Joi Rae Connor

Provide individual counseling to adolescent and adult survivors of sexual and domestic violence using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, empowerment-based, and survivor-centered approaches. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and mental health screenings to identify client presenting concerns, assess client needs, and inform individualized treatment goals and service plans. Develop safety plans and therapeutic support to clients throughout their healing process.

Sexual Violence Counselor - Center for Family Services, Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV) - Camden, New Jersey

(2026-07)

• Provide individual counseling to adolescent and adult survivors of sexual and domestic violence using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, empowerment-based, and survivor-centered approaches.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and mental health screenings to identify client presenting concerns, assess client needs, and inform individualized treatment goals and service plans.
• Develop safety plans and therapeutic support to clients throughout their healing process.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate psychoeducational and support groups addressing trauma, coping, safety, and recovery.
• Collaborate with SERV advocates, case managers, and other SERV staff to coordinate client services and connect clients with appropriate community resources and referrals.
• Maintain confidential clinical documentation, case notes, service plans, and program evaluations in accordance with agency policies and ethical, legal, and confidentiality standards.
• Participate in clinical supervision, multidisciplinary team meetings, staff trainings, community meetings, and outreach and prevention initiatives supporting awareness of sexual and domestic violence.

Glass Lawler Mental Health Intern - The Center on Colfax - Denver, CO

(2025-09 - 2026-06)

• Provide individual counseling services to LGBTQ+ adults using culturally responsive, affirming, and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches.
• Utilize culturally competent practices when working with diverse populations and presenting concerns.
• Conduct comprehensive client intake assessments to identify presenting concerns, evaluate symptom severity, and establish treatment goals.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized treatment plans, including safety planning and discharge planning with referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Maintain confidential client documentation and case notes in accordance with ethical, legal, and professional standards.
• Facilitate and support peer support and therapeutic group sessions addressing topics such as suicide awareness, identity exploration, and religious trauma.

Group Facilitator Intern - PEERS® Denver - Denver, CO

(2025-09 - 2026-06)

• Facilitate interactive, evidence-based social skills groups for adolescents and young adults, teaching skills in conversation, friendship-building, conflict resolution, social media use, and humor.
• Support teens in practicing new skills through role-plays, games, structured activities, and real-world homework assignments.
• Collaborate with parents and caregivers to guide them as social coaches, providing strategies to reinforce skills at home and support their teen's or young adult's social development.
• Provide individualized feedback, encouragement, and guidance to group participants to promote skill acquisition, confidence, and real-world application.
• Ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive group environment while maintaining adherence to PEERS® curriculum and program standards.

Student Clinician - University of Denver: Trauma & Disaster Recovery Clinic (TDRC) - Denver, CO

(2024-09 - 2026-06)

• Provide trauma-informed psychotherapy to adult clients experiencing stress, adversity, and trauma.
• Conduct client intakes and provide individual therapy sessions to assess presenting concerns and collaboratively develop treatment goals.
• Utilize culturally informed, strengths-based approaches when working with diverse populations.
• Maintain ethical and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards.
• Participate in case consultation and clinical supervision to support evidence-based trauma treatment.

Psychology Intern - Humanex Academy - Englewood, CO

(2024-09 - 2025-05)

Humanex Academy is a middle to high school dedicated to supporting neurodivergent students in a safe and nurturing environment. They focus on fostering strengths, building meaningful peer relationships. They promote a positive, strengths-based approach to learning and social-emotional development.

• Interns cultivate meaningful relationships with students and teachers by engaging in informal conversations, participating in recreational activities, and fostering trusting, safe environments that encourage open communication and self-expression.
• Assist teachers, support individualized learning plans, and promote self-advocacy
• Support students in daily activities to develop skills like empathy, self-control, and active listening, while celebrating their successes and guiding them to build confidence, social skills, and emotional resilience.
• Help coach students on strategies to manage academic anxieties, navigate group situations, and foster resilience in challenging moments.

Summer Intern - Cook County Department of Juvenile Probation - Chicago, IL

(2023-06 - 2023-08)

• Enhanced my development and understanding through observation and practical work experience.
• Analyzed social investigations, social media reports, and probation orders.
• Attended routine community visits with different probation officers to conduct client meetings.
• Attended court hearings for juveniles.

Food Prep Attendant - Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL

(2022-04 - 2022-08)

• Responsible for preparing, presenting, and serving concession foods.
• Essential duties also included organizing work areas, providing excellent customer service, monitoring inventory, and communication with management.

M.A. - International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health - University of Denver – Graduate School of Professional Psychology (2026-06)

B.S. - Psychology - Loyola University Chicago (2024-05)

B.S. - Criminal Justice & Criminology - Loyola University Chicago (2024-05)