Michael Kessler, RSW
Kitchener,,Ontario
Summary
Experienced social work professional utilizing evidence-informed practices and trauma-informed care. Committed to practicing anti-oppressive and anti-racist social work. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse clients, teams, and stakeholders, while operating independently. Strong work ethic supported by excellent communication skills and efficient time management.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Coordinator - PAR & BOT
John Howard Society
Kitchener, ON
02.2022 - Current
- Co-facilitate mandated programming relating to domestic violence and impaired driving, Partner Assault Response (PAR) and Back-On-Track (BOT).
- Successfully and efficiently managed a case load of over 50 clients.
- Conduct trauma-informed psycho-educational & clinical counselling programming to diverse cliental.
- Initiated, developed, and implemented updates to program curriculum enhancing programming outcomes.
Interim Senior Coordinator - PAR
John Howard Society
Kitchener, ON
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed domestic violence program operations, ensuring adherence to policies and standards
- Program leadership offering coaching and clinical guidance to a team of 6–8 staff members and practicum students.
- Oversaw a caseload of over 125 clients quarterly, maintaining high service standards.
- Produced administrative reports and quarterly statistics aligned with the Ministry of Attorney General requirements.
- Organized biweekly team meetings for deadline strategizing and operational issue resolution.
- Budget informed, monitored expenses, and ensured invoice accuracy before payment processing.
Program Coordinator - DAP & CSO (Guelph Region)
John Howard Society
Kitchener, ON
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Successful court diversion of over 75 clients.
- Collaborated with crown attorneys, client's lawyers, and community partners to ensure client success.
- Ensured reliability and validity of program statistics reporting to Ministry of Attorney General monthly.
Emergency Shelter Worker
YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener, ON
04.2020 - 02.2022
- Collaborated within a multi-disciplinary team to provide supportive services for a 52 bed shelter.
- Organized and maintained documentation for client intakes, discharges, safety plans, and medication records.
- Applied knowledge of harm reduction principles.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON10-2025
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Social Development Studies
University Of Waterloo
Waterloo, ONCertificate - Human Services Foundations
Conestoga College
Kitchener, ON2017
Skills
- Case management
- Evidence-informed practice
- Computer & software skills
- Therapeutic relationship
- Crisis intervention
- Organization & documentation
University Practicum Experience
Hope Blooms Psychotherapy (2024)
- Case Load 6-8 clients supporting individuals and a couple.
- Evidence-informed interventions CBT, DBT, SFT, MI, & Gottman's Method.
- Workshop development & content creation.
Ray of Hope Youth Residential Rehabilitation Program (2021)
- Participated in daily rehabilitative program activities.
- Developed and facilitated relapse prevention programming to improve post-rehabilitative outcomes.
Affiliations
Community Justice Initiatives - Revive Program (2019 - 2021)
- Co-facilitated 7-week psycho-educational group with people who have committed sexual crimes.
Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank (2015 - 2020)
- Collected food donations across agencies, individuals, and communities.
Registration & Training Certifications
Ontario College of Social Work
- Registered Social Worker (issued 2022 - renewed 2025)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level One
- Gottman Institute (2025)
Ontario Association of Social Workers
- Registered Member (2025)
CPR & Emergency First Aid
- UFCW (2025)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Living Works (2023)
Mental Health First Aid
- Mental Health Commission of Canada (2023)
Caring Dads Program
- Caring Dads Facilitation (2022)
Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resiliency Learning
- ACEs Coalition Guelph-Wellington (2021)
Group Facilitator Certification
- Community Justice Initiatives (2019)
Nominations & Awards
University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Social Work
- Academic Council Committee: BSW student representative discussing and voting alongside University Deans, Program Executive Directors, and Teacher Faculty on various University program developments, program changes, and structural alterations.
University of Waterloo, Social Development Studies
- Beacon Award Recipient: Awarded to a student who has demonstrated community commitment acting as a beacon of encouragement for future social workers.
Conestoga College, Human Services Foundations
- Athletic Award Recipient: Awarded to varsity athletes who demonstrate academic success and dedication to their sport.
Timeline
Interim Senior Coordinator - PAR
John Howard Society
08.2022 - 09.2023
Program Coordinator - PAR & BOT
John Howard Society
02.2022 - Current
Program Coordinator - DAP & CSO (Guelph Region)
John Howard Society
07.2021 - 02.2022
Emergency Shelter Worker
YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
04.2020 - 02.2022
Master of Social Work -
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Arts - Social Development Studies
University Of Waterloo
Certificate - Human Services Foundations
Conestoga College