Karla Cortes

I am a driven Mental Health Counselor with 10+ years of experience assisting individuals with mental health needs. I feel I am a motivated professional and skilled active listener with 2 Masters Degrees [Mental Health Counseling/School Counseling] in Psychology and offering skills in conflict management as well as crisis intervention;

experience with individual care. I have been working with children of all ages- to assist with academic and behavior/social-emotional challenges. School counselor for 5 years with children between the ages of 10 and 17- working one-on-one; looking to use my degrees in professional counseling to provide guidance and resources for a positive and long-lasted academic achievement.

I consider myself to be an organized individual successful at managing multiple priorities while maintaining a strong work ethic and exhibiting a positive attitude. I am also a proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills, known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills.

School Counselor - Miami-Dade County Public Schools - Miami, FL

(2020-10)

• Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
• Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all high-school students (approximately 600).
• Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
• Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
• Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
• Maintained a high level of professional development through continuous education, conference attendance, and participation in professional organizations related to school counseling.
• Facilitated classroom discussions to emphasize bullying prevention and college readiness.
• Have worked with middle school as well as high school students in enhancing student academic performance with personalized counseling sessions.

Mental Health Consultant - The Advocate Program - Miami, FL

(2017-09 - 2020-10)

• Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members.
• Referred clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes/provide recommendations.
• Worked with parents and children to implement consistent effective parenting skills, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques at the home, school, or external appropriate location.
• Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills, and functional family dynamic coping skills to improve family dynamic.
• Conducted outreach, advocacy, and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crises intervention.
• Documented all patient information including service plans, treatment reports and progress notes.
• Efficiently gathered information for families and social services agencies to inform development of treatment plans and other needs.
• Conducted comprehensive initial in-home psychosocial assessments prior to first wraparound meetings · Effectively managed time and caseloads based on 15-20 sessions per week.
• Improved client mental health by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing personalized treatment plans.
• Strengthened family relationships by providing psycho education on mental health conditions and facilitating communication skills workshops.

Graduate Student Intern/ Therapist - Banyan Health Systems - Miami, FL

(2016-01 - 2017-07)

• Facilitated group/individual sessions as needed for a group of 15-20 individuals.
• Completed admissions along with necessary documentation to finalize intake process
• Developed comprehensive treatment plans that focused on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of presented issues
• Consulted with and developed appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans for dually diagnosed patients
• Documented all patient information including service plans, treatment reports and progress notes
• Interacted with individuals with chronic mental illness as well as behavioral and/or substance disorders
• Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills
• Guided clients in understanding illnesses and treatment plans
• Observed, monitored, and documented changes in client behavior and responses to treatment
• Displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients served.

PSR Group Facilitator - Chrysalis Health - Miami, FL

(2012-01 - 2016-01)

• Facilitates PSR group lessons as needed for a group of 20-28 individuals.
• Interacts with individuals with chronic mental illness and behavioral disorders
• Quickly responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
• Display sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients served.
• Facilitates group activities that supplement lessons
• Accompanies the PSR group(s) on outings and field trips
• Observe and monitor client behavior and responses to treatment
• Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
• Created a supportive environment by fostering trust, empathy, and mutual respect among participants.
• Provided guidance on goal-setting strategies, empowering participants to take ownership of their personal development journey.
• Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.

Graduate Student Intern - Centro Mater - Miami, FL

(2015-05 - 2015-08)

• Assisting teacher aides with approximately 25-30 students.
• Introducing students to social skills themes.
• Preparing group activities to target negative behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Increased collaboration among graduate students by initiating study groups and organizing peer feedback sessions.

Graduate Student Intern - Seminole Elementary School - Miami, FL

(2015-01 - 2015-04)

• Completed 504 plans
• Completed Functional Assessment Behavior plans
• Completed Behavioral Intervention Plans
• Group counseling session of 3-4 students
• Individual counseling sessions with assistance from school counselor
• Assisting teachers with extracurricular activities
• Proposed Growth Bliss Garden Grant; school was chosen as winner of $2,000 grant
• Proposed Youth Literacy Grant; school was chosen as winner of $4,000 grant.
• Managed time effectively between multiple responsibilities such as coursework, teaching assistantships, and research commitments.
• Developed strong professional relationships with faculty members by actively participating in departmental meetings and events.

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling/School Counseling - Carlos Albizu University (2016) Miami, FL, USA

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Florida International University (2012) Miami, FL, USA

Associate of Arts - General - Miami Dade College (2009) Miami, FL, USA

High School Diploma - General Studies - Miami Coral Park Senior High (2006) Miami, FL, USA