Curriculum Vitae

Michelle L. Smith
2851 South 16th Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 340-7091
[email protected]
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Global and International Education
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware

September 2008

February 2003

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Human Services Instructor
Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington, DE
2013 Present
Facilitate a wide range of classes in the Human Services department such as Psychology, Sociology,
Ethics, Group Dynamics, and Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Counseling classes
Create classroom activities and examinations to correspond with the identified measurable outcome
goals listed in each syllabus for the designated class
Deliver material in diverse formats in effort to target different learning styles and increase overall
student success
Manage a diverse student population of over 100 students
Prepare and deliver material for classroom lectures sufficiently and in accordance with the identified
syllabus for each subject area
Provide assistance for students who have been identified as needing additional help to decrease barriers
to education
Utilize SMARTboard and other forms of technology in order to enhance subject material
Provide office hours for student advisement to address academic concerns and barriers to education
Build positive relationships with students in order to provide a comfortable learning environment and
to increase student engagement
Collect data for Student Learning Outcome Objectives in the Human Services department
Co-facilitate Peer Mentor program
Provide support for local high school teachers in the Dual Enrollment program
Co-lead for study abroad program to Vietnam
Foster Care Clinical Case Manager
2013
Devereux Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
Provide linkages and referrals to resources in the community for foster children and foster families
Counsel foster children in foster home setting addressing issues related to exposure to trauma and
decreasing negative behaviors
Counsel biological families with the goal of reunification
Serve as child advocate and liaison for the foster child in family court
Serve as child advocate and liaison for the foster child within a school setting
Provide supervised family visits with biological families to provide support and to discuss child
interventions when appropriate
Work to communicate with all involved agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Child
Advocate lawyers and social workers, and school counselors in effort to prevent a gap in services and

increase communication
Complete appropriate assessments within the foster home to ensure regulations are being met within
the foster home setting

School-Based Social Services Clinical Specialist

2010-2013
Devereux Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
Provided brief supportive counseling for students at Central High School and other schools within the
School District of Philadelphia
Managed a caseload of 40 students in three public schools within the School district of Philadelphia
Facilitated groups consisting of 100 incoming freshman regarding adjustment to high school
Completed community referrals as needed
Conducted classroom observations for elementary school students
Completed behavior health referrals for outpatient services
Participated in crisis intervention with school faculty
Facilitated workshops for Central High School faculty regarding mental health barriers in the
classroom
Attended trainings regarding LGBTQ youth and cultural competence
Worked to illuminate barriers to education such as immigration issues, adjustment concerns and
language/cultural differences
Completed psycho-educational objectives related to depression and anxiety for high school students
Facilitated groups with elementary students consisting of learning about consequences and working
well with others
Administered home visits to complete assessments in efforts to gain a holistic view of each family
Worked within a school consisting of students with special needs to eventually overcome physical
barriers and stigma
Helped implement health insurance for students within all three school
Met with guidance counselors to discuss individual students and appropriate referrals
Attended CSAP meetings with school administrative staff to discuss high risk students
Bridge Instructor
2012 - 2013
English Language Institute
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Attend classes with international students to gather class information
Attend recitation meetings with student to discuss material, time management skills and study skills
Complete exercises regarding assertiveness skills such as communicating with American students and
professors
Discuss adjustment concerns on campus and within the community.
Discuss challenges regarding integrating within the college campus and outside communities
Discuss cultural differences such as norms, values, and daily activities
Explore increasing student support network within the United States to prevent possible isolation
Work collaboratively with staff and faculty in order to increase success among the international student
population
Teach students how to become independent and acquire skills which will provide them the opportunity
to better access resources within their community while living in the United States
Discuss communication and assertiveness skills regarding building positive academic and social
relationships
Complete surveys to better assess strengths and skills of each student
CAP Instructor
2013 - 2013
English Language Institute
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Worked with international students from various backgrounds regarding assimilating and adjusting to

the University
Taught international students in the Conditional Admission Program self-awareness skills, study skills
and effective group work strategies
Adjusted class curriculum as needed to fit each classroom
Created test and quiz material to assess reading and English comprehension of each student
Supervised peer mentor in each class
Attended community activities with students in order to increase awareness of the university
community
Taught access to resources on campus
Problem solved complex issues regarding student concerns inside and outside of the classroom
Assisted students with completion of end of session projects and assist students with presenting to a
panel of judges
Increased student knowledge by modeling behaviors regarding American norms and customs within an
American university classroom
Self-disclosed American experiences when appropriate to provide examples of American experiences
in order in increase cultural awareness
Increased student knowledge regarding globalization and increase use of technology

