2016
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  Domus Kids

  Aug 2017 - Jun 2018

  School Social Work & Case Management Intern - Trailblazers Academy

  Provided individual counseling to a caseload of six 7th and 8th grade students identified as Special Education to address the social/emotional goals and objectives designated in their IEPs. Collaborated with treatment team in case assessments and PPTs to determine appropriate clinical interventions. Provided staff consultation on biopsychosocial issues potentially affecting student behavior and successful participation in the learning process. Worked with Family Advocates, teachers, and behavior staff to aid in behavior modification, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention as needed. Led weekly social/emotional lunch groups for four to six 7th grade girls. Co-facilitated a weekly psychoeducational group for 8th grade boys transitioning into high school.▪︎Implemented intervention strategies consistent with the Sanctuary Model for trauma-responsive schools, including Life Space Interviews (LSIs) and Positive Behavior Intevention Support (PBIS) techniques.▪︎Partnered with students in identifying their goals and developing coping strategies that could support their social and emotional needs in school, at home, and in their community amid the challenges and traumatic life experiences that they have encountered.▪︎Performed data analysis and reporting used in the assessment of student behavior and academic performance. Evaluated statistics generated to identify areas of success and improvement as well as areas of concern. Designed and presented an instructional training to staff of key reports. *Domus is a human services nonprofit which opened in 1972 and serves more than 1,100 of the most struggling youth in Stamford through their vision that "No child shall be denied hope, love, or a fair chance in life." Show less

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  Cornell Scott - Hill Health Center

  Sept 2018 - Apr 2019

  Clinical Social Work Intern - Adult Behavioral Health Services

  Responsible for providing clinical services to clients in Adult Behavioral Health: initial assessment, case formulation, full biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and individual therapy. Evaluated data related to the biopsychosocial in consideration of other physical/medical conditions, developmental disability, substance use, and other factors shaped by the social determinants of health. Ensured all required documentation was complete, timely, and accurate in the EHR. Participated in weekly clinical rounds where intakes and readmissions were presented and reviewed with the Directors. ▪︎Worked to connect and apply learned social work theories and perspectives to actual practice. ▪︎Practiced implementing interventions utilizing CBT, behavioral skills training, MI, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.*Cornell Scott-Hill Health is Connecticut's oldest and one of the largest federally qualified community health centers in the State established in 1968 in collaboration with Yale School of Medicine. They are the largest provider of outpatient behavioral healthcare in Southern Connecticut, providing services to more than 30,000 residents from neighborhoods among the most disadvantaged in the State. Show less

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  Boys & Girls Village

  May 2019 - Sept 2019

  Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) Clinician

  Provided intensive home-based family services to children and adolescents ages 9 to 18 at-risk for substance abuse and exhibiting emotional and behavioral difficulties in accordance with the MDFT model. Developed detailed treatment plans, case conceptualizations, weekly case reviews, and discharge summaries that addressed the client and family priorities, behaviors, symptoms, and progress. Services included individual and family therapy, crisis intervention, parent education, and supportive interventions individualized to meet the needs and goals of both client and family. In collaboration with DCF, the court system, schools, and other community-based providers, the purposes of services were to stabilize the client in the home, improve family functioning and communication, reduce further delinquency, help adolescent reduce or abstain from substance use, and to connect with the community in a positive way. ▪︎Provided extensive case management and served as guardian ad litem for client with pending juvenile charges that escalated and were subsequently transferred to adult court. Additional client support provided while in custody through collaboration with his DCF worker, community mentor, and parent.▪︎Successfully advocated for the early discharge of a DCF-referred client and family whose needs were incompatible with MDFT’s higher level of care and transitioned the client to outpatient services,*Boys & Girls Village (BGV) was founded as the original "Boys Village" in 1942. Today, BGV serves at-risk boys, girls, and families as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit agency. They provide intensive therapeutic services in the community, permanency planning, a K-12 day school for children with special behavioral and educational needs, and residential programming. MDFT is internationally recognized for its ability to significantly reduce substance use and problem behavior, and to improve overall family functioning. Show less

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  Cooperative Educational Services

  Sept 2019 - Jun 2021

  School Social Worker - Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)

