samantha myers

* Facilitate clinical group and individual sessions * Motivate and engage mandated clients within treatment * Draft and edit clinical recovery and treatment plans * Assembled a team to develop strength based curriculum

The Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition (PBHAC) was formed in 1999 as a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations concerned about the unmet mental health and substance abuse needs of older adults across the Commonwealth. As a coalition, regional groups representing Northeast, Northwest, Central, Southeast and Southwest Pennsylvania work together at local and statewide levels in order to collaboratively address the mental health/substance abuse needs of older adults. Their mission is to promote wellness, enjoyment and engagement in life, including care, services and community support, that respect the behavioral health needs and values of older Pennsylvanians and their caregivers.

Developed and facilitated an after-school empowerment program to young teenaged girls. This program provided a education on empowerment, nutrition, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Case management for clients who part take in the pregnancy and parenting groups. Co-facilitated parenting classes and peer support groups by offering through a baby cupboard, cooking and other life skills training. Assist staff with providing resource to clients in need. Promote networking and collect donations for services to those in need. Developed and facilitated career workshops for individual who need help or assistance with creating a resume, the process of applying for position, participating in an interview, and other professional skills that are beneficial to obtaining a career. Independently organized a career fair, which included networking to a variety of companies and agencies to attend. Out reached and marketed to the community to welcome them to the career fair.

Holy Redeemer Hospital's Senior Behavioral Health Unit (SBHU) provides short-term, intensive, inpatient treatment 24 hours-a-day. The SBHU is designed for patients aged 65 or older who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms (e.g. hallucinations, delusions, panic reaction, anxiety, agitation, depression) severe enough to cause disordered, bizarre behavior or psychomotor retardation resulting in significant interference with activities of daily living. Patients experiencing disorientation or memory impairment severe enough to endanger the welfare of self or others are treated as well. Our interdisciplinary team of mental health professionals includes a psychiatrist, psychologists, activities therapists, psychiatric nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and occupational therapists. The team assesses each patient entering the program and designs an individualized plan of treatment to assist patients in achieving their optimal quality of life.

* Foster a positive and structured environment that challenge our youth to grow and overcome obstacles within life and treatment. * Provide counseling and support for residents of the shelter using a wide array of therapies in which the youth are actively engaged within their own treatment plan.

Activities and Societies: Presented “Integrating a Trauma-Informed Perspective into Social Work Practice” at the 2014 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Shippensburg University Capstone Research, Department of Psychology. Lead Research Assistant, Investigated Media Effect on College Women Minor in Gerontology Activities and Societies: Study Aboard across Europe: June 2010 Concentration, Political Science and Cultural Studies