Janelle Mefford
Sacramento
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in crisis intervention and case management across educational, institutional, healthcare, and employee wellness program settings. Proven ability to serve as a liaison and advocate for students facing disciplinary and developmental learning challenges, while effectively facilitating IEPs, 504 Plans, and behavioral interventions. Skilled in developing comprehensive suicide prevention curricula and wellness programs, with strong analytical capabilities that enhance policy evaluation related to special education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and mental health regulations. Expertise in patient health care navigation for seniors and individuals with mental health issues and recently diagnosed cancer patients while ensuring a compassionate approach to client support.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health & Wellness Consultant-Psychologist
Office of Employee Wellness-CA Department of Corrections
Sacramento, CA
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Clinician in the Office of Employee Wellness responsible for conducting short-term solutions focused counseling, responding to critical incidences, providing crisis intervention, developing and implementing health and wellness activities.
- Provided counseling and crisis support to employees.
- Created and published suicide prevention curriculum.
- Developed training courses and conducted presentations.
- Writing monthly wellness news articles and program materials.
- Evaluated policies and conducted research.
- Comprised data and composed written reports.
Clinical Psychologist
California Correctional Healthcare Services
Represa, CA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Clinical Psychologist Intern responsible for providing case management, weekly therapy, and suicide risk assessments for in-patient mental health population.
- Provided crisis intervention and therapy.
- Conducted in-patient clinical evaluations and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to make level of care recommendations and decisions.
- Attended weekly IST meetings and reported on patient status and behavioral improvement goals.
- Evaluated mental health status and assigned psychological diagnosis utilizing consultation and DSM-5.
- Developed appropriate treatment plans and goals for behavioral remediation or modification.
- Documented clinical observations and drafted written reports in alignment with confidentiality and HIPPA guidelines.
- Consulted as appropriate for effective treatment decisions.
- Input treatment plans and clinical notes into electronic health records.
- Case managed patients and ensured protection of health record information according to HIPPA and Board of Psychology guidelines.
Community Health Program Supervisor
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sacramento, CA
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Coordinated support resources and wellness activities for cancer patients.
- Assisted patients with understanding health care options and provided emotional support upon receiving cancer diagnosis.
- Attended medical appointments to provide clinical and patient support to increase patient compliance and understanding of treatment.
- Provided resources and information for patients to make informed treatment and healthcare decisions.
- Counseled with patients and families newly diagnosed with cancer.
- Managed patient cases and provided appropriate referrals for therapeutic and treatment options.
- Developed program materials and hosted community outreach events.
- Collected data and compiled reports to track program goals and document outreach efforts.
- Conducted health care workshops and community wellness training.
- Supervised Peer Navigators and provided consultation and guidance to implement care services.
- Distributed patient resources and participated in volunteer recruitment efforts.
- Created community resource directory and disseminated program resources to patients, community program partners, and medical teams and treatment centers.
Program Coordinator Special Projects & Grants Prevention & Intervention Services
San Juan Unified School District
Carmichael, CA
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Managed and coordinated substance abuse, family life, truancy, and mental health intervention programs.
- Facilitated School Attendance Review Board meetings for families identified as high risk or non-compliant with attendance requirements.
- Identified barriers affecting attendance and set improvement plans.
- Collaborated with District Attorney and Juvenile courts to develop truancy program and ensure parents were adhering to legal guidelines or court recommendations for school attendance remediation.
- Developed educational support plans as an administrator during 504 Plan and IEP meetings.
- Followed Education Code & Federal laws to administer policies and determine intervention strategies.
- Counseled students and families in crisis to address and minimize risk factors impeding school success.
- Supervised case managers and provided case reviews to offer guidance and recommendations to intervention teams.
- Monitored student and family progress through case management and electronic record review.
- Participated in Special Education department meetings as advisory council member.
- Created training manual and facilitated workshops and training for staff and community members.
- Addressed risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health concerns for employees and families.
- Collaborated with school site administrators and counselors to provide intervention to students with learning disabilities and attended IEP meetings.
Interim Executive Director & Counselor
Sacramento Technical Valley High School
Natomas, CA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managed staff and school site operations and prepared reports.
- Developed disciplinary action plans and protocol for student behavioral infractions of school and classroom policies.
- Counseled students in crisis and implemented behavior modification plans.
