Makayla Valdez
Toronto,ON
Summary
Experienced with client-centered therapeutic techniques to address diverse mental health issues. Utilizes evidence-based practices to support emotional and psychological well-being. Knowledge of creating tailored treatment plans to foster client growth and resilience.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Counsellor, Adolescent Team
Associated Youth Services of Peel
02.2023 - Current
- In collaboration with youth (between ages 12-17) and their family, conducted biopsychosocial assessments and developed treatment plans based on areas of need
- Provided individual and/or family therapy in the family home in areas such as depression, anxiety, complex trauma, suicidal ideations, parent-adolescent conflict, behavioral issues, concurrent disorders, and body image
- Worked as a counsellor with the Adolescent Team Partnership Program (Peel Children's Aid Society and Everymind Wraparound Team members), and worked with the partnership team members and client to coordinate care
- Utilized evidence-informed modalities of treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy
- Responsible for ensuring the safety of the child(ren) during supervised parenting time or exhanges
Social Service Worker
London Health Sciences Centre
11.2021 - 07.2022
- Created Behavioral Safety Alert assessments for outpatients in mental health and addictions, adult eating disorders, and FEMAP.
- Responsible for problem solving and conflict resolution skills to develop effective solutions to issues including crisis situations, family conflict or other interpersonal situations that may arise.
- Ensured health and safety policies are followed to provide a healthy environment for residents, staff, physicians, volunteers and families - - Carefully observed clients’ behaviors and body language and used social work skills to de-escalate situations and prevent physical violence in the department
- Exemplified London Health Sciences Centre’s values through outstanding levels of kindness and care
Residential Coordinator
Rosewood House
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Coordinated daily operations to ensure optimal resident support and engagement.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory standards, enhancing service quality and safety.
- Conducted biopsychosocial interviews with new and returning clients to determine strengths and needs
- Monitored conditions of clients and coordinated care with other healthcare professionals
- Assisted clients with developing, organizing, and conducting plans to prevent and resolve problems relevant to behavior, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care
- Assisted clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social/community services and resources
- Interviewed individuals or family members to compile information on medical, social, educational or institutional history to enroll client in a program. Work 1:1 with clients to monitor their behavior
- Provided clients and community members with appropriate harm reduction and naloxone kits
Student (Co-op Placement)
Counselling House
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Developed foundational counseling skills through active listening Determined and developed a greater understanding for various counseling styles for each client
- Conducted peer-reviewed research for art therapy including: populations, interventions, exercises, benefits and more
- Practiced ethical concerns and guidelines on virtual platforms
- Engaged in mock-counseling session with other MSW students
- Partook in supervisor’s art therapy study by creating a self-reflexive portrait and written explanation
Student Residential Coordinator
Rosewood House
01.2020 - 04.2020
- Coordinated support activities for families, residents, and staff
- Completed admission agreements upon patient's admission
- Facilitated activities for patient interaction and social support such as playing music, playing table games, and movement exercises.
- Documented and monitored behavior of clients to improve on their Individual Plan of Care
- Facilitated informal counselling with clients, maintaining client files and notes
- Completed house checks, room checks, and security checks for clients.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work
Wilfrid Laurier University
Brantford, ON04-2021
Skills
- Local services & resources
- Communications
- Crisis support & Intervention
- Attention to Detail & Record Keeping
- Emotional Intelligence
- Trustworthy
- Patient & Family Relations
- Team Player
- Leadership
- Resourceful
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
- Mentoring & Coaching
Certification
Assessing Suicide for Kids 2020
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training 2022
Mental Health First Aid 2021
Advanced Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training 2022
Emotional Focused Family Therapy Level 1 2022
Emotional Focused Family Therapy Level 2 2023
RADIUS Training 2023
Removing the Barriers Training Certification 2023
Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training
Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Training 2024
CTRI Certificate for Trauma- Counselling Strategies for Healing and Resilience 2025
Timeline
Clinical Counsellor, Adolescent Team
Associated Youth Services of Peel
02.2023 - Current
Social Service Worker
London Health Sciences Centre
11.2021 - 07.2022
Student (Co-op Placement)
Counselling House
01.2021 - 04.2021
Residential Coordinator
Rosewood House
01.2020 - 01.2022
Student Residential Coordinator
Rosewood House
01.2020 - 04.2020
Bachelor of Social Work
Wilfrid Laurier University