Laura Espinal
Beltsville
Summary
Dedicated mental health professional with an extensive background in youth development, focused on breaking generational cycles of dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. Committed to providing leadership and mentorship to empower the youth of tomorrow to overcome trauma and reach their fullest potential. Upholding values of integrity, positivity, accountability, and promoting healthy communication within the community.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Development Representative
Department Of Youth Rehabilitation Services
Washington D.C.
09.2024 - Current
- (YDR) has the responsibility for the rehabilitation, direct supervision and active positive engagement, as well as the safety and security of youth in the custody of DYRS.
- Providing daily direct support and supervision of youth while performing assigned duties and positive intervention.
- Trained and experienced in Safety Crisis Management techniques to effectively respond to physical crisis amongst youth in a safe and humane fashion.
- Responsible for the completion of daily unit documentation and completing Incident Reports when required.
- Providing de-escalation techniques and emotional support to assist youth to meet their needs with engagement that supports their social, moral, emotional, physical, and cognitive competency.
Substitute Teacher
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Maryland
03.2022 - Current
- Instructing students in many subjects, continuing the lesson plan of the curriculum in place.
- Attending to student's educational, motivational and emotional needs.
- Constructing a summary report for the instructor regarding the completed lessons and student behaviors.
- Implementing effective communication skills with both students and staff, to assist productive learning.
Mental Health Counselor
Montgomery Cornerstone
Takoma Park, Maryland
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Served as an advocate for clients within various systems including healthcare providers, court proceedings, and educational institutions.
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Continually updated my professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, de-escalating situations in real time and connected individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Facilitated therapeutic support groups focused on topics such as grief, addiction, or relationships to foster connection and shared healing experiences among participants.
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.
Teacher's Assistant
AlphaBEST Education Inc.
Washington, DC
04.2021 - 01.2022
- Developing and lessons and activity plans for students to engage them in learning in a 1 on 1 format.
- Our presence at KIPP DC Schools was to support the learning needs of the youth in crisis within DCPS school system.
- Attending to the student's educational, motivational and emotional needs through classroom regulation.
- Implementing effective communication techniques with parents, students and staff, in order to assist productive learning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Howard University
Washington, DC05-2024
Skills
- Fluent in English, Spanish, and Sign Language
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Mandated Reporter Trained
- Excellent and Inclusive Communicator
- Problem-solving Aptitude
- Time Management Abilities
- Task Driven
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Youth Development Representative
Department Of Youth Rehabilitation Services
09.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
03.2022 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
Montgomery Cornerstone
02.2022 - 05.2023
Teacher's Assistant
AlphaBEST Education Inc.
04.2021 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Howard University