HEATHER THOMAS, LSW

Experience

• 

  Ewing Township School District

  Sept 2010 - Aug 2013

  Speech Language Specialist

  Provided speech and language therapy to special needs children grades Pre-k through 5th in a school setting. • Specialized in the Autism and Special Education population• Managed a caseload of 3-55 children• Provided speech and language therapy during the school week in accordance with IEP goals and objectives• Worked with varying disabilities that included but not limited to: Autism, Asperger’s, developmentally delayed, multiple disabilities, language disorders, communication disorders, cerebral palsy, articulation issues, hearing impaired• Taught and utilized ABA techniques• Certified and utilized Alternative and Assistive Communication • Assessed students using state regulated and standardized testing materials to be utilized in creation of IEP • Created objectives and goals for IEPs and 504s• Followed state regulations in compliance with FAPE, IDEA, and special education laws• Conducted progress, IEPs and 504 meetings to discuss and created new objectives Show less

• 

  Bancroft

  Sept 2013 - Feb 2014

  Direct Support Professional

  Worked in the Lindens Program (Residential Behavior Stabilization Unit) with children ages 4-17 with severe behavioral and developmental disorders. • Provide 24/7 supervision to person served• Completed daily living activities with person served• Worked in conjunction with academic advisors to create and implement vocational and academic activities

• 

  Brain Balance

  Mar 2015 - May 2018

  Program Director

  Working with students ages 4-17 who display difficulties in their social, behavioral, and academic development. Students have a range of disorders, not limited to: ASD, ODD, ADHD, ADD, OCD, Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, Mood Dysregulation, Genetic Disorders, Apraxia, Dysgraphia, Delayed Development• Design and implement individual sensory motor and cognitive programming• Assess current functional levels of students using sensory motor and cognitive protocols• Attend progress meetings with parents to update them on the student’s progress• Meet with the student’s school team to provide feedback for IEPs and 504s• Hire and train new staff members• Manage the scheduling of students and staff members• Manage all aspects of program supply and protocols• Market throughout the region to spread the knowledge of the program• Create partnerships with schools, advocates, programs, doctors, and other resources for our students Show less

• 

  TEACH IEP

  Apr 2018 - Jan 2023

  Advocate and Owner

  Working with parents who need support throughout the IEP and 504 process.

• 

  Center For Family Services

  May 2018 - Sept 2020

  Program Coordinator

  I provide non-clinical case management to friends and family members who have a loved one battling a substance use disorder. I ensure the FSCC’s provide peer-to-peer compassionate support primarily in person or via telephone or email and provide services that include:Individualized Wellness Plan with family member (include in case file) that is culturally competent with relevant services and identifies goals with measurable objectives the family member wishes to achieve.Offering resources to families seeking information on substance use disorder and behavioral treatment. Resources include accessing treatment information through REACH-NJ, NJ Connect, private insurance, DMHAS IME Addiction Access Center, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) options, etc.Provide outreach and coordination of services with all systems involved with the family (i.e. support community, treatment community, IME, and Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP).Inform family member about Naloxone training and where Naloxone kits can be purchased;Connect families with other family members if desired;Advocate on behalf of families;Provide recovery resources;Provide lists of 12 Step and Recovery Support Group Meeting locations and/or other Mutual Support Groups for families;Guide family member in exploring effective coping strategies such as self-care;Facilitate psycho-education and support groups meetings as needed;Offer supportive strategies on how to motivate their loved one to enter and stay in treatment and connect with recovery support servicesTeach positive communication skills, be able to engage in role-plays with parents to rehearse positive communication skills,Inform families of “patient brokering” that may result in unethical practices during their time of need to seek immediate treatment for their loved ones Show less

• 

  Fusion Academy

  Dec 2018 - Sept 2020

  Teacher/Mentor
• 

  Oaks Integrated Care

  Sept 2020 - now

  Provide a comprehensive case management assessment that addresses life domains such as social support, treatment needs, finances, transportation, legal services and health care;Work within a multi-disciplinary team approach to coordinate services with family, vocational and housing specialists as well as peer supports;Works with both individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders on obtaining concrete resource needs and will help to coordinate care for individuals who are not eligible for other existing case management services;Maintain strong working relationships with Camden County treatment facilities, acute care centers, resources and stakeholders;Develop and implement individual recovery plans that are person-centered and include strategies for recovery; the plan shall identify priorities, desired outcomes and the strategies and resources to be used in obtaining outcomes based on the case management assessment;Provide training to clients on the recognition of relapse triggers and strategies to deal with avoiding a relapse;Care manager will determine the type and frequency of services desired by person served. The services provided will be responsive to the individual’s needs;Use engagement skills to motivate and encourage individuals to voluntarily access services that would assist them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle;Advocate on behalf of the individual by providing a holistic experience;Document all consumer sessions and outreach rendered thoroughly and timely in the ECR;Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and individual supervisions per agency standards; Show less

  • Supervisor

    Nov 2022 - now

  • Care Manager

    Sept 2020 - Nov 2022
• 

  South Jersey Coalition

  May 2021 - now

  Sub-Committee Chair

  As Chair, I support and host our meetings to increase awareness of the SJI funds for adolescents who have substance use disorders. We work on increasing the utilizations of the funds for the population, decreasing the barriers to the funds, and writing letters of recommendations to the state for change.