Therapist
2011 - 2012
PHMC, The Bridge, Philadelphia, PA
Provided therapy for teenagers with co-occurring diagnosis
Used evidence-based trauma model for processing past traumatic events
Provided psycho-educational information as needed
Completed recovery plans and psychosocial summaries in a timely fashion
Attend trainings and continuing education classes as required
Completed referrals to the community as needed
Collaborated with client to assist with achieving identified goals in various domains
Worked with diverse multicultural groups; help students through past traumatic events such as abuse
and gun violence
Completed family sessions with the client to increase supports within the community
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
2007 - 2010
Path, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Facilitated psycho-educational groups for adults with mental health diagnosis
Completed community integration activities
Managed a caseload of 40 clients
Case management duties included transporting clients to appointments
Attend trainings related to psycho educational model of recovery in order to implement a person
centered approach to recovery
Created lesson plans for the Cultural Diversity group for adults with chronic mental illness
Increased staff awareness concerning cultural issues by facilitating workshops regarding mental illness
and cultural differences
Implemented and developed curriculum for cultural diversity group and cultural outings for clients
Assisted participants with completion of community integration activities
Participated as an active member of the Stakeholder committee
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Brandywine Counseling, Wilmington, Delaware
Created treatment plans for each client
Met with nursing and counseling staff to create treatment plans on a weekly basis
Attended training classes as scheduled to constantly stay informed and educated

2005 - 2007

Made referrals to outside sources as needed

Facilitated weekly groups on relapse prevention and education
Completed daily individual sessions with clients
Managed a large caseload of clients
Assisted clients with methadone maintenance
Worked with HIV diagnosed population and discussed medication management

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Study Abroad
September 2001 - December 2001
University of Delaware
University of London, London, England
Sociology, Fall Semester, 15 weeks
Learned to utilize local resources regarding traveling throughout the city of London
Increased global awareness by attending weekly cultural events such as theatre, art exhibits and
engaging in interactions with British citizens
Increased personal growth and coping skills while living abroad during 9/11
Learned to establish a positive report with students and professors while living in a diverse
environment
Travel
Europe: England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
North and Central America: 13 American States, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Cayman Islands, Nicaragua, Costa
Rica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Canada
Asia: Vietnam
CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, CPRP

July 2009

OTHER EXPERIENCE
Facilitator
Devereux Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
June 2012
Facilitator for Parent Appreciation workshop. Spoke to parents regarding barriers to education and
assessed needs for students such as overcoming language and cultural barriers in a school setting.
Presenter from the Welcoming Center spoke on the topic of immigration and deportation issues
students encounter.
Facilitator
Devereux Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
February 2011
Facilitator for faculty workshop during professional development at Central High School. Spoke about
mental health barriers in the classroom and how to define an appropriate referral.
Guest Lecturer
November 2010
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Guest lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. Spoke to undergraduate students regarding possible
mental health barriers in a classroom setting.
Guest Judge
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
April 2013
Judged poster board competition for undergraduate students within the Communications major.
Facilitator
Delaware Technical Community College, Wilmington, DE
Facilitated a training for faculty and students for Certified Peer Educator certifications.
ACTIVITES AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Runner, 5k, benefit breast cancer research

May 2011

Member, NAFSA
Volunteer, Response-A-Bull, Pit bull rescue
Volunteer, Devereuxs Martin Luther King Day of Service
painted local elementary school

November 2010
2012 - Present
January 2012

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Trainings:
Boston University model for Psychosocial -Rehabilitation for adults with chronic mental health diagnosis
TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cultural competence
Managing escalating behavior
Suicide prevention
Co-occurring disorders
Developmental stages - infancy through adolescence
Psychopharmacology
Motivational interviewing