Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Certification

Timeline

Leah Jeffery

St.Catharines,ON

Summary

Life-long commitment to learning and teaching excellence with over 20 years of experience in the field of Human Services, over four years teaching in Ontario Colleges and over ten years of teaching adult learners. Inspiring educator bringing advanced teaching skills and curriculum development experience. Proven success in implementing technology-based curriculum delivery and assessment tools. Passionate about fostering academic development through engaging lectures that meet the diverse needs of all students.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Professor

Georgian College

06.2022 - Current

Researched and selected course texts and supplemental learning materials
Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies
Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes
Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation
Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction

Clinical Manager

Bethesda Services

11.2020 - Current

Communicated effectively with staff members, community partners, and service users employing active listening and interpersonal skills.
Created psychologically safe and positive environment that fosters growth and development through proactive supervisory practices.
Identified opportunities to improve clinical practices, devising strategies and implementing plans to increase client care standards and enhance operational procedures.
Created culture that promotes diversity and equity.

Educator/Trainer

Safeguards Training

03.2017 - Current

Created dynamic and engaging curriculum for in-person and on-line instruction in Mental Health, Trauma and Dual Diagnosis.
Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
Applied innovative teaching strategies to effectively engage students in learning.

Adjunct Instructor

Wilfrid Laurier University

03.2023 - Current

Created and developed Post-Graduate courses in Trauma-Informed Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Counseling Individuals with Developmental Disability and/or Dual Diagnosis.
Delivered engaging and interactive course materials that promote maximum learning and knowledge retention.
Applied variety of instructional methodologies and technology to keep course interesting and engaging.

Summer Program Coordinator

Georgian College

06.2023 - 09.2023

Assisted with student orientation and registration for Mental Health Inter-professional Practice program.
Provided information of Mental Health Interprofessional Practice to future students.

Clinical Social Worker

ABMA Counselling

01.2022 - 03.2023

Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
Treated patients with mental health issues such as PTSD/Trauma, Anxiety and Depression.
Developed individual treatment plans and provided counseling to patients.
Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy.

Faculty of Continuing Education

Mohawk College

12.2019 - 03.2023

Provided subject matter expertise on all courses, materials and lesson plans.
Effectively implemented best training practices and adult learning principles in planning and creation of instructional materials.
Encouraged engagement and interaction through delivery of dynamic instruction that fostered class discussions.
Instructional delivery that met diverse learning needs of each student.

Part-time Professor

Canadore College

09.2021 - 12.2021

On-line delivery of Mental Health and Addictions course to students in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Introduction program.
Encouraged class discussions through engaging material that facilitated learning and encouraged participation.
Graded tests and assignments to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student course learning objectives.

Complex Support Coordinator

Bethesda Services

05.2018 - 10.2020

Coordinated person-centered support and service within and across sectors by providing complex support coordination for people with high support and complex care needs
Empowered people to achieve their full potential
Acted as resource to service agencies, Developmental Services Ontario and local planning tables
Built system capacity to better support people with high support and complex care needs through education, mentorship and support to other case managers and service agencies

Mental Health Crisis Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association

01.2015 - 06.2018

Provided mental health support for individuals with mental health and addictions needs including crisis and suicide intervention.
Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Identified risk and resiliency factors and developed strategies for intervention.
Educated clients and families about mental health issues, treatments and resources.
Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
Built partnerships with community agencies and service providers to remove access gaps.
Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others,

Behaviour Consultant

Bethesda Services

05.2011 - 05.2018

Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to identify function of challenging behaviors.
Acquired baseline data and developed individualized treatment plans based on ABA principles to help clients reach goals.
Implemented behavior intervention plans, increasing positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.
Provided comprehensive treatment by working in close collaboration with multidisciplinary team of professionals.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care plans and implement continuity of care.
Monitored and documented client progress using data collection techniques.

Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Manager

Bethesda Services

02.2010 - 02.2015

Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients involved in the criminal justice system.
Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.

Instructor Therapist

Hamilton Health Sciences

05.2005 - 01.2009

Applying the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis to deliver intensive beahviour intervention to children with autism spectrum disorder.
Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
Kept open and frequent communication with families to provide regular updates on child's academic progress and individualized needs.

Educational Assistant

Niagara Catholic District School Board

04.2001 - 06.2005

Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.

Education

Master of Social Work - Social Work

Wilfrid Laurier University

Waterloo, ON

10.2020

Qualifying Year - Master of Disability Studies - Applied Behaviour Analysis

Brock University

St. Catharines, ON

06.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Athabasca University

Athabasca, AB

10.2016

Educational Assistant - Special Needs Support -

Niagara College

Welland, ON

06.2002

Skills

Dual Diagnosis
Mental Health & Addictions
Trauma, Compassion Fatigue & Vicarious Trauma
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Assess Students
Faculty Communication
Instructional Design
Online Class Discussion

Course Development
Technology Integration
Verbal and Written Communication
Positive Reinforcement Strategies
Group and Individual Instruction
Experiential Learning Methods
Inclusive Learning

Certification

Current Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Clinical Leadership Professional Certificate, York University

Leadership in Human and Social Services Certificate, SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute

Post Graduate Trauma Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University

Post Graduate Counselling Techniques Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University

Certificate in Trauma Counselling for Mental Health Professionals: Level 1, SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute

Introduction to Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dr. Russ Harris

Trauma Focused Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dr. Russ Harris

ACT as a Brief Intervention, Dr. Russ Harris

Motivational Interviewing

Safety Care Instructor, Safety Care

Certified Facilitator of the Skills System, Dr. Julie Brown

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT House

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Living Works