Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Melanie DeLaPaz

Hawthorne

Summary

Driven and empathetic, with a proven track record of supporting community well-being through hands-on roles at Family and Friends and Lennox Park Recreation. Skilled in creating impactful initiatives and adept at employing CBT techniques, I excel in fostering hope and resilience, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving abilities and cultural sensitivity. One of my parents endured recidivism for many years, therefore I know the importance of a great support team. I'm coming in with an open heart and mind, so that I may help individuals build the skills needed to live better, peaceful, beautiful and successful lives. I know the importance of social support, family support, empathy, and family and community acceptance, since many who have been in and out of the system are discriminated against when they are just trying to live better lives for their family, themselves or simply are trying to create a brighter future despite all of the trauma they may have experienced in or out of the system. When I was 6 years old my father was incarcerated for 13 years straight for attempted murder. Helping individuals cope and manage their emotions and worries is a priority. A client's healthy and overall mental health is extremely important To me as an upcoming competent therapist! I would highly appreciate the privilege to have the opportunity like many others to be a part of your worldwide supportive organization!

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Crafting

Family and Friends
12.2023 - 02.2025

I created valentine day gifts by hand such as eternal roses for men, women, and children along with gift heart shaped boxes

Donated clothing and hygiene items

Those Affected by the LA Fires
01.2025 - 01.2025

Supported those in need of help, clothing and hygienic items due to the Wild LA fires

Baby Sitter

Family Member
01.2023 - 12.2024
  • Played games, worked on puzzles, arts and crafts, and read books before nap time.
  • Communicated positively with children and guardians.
  • Organized activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Ensured the well-being of the child

Feeding the less fortunate

The Less Fortunate at Venice Beach
07.2022 - 06.2024

I have been feeding the less fortunate twice a year for the last couple of years


A couple friends and I enjoy getting together and making hot dogs while handing out a drink and chips to go with it

Selling food

Family Business
06.2021 - 06.2024

Cooked and prepared food plates for friends and family that were willing to help and donate money in order to buy school books

Volunteer

Lennox Park Recreation/ Chicano Art Movement
01.2010 - 07.2010
  • Assisted with special events and programs.
  • Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.

The mural that I helped paint emphasized environmentalism, sustainability, health, and most importantly hope for the future.


The mural was highly influenced by the Chicano Art movement and the culture of Los Angeles.



Education

Master of Arts - Emphasis in Marriage And Family Therapy

California Southern University
Chandler, AZ
04-2026

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

California Southern University
Costa Mesa, CA
06-2020

No Degree - Criminal Justice

UEI College
Gardena Campus
11-2015

Skills

    Extremely supportive MFT Trainee

  • Culture sensitive
  • Open heart with an open mind
  • Competent MFT Trainee
  • Culturally aware that some individuals may be hesitant to receive help
  • Non biased
  • Non judgemental
  • Good at problem solving and addressing any challenges that clients are enduring
  • Team player and great at working with others
  • I am a nurturer
  • Ability of being a Team Leader
  • Great "listener"
  • When family and friends needs someone to hear them out I am the one they turn to
  • Extremely ethical and willing to work in the best interest of each and every client
  • Aware of legal and ethical issues
  • Empathetic regardless of their cultural and religious background and past experiences
  • Advocating hope and resiliency is extremely important
  • Helping clients reduce recidivism is vital regardless of their situation and background
  • Advocate for those are in need of emotional or psychological help
  • Extremely passionate in helping individuals achieve their life goals regardless of their emotional or psychological disorders
  • Great at supporting those who are trying to better their lives while looking for different ways of becoming better members of society
  • Supportive with those who are enduring crisis or trauma due to incarceration
  • Extremely supportive in enhancing their overall well being
  • Helping individuals attain their basic needs
  • I will ease their access to mental health and other forms of treatment that are available
  • I am aware about the effects of having an incarcerated parent who experienced recidivism for many years
  • Great at implementing CBT and DBT with diverse populations
  • Great at helping individuals manage their emotions and pessimistic thought patterns
  • Able to help those struggling with PTSD due to trauma during incarceration
  • Great at helping individuals decrease their psychological distress especially if they are struggling with depression, anxiety, and anger management
  • Through journaling, feeling charts, relaxation techniques, mindfulness techniques, role playing and positive self talk those who are struggling with divergent disorders may benefit from CBT techniques

Certification

Certified in Advanced Addiction and Addiction Studies

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Donated clothing and hygiene items

Those Affected by the LA Fires
01.2025 - 01.2025

Crafting

Family and Friends
12.2023 - 02.2025

Baby Sitter

Family Member
01.2023 - 12.2024

Feeding the less fortunate

The Less Fortunate at Venice Beach
07.2022 - 06.2024

Selling food

Family Business
06.2021 - 06.2024

Volunteer

Lennox Park Recreation/ Chicano Art Movement
01.2010 - 07.2010

Master of Arts - Emphasis in Marriage And Family Therapy

California Southern University

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

California Southern University

No Degree - Criminal Justice

UEI College
Melanie DeLaPaz