Melinda Curtis

Experience

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  University of California, Davis

  Jan 1997 - Jan 2001

  Child Life Specialist

  • Coordinated a high-performing team of interns and volunteers, organizing schedules, evaluating performance and providing feedback, as well as leading targeted training sessions.• Guided and educated parents and children on navigating key processes and procedures within the school district system.• Organized medical play sessions to put children at ease and start productive conversations, both in group settings as well as within individual counseling sessions. • Partnered with the medical team to discuss all treatment options and prescribe medication as needed.• Contributed guidance and advice across other departments on maintaining a child friendly atmosphere. Show less

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  Shriners Children's

  Jun 2001 - Sept 2006

  Child Life Specialist

  • Coordinated a high-performing team of interns and volunteers, organizing schedules, evaluating performance and providing feedback, as well as leading targeted training sessions.• Guided and educated parents and children on navigating key processes and procedures within the school district system.• Organized medical play sessions to put children at ease and start productive conversations, both in group settings as well as within individual counseling sessions. • Partnered with the medical team to discuss all treatment options and prescribe medication as needed.• Contributed guidance and advice across other departments on maintaining a child friendly atmosphere. Show less

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  White House Counseling Center

  Aug 2002 - Feb 2008

  Marriage Family Therapist Intern

  • Oversaw counseling for both individuals and families, in addition to facilitating group counseling. • Liaised with school administrators, teachers, counseling staff, and parents to align treatment strategies.• Engaged actively with patients to better understand their individual interests, needs, and objectives.• Maintained detailed patient files and documentation to effectively monitor and evaluate individual progress and make targeted adjustments to treatment plans based on results.• Participated actively in professional development to remain up-to-date on industry standards. Show less

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  San Juan Unified School District

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  Marriage and Family Therapist & School Counseling Intern

  • Provided an alternative to the school’s suspension program by engaging directly with suspended students to determine the root cause of their behavior and contribute resources to work through it.• Bridged communications and aligned objectives with staff members, teachers, and families to ensure that students received necessary support in the classroom and in home environments.• Cultivated a positive, safe, and welcoming learning environment for all members of the community.• Adhered to established policies regarding mandatory reporting for suspected abuse or violence.• Built strong natural rapport with colleagues, students, and families to foster trust in discussing difficult topics or emotions. Show less

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  Natomas Charter School

  Aug 2008 - Aug 2022

  Marriage Family Therapist & School Counselor

  • Lead and direct a team of MFC and school counseling interns, providing targeted feedback and guidance as well as hands-on opportunities to help them grow their skills. I have supervised over 20 interns over the last 8 years. • Facilitate individual tier III counseling and group counseling in order to effectively support students in overcoming and addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems.• Serve as a team member for IEP’s, 504’s, and SST’s, assisting teachers in outlining individualized, targeted plans to guide students in need of additional support to achieve their goals.• Administer mental health risk assessments and 5150’s to ensure students receive needed treatment.• Collaborate with staff, parents, law enforcement, CPS, and other community agencies to provide in-depth consultation on treatment planning and implementation both at school and at home.• Integrate Social Emotional Learning practices and train teachers on their use in the classroom.• Launch the Peer Ambassador High School program, serve as a founding member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and act as a group leader for WASC accreditation. Show less

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  Sacramento Office of Education

  Jul 2022 - now

  School Based Mental Health and Wellness Clinician

  Serving as a satellite clinician providing mental health services to underserved populations with a goal of creating Centers of Wellness in schools throughout the greater Sacramento area.