- Provided case management and evaluated academic and behavior progress.
- Conducted program evaluations, analyzed data and prepared reports.
- Recommended program improvement strategies to staff, school district and board.
- Observed teachers and completed formal employee evaluations.
- Evaluated student academic progress and monitored status for students in danger of failing.
- Facilitated parent meetings, teacher conferences, and student IEP meetings.
- Conducted Student Study Team meetings and made referrals for supplemental instruction & tutoring.
- Coordinated mandated testing for CAHSEE & CST/STAR.
Student Support Services Coordinator
Natomas Unified School District
Natomas, CA
01.2004 - 01.2004
- Provided crisis intervention support and referrals for students with academic and behavior challenges.
- Monitored and evaluated transcripts and attendance reports.
- Administered effective discipline strategies and facilitated parent conferences.
- Evaluated student academic progress and made recommendations for accommodations.
Student Wellness Coordinator & Guidance Counselor
Natomas Charter School
Natomas, CA
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Managed wellness programs and coordinated alcohol and drug prevention events.
- Counseled with students in crisis and provided appropriate mental health referrals for families.
- Collaborated with site administrators to develop safety plans as Member of School Safety Team.
- Developed and implemented a Bullying Prevention Program.
- Evaluated student’s academic records and conducted college and career assessments.
- Attended IEP meetings and supported requirements of 504 plans.
- Maintained documentation of student meetings using district electronic data system.
- Conducted research on student intervention programs and created a resource directory.
- Implemented education code to provide student educational services.
- Taught English, Student Government, and Work Experience courses.
- Coordinated career fair and taught resume writing and interviewing workshops.
Health & English Teacher & Student Activities Advisor
Roseville Joint Union High School District
Granite Bay, CA
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Developed curriculum for Health and English courses.
- Designed classroom lesson plans in alignment with California Framework and Standards.
- Conducted classroom projects and activities by writing and teaching lesson plans for Health and English courses.
- Taught supplemental reading/writing support program and cultivated skill building strategies.
- Made recommendations and designed individualized student improvement plans.
- Provided conflict resolution skills and facilitated mediation services for students.
- Participated in school wide student events and activities by supervising student clubs, class fundraising events and spirit activities.
- Supervised student campus organizations providing character education.
Certified Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Victim Counselor & Program Educator
Women Escaping A Violent Environment-WEAVE
Sacramento, CA
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Provided crisis intervention counseling for at risk women and teens in individual and group settings.
- Facilitated counseling groups for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and dating violence.
- Designed Teen Education Program curriculum and intervention activities.
- Conducted counseling via the crisis intervention phone line.
- Marketed violence prevention educational program to school boards and school sites.
- Developed and presented dating violence and sexual assault safety classes for students and training for educators.
- Participated in grant writing and conducted research for funding resources.
Education
PsyD - Educational Business Management & Administration
University of Laverne
Sacramento, CA06-2007
Master's of Education - Educational Business Management & Administration
University of Laverne
Sacramento, CA06-2007
Skills
- Crisis support
- Mindfulness techniques
- Mental health support
- Sleep improvement
- Training & Development
- Patient Advocacy
Certification
Administrative Credential Authorization [060238089]
Professional Clear, Single Subject Teaching Credential English Authorization [060232807]
Timeline
Behavioral Health & Wellness Consultant-Psychologist
Office of Employee Wellness-CA Department of Corrections
01.2021 - 01.2024
Clinical Psychologist
California Correctional Healthcare Services
01.2019 - 01.2021
Community Health Program Supervisor
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
01.2010 - 01.2012
Program Coordinator Special Projects & Grants Prevention & Intervention Services
San Juan Unified School District
01.2007 - 01.2009
Interim Executive Director & Counselor
Sacramento Technical Valley High School
01.2006 - 01.2007
Student Support Services Coordinator
Natomas Unified School District
01.2004 - 01.2004
Student Wellness Coordinator & Guidance Counselor
Natomas Charter School
01.2001 - 01.2004
Health & English Teacher & Student Activities Advisor
Roseville Joint Union High School District
01.1999 - 01.2001
Certified Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Victim Counselor & Program Educator
Women Escaping A Violent Environment-WEAVE
01.1995 - 01.1998
PsyD - Educational Business Management & Administration
University of Laverne
Master's of Education - Educational Business Management & Administration
University of Laverne