  Provided weekly individual and group counseling focused on social skills, developing effective coping strategies for emotional regulation, building positive relationships, and improving overall functioning to increase success in the classroom and at home. Conducted and documented clinical assessments of student functioning (FBAs) through direct interviews, classroom observation, referral, and/or diagnostic data. Designed and implemented a corresponding intervention/prevention plan (BIP) used to generate the student’s IEP social/emotional goals and objectives. Consulted with and supported TDP program staff and student families by reporting progress related to counseling services and by providing data relevant to behavioral and educational concerns. ▪︎Work with a 10-year-old female student, primary target behavior "physical aggression toward others and/or property," contributed to a significant decrease in the need for emergency interventions from the 2nd to 3rd marking period: 57% decrease in Emotional Regulation Timeouts, 77% decrease in forcible escorts (restraints), and 100% decrease in seclusions.▪︎Provided testimony in family court on behalf of an 11-year-old student hindered from obtaining psychiatric services due to a lack of a formal parental custody agreement.▪︎Successfully connected two families with outside services (IICAPS and MDFT) that allowed them to apply for and obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as an IEP alone was insufficient to qualify.*The Therapeutic Day Program (TDP) is a regional special education school placement for children and adolescents with a variety of social, emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities. TDP offers a comprehensive treatment approach rooted in the principles of humanistic and behavioral psychology. Diagnostic indicators common for students enrolled include mood instability, anxiety, depression, school avoidance, behavioral dyscontrol, oppositional behavior, and social impairments of ASD. Show less

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  LifeBridge Community Services, Inc.

  Dec 2021 - Mar 2023

  Behavioral Health Admissions Clinician

  Conducted nearly 700 comprehensive intakes and biopsychosocial clinical assessments for Bridgeport community members seeking help from one of our 5 behavioral health programs: Individual, child/adolescent, family, substance use, and domestic violence. This included the provision of referrals to our medication management, Domestic Violence, and Community Support Program to offer clients wrap-around services and case management. I strive to join quickly in welcoming our potential clients and their families, in offering them a feeling of hope for their future, while creating clear, client-centered clinical summaries, assigning diagnoses based on DSM-V criteria, and developing their initial treatment plans. In addition, I maintained a small caseload of clients selected by the Behavioral Health Program Manager to whom I provided weekly individual and family psychotherapy and supplemental case management services.*LifeBridge believes in the unlimited potential of every child and family in Bridgeport. By providing a combination of behavioral health services, youth development, and asset-building resources for families, our impact strengthens families and our community as a whole. Our goal at LifeBridge is to help youth and their families become resilient — to be able to persevere against these odds and be successful. As young people grow into resilient adults, their communities become stronger as a result. As we change the lives of those we serve for the better, we will ultimately change the neighborhoods they live in — and that is lasting impact. Show less

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  Soul Friends, Inc

  May 2023 - Apr 2024

  Per Diem Clinician: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAGALA-Certified Mental Health Professional)

  Develop and administer clinical and educational programs of animal-assisted interventions, specifically through the provision of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) services. Certified through EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth & Learning Association), one of the first to develop an evidence-based model of professional standards for incorporating horses into mental health treatment, utilizing solution-focused and experiential therapy techniques. Serve as a strong advocate of all animal companions and therapy partners, and as an active voice for the mission of Soul Friends in all therapeutic, community, and social activities of the human-animal bond. *Soul Friends’ mission is to provide innovative clinical and educational programs that promote the healing benefits of the human-animal bond and nature for populations including children, families, and first responders. Established since 2003, Soul Friends has provided therapeutic visits to over 5,500 children across the state of Connecticut. Soul Friends has established collaborative relationships with over 25 community agencies statewide, as well as being credentialed by the Department of Children and Families to serve children in need. Soul Friends’ staff partner with our working therapy animals to help children reach goals, to change behavior and experience hope. Show less

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  Joelle Smorada LCSW LLC

  Jan 2024 - now

  Joelle Smorada LCSW LLC
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  LifeBridge Community Services, Inc.

  Feb 2024 - now

  Behavioral Health Clinician - Fairfield