VANESSA MENDIS
Edmonton
Summary
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
- Master of Counselling student with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, seeking entry-level roles in psychology and mental health support.
- Experienced in supporting children, families, and seniors in clinical, hospital, and long-term care environments; proven ability to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces.
- Skilled in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and empathetic communication to build trust and foster well-being across diverse populations.
- Certified in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention, with experience responding to sensitive situations in professional and volunteer settings.
- Reliable team contributor recognized for professionalism, active listening, and a solution focused approach to support clients and colleagues.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Beauty Expert – Part Time
Shoppers Drug Mart
10.2023 - Current
- Strengthened customer confidence and self esteem by engaging in needs based consultations, mirroring therapeutic listening skills in a retail context.
- Managed sensitive interactions with professionalism, often de-escalating situations when clients expressed frustration or distress.
- Balanced multitasking in a high pressure environment, practicing prioritization and resilience transferable to clinical settings.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary retail team to ensure customer satisfaction.
Clinical Stream Volunteer
CASA Mental Health
01.2023 - Current
- Began in the Support Stream, assisting with administrative tasks, research activities, and community fundraising events, contributing to program operations and donor engagement.
- Promoted to the Clinical Stream for demonstrated professionalism and reliability; provided direct childminding support during therapy sessions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children.
- Enhanced children’s comfort and engagement through age-appropriate activities, recreation, and emotional reassurance during clinical and group programs.
- Helped prepare therapy rooms and organize toys, games, and activity materials to create a safe and welcoming environment for children.
- Supported group activities and recreational sessions by assisting staff with setup and participation.
- Welcomed families from diverse backgrounds with patience and respect, helping them feel comfortable in a clinical setting.
Hospital and Long Term Care Volunteer
Misericordia Hospital/ Villa Caritas
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Offered psychosocial support to patients experiencing loneliness, anxiety, or cognitive decline, using active listening and empathy to promote well being.
- Partnered with healthcare staff to identify patient needs, provide companionship, and contribute to care plans.
- Maintained patient dignity in challenging situations by de-escalating distress and responding calmly to emotional outbursts.
- Developed adaptability by engaging with patients across different units, including acute and psychiatric care settings.
Senior Home Volunteer
Capital Care Lynnwood
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Played piano and shared music with residents to encourage social interaction and brighten their daily experience.
- Observed changes in residents’ behavior, reporting insights to staff to support individualized care strategies.
- Built trusting relationships with residents and families, reinforcing a positive and supportive community atmosphere.
Education
Master of Counselling -
City University
Edmonton, AB06-2028
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB11-2024
Certification
- Brain Story Certification - Alberta Family Wellness Initiative —Ongoing
- Psychological First Aid - Canadian Red Cross — 2025
- Suicide Prevention Training - Alberta Health Services — 2025
- Certificate in International Learning - University of Alberta — 2024
Timeline
Beauty Expert – Part Time
Shoppers Drug Mart
10.2023 - Current
Clinical Stream Volunteer
CASA Mental Health
01.2023 - Current
Hospital and Long Term Care Volunteer
Misericordia Hospital/ Villa Caritas
01.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Home Volunteer
Capital Care Lynnwood
01.2019 - 12.2022
Master of Counselling -
City University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Alberta