Heather McQuillan
Holdrege
Summary
Dynamic SEL Instructor with a proven track record at All Saints Catholic School, enhancing student emotional well-being and fostering multicultural sensitivity. Excelled in public speaking and interpersonal relationship building, significantly improving teacher-student dynamics. Leveraged strong communication skills to advance mental health awareness, achieving notable client satisfaction rates in diverse therapeutic roles.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructor
All Saints Catholic School
08.2022 - Current
- Coordinated monthly social and emotional learning lessons for elementary students to assist in their emotional and social development.
- Effectively educate students on personal safety and warning signs of abuse each school year per Diocese of Lincoln guidelines.
- Facilitate positive relationships between students and teachers.
- Advanced teacher understanding of mental health needs of students, and how to positively address those when necessary.
- Promoted a positive school climate by implementing character education programs and fostering a culture of respect among staff and students.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to continuously expand knowledge of best practices in school counseling.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
House of Colour USA
09.2020 - 12.2024
- Consulted with clients to determine style preferences and provide appropriate recommendations for new image.
- Increased client retention rates by offering ongoing support and follow-up consultations to ensure continued wardrobe success.
- Established the franchise in Holdrege, and managed all marketing and social media of the location.
- Facilitated positive change in clients'' lives by helping them rediscover their personal style through thoughtful guidance and encouragement.
- Built a diverse clientele base through word-of-mouth referrals, highlighting exceptional customer service abilities and industry expertise.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
08.2011 - 04.2017
- Developed personalized treatment goals for clients, regularly monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Improved couples'' satisfaction in their relationships through targeted counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Served as a resource for colleagues by sharing knowledge about best practices in marriage and family therapy.
- Maintained accurate client records while adhering to confidentiality guidelines set forth by HIPAA regulations.
- Assisted clients in navigating life transitions, such as career changes or divorce, with a focus on resilience and adaptation.
- Cultivated a safe and trusting environment for clients to openly discuss sensitive issues and experiences.
- Increased client self-awareness by utilizing various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with advances in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
- Assisted individuals and family members with implementing techniques and strategies for resolving their problems.
- Empowered clients by teaching coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
School Based Therapist
Child Guidance Center
08.2009 - 07.2011
- Worked across a variety of environments within the Lincoln Public School system. Provided mental health services to students at Pershing Elementary School, Mickle Middle School, and Northeast High School.
- Strengthened communication skills among students through individual and family therapy sessions, fostering a sense of community within the school.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by prioritizing students with urgent needs while maintaining long-term progress for others.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using standardized measures, adjusting treatment plans as needed based on continuous improvement efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers, coaches, and school social workers to promote the best outcomes for clients.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop strategies for addressing students'' behavioral issues, resulting in a more positive learning environment.
- Utilized evidence-based practices in therapy sessions, contributing to positive outcomes for students across various demographics.
- Improved student emotional well-being by implementing tailored therapy sessions and interventions.
- Served as a liaison between school staff and families, ensuring seamless communication regarding students'' mental health needs and progress.
- Completed required documentation and reports for compliance and treatment planning.
Student Therapist
University Of Nebraska Med Ctr
08.2008 - 08.2009
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Increased awareness of community mental health resources by providing referrals and collaborating with local organizations for client support systems.
- Promoted mental health awareness by participating in community outreach events and giving presentations on relevant topics to various audiences.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments, addressing specific needs and goals of each client.
- Cofacilitated group therapy sessions focusing on various mental health topics such as grief processing or substance abuse recovery support networks.
- Effectiveley navigated providing services in a clinic and hospital setting communicating with referring physicians, and providing follow-up care to ensure best possible client outcomes.
Student Therapist
Family Resource Center at University of Nebraska
08.2007 - 08.2009
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Increased awareness of community mental health resources by providing referrals and collaborating with local organizations for client support systems.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments, addressing specific needs and goals of each client.
- Cofacilitated group therapy sessions focusing on various mental health topics such as grief processing or substance abuse recovery support networks.
- Assisted clients in identifying barriers to personal growth, empowering them to make meaningful changes in their lives.
- Maintained accurate documentation of clinical notes, progress reports, and treatment plan updates, adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to gather information about clients'' backgrounds, presenting concerns, strengths, and areas of growth.
- Collaborated with supervisors and peers in ongoing professional development through case consultations, trainings, and workshops.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients with tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
- Maintained a proactive approach to self-care and professional growth by regularly seeking supervision, feedback, and opportunities for continuous learning.
Education
Master of Arts - Child, Youth, And Family Studies
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, NE08-2009
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE05-2007
Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Public speaking
- Class instruction
- Lesson planning
Languages
English
Timeline
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructor
All Saints Catholic School
08.2022 - Current
Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
House of Colour USA
09.2020 - 12.2024
Marriage and Family Therapist
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
08.2011 - 04.2017
School Based Therapist
Child Guidance Center
08.2009 - 07.2011
Student Therapist
University Of Nebraska Med Ctr
08.2008 - 08.2009
Student Therapist
Family Resource Center at University of Nebraska
08.2007 - 08.2009
Master of Arts - Child, Youth, And Family Studies
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Nebraska
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