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Michele
Gill McKenna, MSW, LCSW
233 S. 6th Street, Suite C-33
Phila PA 19106
Education
University of Pennsylvania School of
Social Work Philadelphia,
PA
Graduated with a
Masters in Social Work in May of 2004. GPA: 3.98
Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work
and Social Research
Bryn Mawr, PA
Certificate in
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religion in June of 1999.
Two-time recipient of the John Wesley Clark Scholarship, Dickinson College’s
scholarship for scholastic achievement and campus involvement. Received first
honors while studying abroad at the University East Anglia in Norwich, England
during the 1997-1998 Academic Year. Served as Residential Advisor for the
1996-1997 Academic Year.
Professional Associations and Licensures
Licensed Clinical
Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania CW015713
Active Member of National Association of Social Workers, Philadelphia Chapter
since 2004
Work
Experience
Center for
Growth
May
2008 – Present
Child, Adolescent and Family
Therapist
Philadelphia, PA
Provide
individual, family and group therapy to children and adolescents for the
treatment of various mental health and behavioral difficulties. Specializing in
traditional play therapy techniques and behavioral oriented treatment
modalities.
CASTLE Program-Center for Family
Guidance
December 2004 – April 2008
Clinical Child and Family
Therapist
Camden, NJ
Provided individual, group and family
psychotherapy for children with severe mood and behavioral disorders in partial
hospitalization setting. Gained clinical experience in multiple aspects of
play-therapy and sand-tray therapy. Conducted comprehensive assessments to
evaluate patients’ social, educational, and psychiatric history upon admission.
Responsible for case coordination among patients’ partial care staff, school
personnel, DYFS social workers, and primary care doctors. Additional
responsibilities include: weekly case presentations to the treatment team,
design and completion of treatment plans and discharge summaries, and after care
planning prior to patient discharge. Facilitator of clinical training “Verbal
De-escalation Techniques.” Principle member of Therapeutic Hold Committee
designed to review efficacy of physical interventions and educate staff on
alternative de-escalation techniques.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
September 2003 – May 2004
Oncology Medical Social Work
Intern
Philadelphia, PA
Further
developed skills in psychosocial assessment and medical social work services
with full caseload of inpatient and outpatient pediatric oncology patients.
Gained additional skills in parent support group facilitation. Organized and
participated in interdisciplinary family meetings. Active member of oncology
psychosocial rounds. Pursued further skill development by frequent attendance
at Continuing Education Unit (CEU) workshops. Co-led Delaware Valley American
Cancer Society Parent’s Conference Survivorship forum. Developed and maintained
comprehensive oncology social work patient database. Provided consistent
family-centered supportive counseling, resource coordination and advocacy for
oncology patients and their families.
CASTLE Program-Center for Family
Guidance
June 2003-September 2003
Therapeutic Day
Counselor
Camden, NJ
Designed,
organized and facilitated daily creative and therapeutic educational,
psychosocial activities for adolescents with severe behavior disorders in
partial hospitalization program. Gained experience in group facilitation and
furthered skills in conflict mediation. Collaborated with interdisciplinary
professional staff and actively participated in team meetings and
consultations.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
September 2002 –
May 2003
Hematology Medical Social Work
Intern
Philadelphia, PA
Empowered
individuals and families coping with hematological disorders and the associated
psychosocial issues so that they may realize their fullest possible physical,
emotional and social functioning. Made selective and extended use of social
work knowledge, practice and skills which were relevant to helping patients and
families through the transitions caused by chronic illness. Gained
understanding of assessment process and coordination of services in a fast-paced
pediatric hospital setting. Advocated for services on behalf of patients and
families. Developed a special interest in transitional programming for young
adults with chronic illnesses. Instrumental in planning week long residential
summer camp programming for Sickle Cell Disease patients.
Cathedral High School
August 2000 – June 2002
Religion Teacher and Service
Coordinator
Boston, MA
Designed and
implemented a challenging adolescent centered curriculum, integrating all
disciplines and learning modalities for urban youth. Broke away from
conventional learning structures and created an experiential justice through
service based theology curriculum. Instrumental in organizing and implementing
peer conflict mediation counselors and peer review board for Cathedral High
School. Moderated Yearbook production and fundraising as well as school wide
service and retreat programs.
New England Home for Little Wanderers
August 1999 – May 2000
Team
Leader
Boston, MA
Managed a team
of six mental health direct care counselors as well as a residential treatment
program with 11 mentally ill children ages 6-13. Facilitated team building and
supervision of counselors. Excelled in conflict mediation and quarterly
presentations on patient progress. Directed the structure and safety of daily
schedules. Had authority over all physical and mechanical behavioral crisis
interventions. Worked closely with Department of Mental Health and Social
Services. Gained experience in managing diverse populations.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Summer 1999 – 2001
Unit Leader and Behavior
Specialist
Ashford, CT
Directed
leadership development, management and unit programming for a group of 20 staff
members at a residential summer camp serving the needs of multicultural children
ages 6-16 with life-threatening hematology/oncology disorders. Specialized in
addressing and diffusing crisis situations involving children with behavior
issues. Worked extensively with counselors and the campers themselves to
develop and implement personalized behavior plans for campers who required such
services. Active member of senior staff team focusing on camp-wide diversity
issues, conflict mediation and crisis intervention. Influential in the
development and implementation of camp behavior management policies.
Additional Training
Received formal
training in the following fields: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Conflict
Mediation in Supervision, Behavior Management and Modification, Diversity
Sensitivity Facilitation, Sand Tray Therapy
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