Milena Byrum

Human services professional with 7+ years of experience supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges and life transitions across behavioral health, community-based services, and outpatient settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and workforce development support, including assisting individuals in identifying goals, accessing community resources, and overcoming barriers to employment and stability. Recognized for quickly building rapport and establishing trust, creating structured, strength-based environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and motivated to engage in goal-directed action.

Experienced in managing high-volume caseloads while maintaining organization and maintaining accuracy in documentation and service coordination. Committed to empowering individuals to build self-sufficiency, strengthen decision-making skills, and move toward sustainable employment, stability, and long-term success.

Career & Education Case Manager (Youth) - Cape Fear Council of Governments - Wilmington, NC

(2025-07)

• Achieved a 50% employment placement rate (6 of 12–17 actively engaged participants), connecting individuals across healthcare, skilled trades, hospitality, and service industries to employment opportunities with wages ranging from $13–$18 per hour.
• Managed a caseload of 35 WIOA participants, prioritizing re-engagement and active service delivery for 17 participants while maintaining compliance with federal reporting standards and accurately documenting outcomes, status changes, and program exits.
• Supported 10 participants in completing or actively progressing through industry-recognized credentials and education programs, including CNA, LPN, HVAC/EPA, Welding, CompTIA+, Nail Technology, EMS, and degree pathways.
• Represented NCWorks through employer engagement and community workforce events, conducting outreach to 50+ job seekers per event while building partnerships with 10+ regional employers to expand training, referral pipelines, and employment opportunities.

Independent Pet Care Specialist - Rover - Wilmington, NC & New London County, CT

(2019-12)

• Manage a high-growth independent service business, maintaining a 100% client satisfaction rate and 40+ five-star reviews for premium, in-home care.
• Oversee specialized care protocols for over 50 clients, including medication administration and behavioral management for diverse breeds and temperaments.
• Ensure meticulous property and logistics management during extended stays, prioritizing safety, sanitation, and clear stakeholder communication.

Paraprofessional - Delta T Group Inc. - New London County, CT

(2020-08 - 2023-05)

Supported academic instruction and classroom behavior management across a school-wide population serving preschool through 5th grade (approximately 250–300 students).

• Assisted students with assignment completion, small-group learning activities, reading and math skill reinforcement, and individualized IEP goals.
• Implemented positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and redirection techniques to maintain classroom structure and promote student engagement across multiple early childhood and elementary classrooms.

Adolescent Group Home Staff - Gilead Community Services - Old Saybrook, CT

• Provided direct therapeutic support and structured supervision for 5 adolescent males ages 15–18 in a residential treatment setting.
• Implemented individualized care plans focused on behavioral stabilization, emotional regulation, and independent living skill development.
• Facilitated structured group sessions targeting coping skills, decision-making, accountability, and interpersonal communication.
• Applied crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to manage acute behavioral episodes while maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment and collaborating with law enforcement and emergency personnel when necessary.
• Maintained detailed clinical documentation of behaviors, incidents, and progress notes, ensuring continuity of care across multidisciplinary teams and rotating staff schedules.
• Supported daily living activities including meal preparation, hygiene routines, transportation, and community integration activities.

Overnight Support Staff - The Grove School – Therapeutic Boarding School - Madison, CT

• Provided overnight supervision for adolescent males ages 15–18 in a structured therapeutic boarding school environment.
• Maintained safety and behavioral compliance across 10 dormitory units through scheduled safety checks, observation rounds, and adherence to treatment protocols.
• Monitored and documented student behavior, environmental conditions, and safety concerns in accordance with clinical and CT DCF standards.
• Responded to behavioral escalations and medical incidents during overnight hours, utilizing calm, structured intervention techniques while following established chain-of-command procedures.
• Ensured a stable, therapeutic environment that supported student regulation, safety, and readiness for daytime clinical programming.

Harm Reduction Specialist - Alliance for Living - New London, CT

(2022-09 - 2023-04)

• Orchestrated comprehensive intake processes for 50+ clients, serving as a primary link to essential healthcare, behavioral health, and social service referrals.
• Administered diagnostic testing (HIV/HCV) in strict alignment with DPH clinical standards, managing sensitive client data and facilitating critical follow-up care.
• Championed the Harm Reduction Model by providing trauma-informed education on substance use and sexual health to a diverse population of over 200 clients.
• Spearheaded community outreach initiatives, including syringe exchange programs and overdose prevention training, while contributing to agency advocacy via digital media/podcasts.

Mental Health Worker - Natchaug Hospital (Joshua Center) - Norwich, CT

(2021-04 - 2022-09)

• Utilized therapeutic communication and crisis de-escalation techniques to support children and adolescents with mental health challenges, successfully resolving 5+ on-site behavioral crises without law enforcement involvement.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary clinical team to support care coordination for up to 50 clients daily, ensuring consistent therapeutic engagement and positive behavioral outcomes.
• Facilitated structured coping skills groups 2 times per week, documenting clinical notes and behavioral progress for up to 15 clients per session using EPIC electronic health records.
• Supervised and ensured safety for up to 35 children during program activities and outdoor recreation, maintaining structure, behavioral compliance, and engagement.
• Operated company vehicles to transport 5–15 children daily, maintaining a medical transport certification and ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable client transportation services.

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Southern New Hampshire University

High School Diploma - Cassata High School