Mizami Samuels- Waithe

Adaptable and trauma-informed program operations professional with extensive experience managing high-needs community services and advocating for multicultural and marginalized populations. Proven expertise in operational leadership, resource navigation, and building trusting alliances with hard-to-reach individuals navigating systemic trauma. Adept at coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing intake workflows, and driving culturally sustaining community programming in high-volume settings.

Family Clinician at Felton Institute (2023-03 – Present)

• Managed a 100% caseload expansion, successfully overseeing 20 complex, high-needs cases while implementing proactive, solution-focused support strategies.
• Initiated and supported the development of an optimized client cancellation policy, streamlining operations and reducing missed administrative time.
• Spearheaded staff socialization and team-bonding initiatives to foster positive workplace relationships and peer support within high-volume settings.
• Provided culturally relevant case management and advocacy for a broad spectrum of diverse families, forming deep alliances with individuals experiencing historical institutional trauma.
• Conducted comprehensive crisis interventions and constructed targeted action plans under stringent agency compliance standards.

Psychotherapist at The Connective SF (2021-05 – 2023-02)

• Partnered collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to lead community outreach initiatives, optimizing intake workflows and expanding digital reach.
• Conducted targeted group and individual engagement sessions within a fast-paced environment, tracking progress through meticulous documentation and goal-oriented planning.

Clinical Intern at San Francisco AIDS Foundation (2019-08 – 2020-12)

• Contributed critical insight to the organization's social justice, equity, and public health projects to address institutional disparities affecting marginalized urban communities.
• Implemented evidence-based harm reduction frameworks and formulated customized support plans to deliver crucial services to vulnerable populations.

ICP BIPOC Mentorship Program Coordinator at CIIS (2019-08 – 2020-12)

• Provided foundational academic, professional, and socio-emotional resources to BIPOC students, actively mitigating systemic barriers and supporting program retention.
• Coordinated institutional recruitment events and collaborated across departments to build culturally sensitive, community-focused spaces.

Teaching Assistant at Rebecca School (2016-09 – 2017-08)

• Partnered with the academic team to author goal-oriented developmental plans and deploy daily educational activities for neurodivergent youth.

M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Drama Therapy) – California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) (2020-12)

B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders – University of Pittsburgh (2016-05)