Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Heather L. Johnson

The Vessel Network
Elkhorn
6
years of professional experience

Experienced Director of a Child Placing Agency with expertise in agency operations, licensing, policy development, and program design. Focused on safety and client-centered care, implementing trauma-informed practices. Skilled in translating regulatory requirements into effective agency operations and collaborating with state partners to establish compliant infrastructures and sustainable services that empower individuals and support meaningful client progress.

Work History

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

3 Months
Lotus Behavioral Health | 06.2026 - Current
  • Provided immediate support and resources to at-risk individuals during crisis intervention.
  • Provided psychoeducation on various mental health topics during workshops for community members, increasing awareness of available support resources.
  • Improved clients'' coping skills through the implementation of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
  • Documented client progress meticulously, maintaining accurate records in accordance with HIPAA regulations and professional ethical standards.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated care for clients, optimizing their overall mental health outcomes.

Director of Foster Care Services

1 Year 1 Month
The Vessel Network | 08.2025 - Current
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for a licensed child placing agency, overseeing foster home recruitment, retention, and support in compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Lead agency licensing, policy development, and compliance efforts, including coordination with state DHHS and ongoing regulatory audits
  • Developed and implemented agency policies and training materials to ensure child safety and regulatory adherence
  • Oversaw foster parent onboarding, training, and support to equip caregivers in meeting needs of children and youth in care
  • Collaborated with state agencies, caseworkers, and community partners to coordinate placements and services for permanency planning
  • Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and case management using electronic health record systems
  • Promote trauma-informed, child-centered practices aligned with best practices in foster care and behavioral health

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

6 Months
Community Alliance | 12.2025 - 06.2026
  • Developed treatment plans in collaboration with licensed clinicians to address mental health challenges.
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to support diverse client needs.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices to facilitate skill-building and coping strategies for clients.
  • Documented client progress and maintained accurate records in compliance with confidentiality standards.
  • Provided psychoeducation on various mental health topics during workshops for community members, increasing awareness of available support resources.
  • Improved clients'' coping skills through the implementation of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
  • Utilized trauma-informed care principles when working with individuals who have experienced significant adverse life events or stressors.

Children and Family Services Specialist

4 Years 3 Months
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services | 05.2021 - 08.2025
  • Administered case management for dependent children, formulating treatment plans and coordinating long-term placements to ensure appropriate care.
  • Identified and reported signs and symptoms of violence, abuse, and neglect for immediate intervention and remediation.
  • Coordinated family assessments to identify strengths and service needs.
  • Constructed comprehensive client case plans to establish goals and track progress.
  • Coordinated family assessments to identify strengths and service needs, facilitating targeted support for families.
  • Secured housing, medical care, and employment for clients by collaborating with various community agencies.
  • Secured housing, medical care, and employment for clients through collaboration with community agencies, enhancing overall client stability.
  • Attended and participated in staff meetings and continuing education seminars.
  • Adhered to HIPAA privacy laws.

Registered Behavior Technician

9 Months
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute | 08.2020 - 05.2021
  • Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, and preference assessments to identify target behaviors and their purposes, guiding effective intervention strategies.
  • Supported client using principles of applied behavior analysis.
  • Intervened in clients' challenging behaviors by reinforcing therapeutic alternatives and coping mechanisms, promoting positive behavior changes.
  • Observed, monitored, and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
  • Implemented individualized behavior plans to enhance client engagement and skill acquisition.
  • Conducted data collection and analysis to monitor progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
  • Learned specialized behavior approaches to implement behavioral strategies.
  • Collaborated with team to adapt strategies addressing evolving needs of children and families, enhancing overall support provided.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis

Midland University | Fremont, NE

Related coursework: Introduction to Counseling, Developmental Psychology, Corrections, Criminal Law, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Learning

  • Psi Chi Member
  • Cardinal Key Member

Master of Science - Mental Clinical Health Counseling

Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 11-2026
  • Relevant Coursework: Clinical Assessment, Counseling Theories & Techniques, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Group Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Ethics & Professional Practice, Evidence-Based Counseling Practices, Human Growth & Development
  • Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society Member
  • Chi Sigma Lota Member

Skills

Clear and concise documentation
Empathetic communication
Comprehensive case management
Skilled in conflict resolution
Effective team engagement
Trauma-Informed Care
Multicultural competence
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
Client advocacy
Psychoeducation facilitation
Crisis Intervention
Compliance management
Commitment to ethical standards
Community engagement strategies
Individual and Group Counseling Facilitation

Timeline

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Lotus Behavioral Health
06.2026 - CurrentRead More

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Community Alliance
12.2025 - 06.2026Read More

Director of Foster Care Services

The Vessel Network
08.2025 - CurrentRead More

Children and Family Services Specialist

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
05.2021 - 08.2025Read More

Registered Behavior Technician

UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute
08.2020 - 05.2021Read More

Midland University

Bachelor of Arts from Criminal Justice, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
Read More

Bellevue University

Master of Science from Mental Clinical Health Counseling
Read More
Heather L. Johnson