Mikayla Hutzol
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Proven ability to provide quality services to at-risk populations. Previously, a crisis intervention counsellor at a shelter for women and children fleeing violence and currently, a crisis responder and trainer on a suicide text line. Adapt at building rapport and conveying empathy while being non-judgmental and accepting of diverse values. Proficient experience using solution-focused, strength-based, person-centered, and feminist counselling techniques. Highly skilled at crisis management and intervention. Comprehensive understanding and experience working with diverse populations in terms of race, gender, sexuality, culture, mental health, and addictions. Expert at remaining calm and focused in complex stressful situations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Suicide Text Trainer/Mentor
Distress Centres Of Greater Toronto/Talk Suicide
10.2022 - Current
- Provide quality one-on-one training during supervised shifts on the Talk Suicide Text Program
- Demonstrate solution-focused and active listening techniques and help trainees learn how to implement this on the line
- Write assessments based on their performance and report to Coordinator
- Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity
Suicide Text Line Responder
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto/Talk Suicide - Volunteer
11.2021 - Current
- Supporting individuals seeking help for suicidal thoughts or other crises for over 500 hours
- Provide service users with confidential service using active listening, solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing techniques
- Conduct client intake, risk assessment, and collaborate with users to develop a safety plan
- Report to Children's Aid Society and Police when necessary
- Provide appropriate referrals and information based on client needs
- Maintain confidential workspace as well as confidentiality about work with distress centres
- Complete contact forms that include demographics, presenting concerns, risk assessment, and history
Crisis Intervention Counsellor
Herizon House
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Work with women and families to provide and implement a case plan that is informed by an individual’s goals
- Complete necessary documentation; case notes, intake, case management, and safety planning
- Offer supportive counseling and referrals to clients through the 24-hour crisis line, conducting phone assessments to identify service needs and determine shelter entry or appropriate referrals.
- Meet with clients regularly to review case plan and identify new goals
- Develop, implement, and facilitate workshops (self-compassion, boundaries, mindfulness)
- Interact with clients using various therapy techniques and theories, such as solution-focused, feminist, strength-based, and trauma-informed approaches
- Engaged in various case management meetings to facilitate appropriate and adaptable treatment plan for clients
- Improved shelter residents' mental well-being by conducting regular emotional support sessions
- Ensured safety of residents by monitoring and enforcing shelter rules and protocols consistently
Child Support Volunteer
Nanny Angel Network/NAN Kind
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Received specialized training in grief and bereavement
- Help build resiliency in children by teaching life-long coping skills using play therapy techniques
- Deliver specialized in-home relief childcare for mothers diagnosed with cancer
- Facilitate difficult conversations about their mother’s illness in a safe environment
Bar Back
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Ensured inventory of drinks, food, ice, straws and napkins
- Collect, wash, sanitize and restock glassware throughout the service
- Receive and back stock alcohol deliveries into their assigned areas
- Work independently within a team
Physiotherapist assistant
Grand River Sports Medicine centre
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Observing assessments and treatment sessions
- Build rapport with clients
- Supervise and explain exercises
- Applying modalities to patients including ice, heat, ultrasounds, and interferential current therapy
Restaurant Host
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Please refer to responsibilities below, as similar with my role in this position
Server’s assistant
Arthurs Restaurant
05.2019 - 09.2019
- Prioritized tasks in a high paced environment
- Ensured customers’ expectations were met within regards to food, beverage and experience
- Deliver and clear food from tables
- Ensure all service stations are stocked and ready for service
Restaurant Host
Fishbone by The Lake
05.2018 - 09.2018
- Greet and acknowledge guests upon arrival
- Planning service workflows and creating unique dining experiences for all customers
- Responsible for answering phones; addressed guest issues and requests
- Accept and organize reservations, take seating requests, and note food allergies, and special occasions
Gymnastics Coach
Scarborough Gym Elites
09.2014 - 08.2017
- Coached recreational athletes of various age groups
- Creating and facilitating warm up, cool down, and circuit programs
- Worked with athletes to help achieve monthly and yearly goals
- Completed report assessments and lesson plans based on individual needs of each athlete
Education
Master of Arts - Spiritual Care And Psychotherapy
Martin Luther University College
Waterloo, Ontario08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)
Sir Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo04.2022
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Empathy
- Boundaries
- Highly Motivated
- Analytical Thinking
- Crisis Intervention
- Active Listening
- Self-awareness
- Suicide Prevention
- Dependable and Responsible
- Teachable
Certification
CPR and Standard First Aid
Crisis Intervention Training Non-Verbal (CPI Certificate) - 2023
2022 Harm Reduction Conference
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - 2022
Mental Health First Aid -2023
First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies (Naloxone Training) - 2023
Relevant Academic Coursework
Completed Courses:
- Theory of Change
- Assessment
On Going:
- Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
- Pre-Practicum
- Professional Studies and Ethics
Timeline
Suicide Text Trainer/Mentor
Distress Centres Of Greater Toronto/Talk Suicide
10.2022 - Current
Crisis Intervention Counsellor
Herizon House
05.2022 - 08.2023
Suicide Text Line Responder
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto/Talk Suicide - Volunteer
11.2021 - Current
Child Support Volunteer
Nanny Angel Network/NAN Kind
11.2020 - 12.2021
Bar Back
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
09.2019 - 03.2020
Physiotherapist assistant
Grand River Sports Medicine centre
05.2019 - 03.2020
Server’s assistant
Arthurs Restaurant
05.2019 - 09.2019
Restaurant Host
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
09.2018 - 03.2020
Restaurant Host
Fishbone by The Lake
05.2018 - 09.2018
Gymnastics Coach
Scarborough Gym Elites
09.2014 - 08.2017
Master of Arts - Spiritual Care And Psychotherapy
Martin Luther University College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)
Sir Wilfrid Laurier University
CPR and Standard First Aid
Crisis Intervention Training Non-Verbal (CPI Certificate) - 2023
2022 Harm Reduction Conference
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - 2022
Mental Health First Aid -2023
First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies (Naloxone Training) - 2023
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