Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Schmahl

Omaha

Summary

Highly skilled Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience specializing in crisis care, trauma recovery, and Veteran services. Trained in EMDR, DBT, CBT, ACT, and other evidence-based approaches for complex trauma and PTSD. Leads innovative group therapy programs and integrates creative methods like art-based interventions. Recognized for delivering culturally responsive, client-centered care with a strengths-based lens. Received an Outstanding Job Performance Appraisal for excellence in clinical services and team collaboration.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Social Worker

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2023 - Current

- Provide individual and group psychotherapy for Veterans experiencing homelessness,
PTSD, and co-occurring disorders.
- Facilitate therapeutic groups including:
• DBT Skills Group
• ACT for PTSD Group
• CBT-Based Art Therapy Group
- Deliver trauma-informed case management and therapeutic interventions using EMDR
and other modalities.
- Certified VA Calm Facilitator, using mindfulness and regulation techniques in treatment
planning.
- Designated VA RISE IPV Brief Therapy Provider, supporting survivors of interpersonal
violence.
- Received Outstanding Job Performance Appraisal for clinical excellence and
innovation in programming.

Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Omaha Fire Department
05.2008 - 07.2023
  • Responded to emergency calls, providing rapid support during fire incidents and rescue operations.
  • Collaborated with team members to execute emergency response plans effectively and efficiently during training drills.
  • Assisted in educating the community on fire prevention strategies through workshops and public outreach programs.
  • Maintained clear communication with dispatchers and command staff during high-pressure situations to facilitate coordinated responses.
  • Documented incident reports, detailing actions taken during emergencies for review and future reference by the department.
  • Participated in physical fitness training programs to enhance personal preparedness for demanding firefighting tasks.
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.

Education

Bachelor of Science - EMS

Creighton University
Omaha
05-2007

Master of Social Work - Clincial Social Work

University of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE
05-2023

Skills

    - EMDR & Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy
    - DBT, CBT, ACT Modalities
    - Group Therapy Facilitation
    - Veteran and Homeless Services
    - Crisis Intervention & Case Management
    - IPV Brief Therapy
    - Art-Based Therapy Techniques
    - Holistic, Client-Centered Care

    Training and Certifications:

    - VA Calm Facilitator Training – Current
    - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist
    - Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    - Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    - VA RISE IPV Brief Therapy Provider

Accomplishments

    Received Outstanding Job Performance Appraisal for clinical excellence at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    Received 2019 Preceptor of the Year awarded by Creighton Paramedic Program

Certification

- VA Calm Facilitator Training – Current
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- VA Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- VA Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

- VA RISE IPV Brief Therapy Provider

Timeline

Clinical Social Worker

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2023 - Current

Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Omaha Fire Department
05.2008 - 07.2023

Bachelor of Science - EMS

Creighton University

Master of Social Work - Clincial Social Work

University of Nebraska At Omaha
Melissa Schmahl