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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Kandy K. RichPsychology, 2010

Personal Statement

Hello. I’m Kandy Rich, currently an Intake Counselor

within a behavioral health treatment center in

Shippensburg, Pa. I was born and raised in

Baltimore, Md. until moving to Pennsylvania the summer

of 2007. I am looking forward to continuing my career in

behavioral health through advancement within my current

facility; along with, continuing my education to eventually

pursue my Doctorate Degree and practice in the area of

Dual Diagnosis.

Resume

I am confident that my education, knowledge, and practical experience of mental health and substance

use disorders will allow me to make an immediate contribution within the field of behavioral healthcare. I

have completed staff development programs, as well as, a collection of educational courses that have aided

in broadening my awareness of current treads and breakthroughs in the field of psychiatrics and chemical

dependency. My experience enables me to work both independently and interdependently with people and

health care team members in a hospital/ treatment setting.

I have provided services to a culturally diverse population inpatient hospitalization program. I’ve

offered services to consumers with major psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse

disorders. My experience in the hospital setting has allowed me to work directly with multi-disciplinary

treatment team members to implement and maintain individualized treatment plans. My clinical experiences

have provided me with the opportunity to assist nursing staff in administering direct patient care and helping

patients perform daily living activities. I also have extensive experience in maintaining a therapeutic

atmosphere with group and individual psychotherapy, intake and social work assessments, and with twenty-

four monitoring in a treatment milieu.

My previous experience with adolescents includes four years as a paraeducator providing

instructional support as a public school employee. I worked under the direct supervision of a teacher or

department supervisor to ensure the school curriculum and educational environment was maintained. I

worked to help special education students to achieve individual behavioral, social, and educational goals to

improve their self-esteem, as well as, their academic performance.

I am a patient-focused professional with experience in helping patients to manage their lives to

recover from their mental illness and/ or substance use disorder. I am interested in maintaining a career in a

behavioral healthcare setting that will allow me to utilize my education, knowledge, and experience to

identify, assess, treat, and help to resolve the problems of consumers. I am flexible and organized offering

compassionate, caring, and trustworthy services to a company and its consumers. I have the ability to work

one-on-one, with a team, and multitask to assure responsibilities are completed in an accurate and timely

manner.

Resume

Objective:

I look forward to working in a stable and functional position in behavioral healthcare that will

allow me to fully utilize my skills and attributes, while providing me with advancement

opportunities.

Profile:

I am a motivated behavioral health professional with adult and adolescent career

experience. I am committed to excellence through positive results, teamwork, and

employment satisfaction. I have an aptitude for mastering facility policies and requirements.

I am diplomatic with professionals and non-professionals at all levels, as well as, being

accustomed to conducting individual duties, working on a team, multitasking, maintaining

flexibility, exhibiting outstanding organizational skills, and am versatile with excellent

communication skills.

Resume

Professional Experience:

• Psychiatric care including dual diagnosis

• Patient documentation

• Ensure safe and consistent quality care for those suffering from

an altered mental status

• Crisis intervention

• Provide patient transportation

• Office operations including general office duties

• Impeccable consumer/customer service

• Delivery of psychotherapy & educational instruction

• Communicate Dental Concept to Patients using layman’s terms

to facilitate understanding

• Communicate Psychiatric & Substance Abuse concepts to

patients using layman’s terms to facilitate awareness and

understanding

• Compliance with policies, requirements, and tight deadlines

• Rapidly learned and mastered various computer programs

• Patient appointment scheduling

• Patient invoicing, insurance precertication, and insurance billing

• Daily monitoring & instructional supervision

• Administer assessments and supplementary forms of testing

• Behavioral adult/ adolescent instruction and intervention

Resume

Employment History:

Roxbury Treatment Facility – Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Intake Counselor April 2010 to Present

Mental Health Worker April 2007 to May 2010

Target – Chambersburg Pennsylvania

Cashier/ Pharmacy November 2007 to March 2008

Baltimore County Public Schools - Towson Maryland

Paraeducator 2003 to 2007

Antwerpen Automotive – Randallstown Maryland

P/T Internet Sales Manager 2002 – 2003

Dr. Thome - Dundalk Maryland

P/T Front office coordinator 2001 – 2003

Dr. Charles Cooperman - Dundalk Maryland

Dental Asst. / Front Ofc. Coordinator 1999 – 2003

Resume

Education:

Argosy University – Washington, D.C.

Bachelor of Science Psychology, Substance Abuse - 2007-2010

Community College of Baltimore College – Baltimore, Maryland

Associates of Applied Science, Abnormal Psychology - 2005-

2007

Certificate, Occupational Safety & Training - 2002

Certificate, HIPPA - 2002

Certificate, CPR for Health Care Providers- 2002

Certificate, Surgical Technology- 2002

Certificate, Dental Assisting- 1998-1999

Certificate, Oral Radiography- 1998-1999

Dundalk High School – Baltimore, Maryland

Diploma Earned 1992

Resume

Staff Development Programs:

04/2007

Complete Health Physical (maintained annually)

05/2007

Service Excellence & Professionalism in the

workplace

Therapeutic Boundaries

Confidentiality & Patient Rights

Risk Management

Patient Safety Goals (maintained annually)

Infection Control

Cultural Diversity

Fire Safety & Extinguisher (maintained annually)

Detoxification from Alcohol and Other Substances of

Abuse

HIV/AIDS

TB/STD/HIV

Resume

06/2007

ChildLine Verification/ Pa. Child Abuse History Clearance

Rec’d 6-23-07

First Aide/CPR/AED (maintained annually)

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certified (CPI Training)

09/2007

Patient Search Techniques

Elopement Prevention and Response

Patient Sexual Familiarity Prevention Guidelines

Suicide Prevention Best Practices Core Elements

10/2008

Hepatitis B Vaccination Series completed

Resume

11/2008

Education Fair including: (maintained annually)

Performance Improvement

Fire Safety/Bomb Threat

Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness

Ethics & Boundaries

Patient Rights/Confidentiality

Loss Prevention

Service Excellence

Infection Control

Cultural Diversity

Workplace Violence

Risk Management

01/2009

Handle with Care Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification

(maintained annually)

06/2009

De-escalation for Crisis Intervention Certification (maintained

annually)

Resume

03/2010

Pennsylvania Certification Board Certified Recovery Specialist

Training Series Course –

Peer-based Recovery Support Services

Pennsylvania Certification Board Certified Recovery Specialist

Training Series Course –

The Addiction Process

04/2010

Pennsylvania Certification Board Certified Recovery Specialist

Training Series Course –

The Recovery 101

06/2010

Seclusion and Restraint Provision of Care Training for patients

at imminent risk of harming self or others

Patient Searches and Control of Contraband

Resume

Professional References:

Name: Kizzy Barnes

Position/Title: Dental Hygienist

Phone: 410-940-5378

How Long Known: over 10 years

Capacity: Work atmosphere within the dental profession

Relationship: Professional/ Casual

Name: Allison Flythe

Position/Title: Director of Social Work

Phone: 717-377-0880

How Long Known: 2 years

Capacity: within the psychiatric unit of current employment facility

Relationship: Professional

Name: Michael Pribble

Position/Title: Mental Health Technician Supervisor

Phone: 717-658-9301

How Long Known: 4 years

Capacity: within the psychiatric unit of current employment facility

Relationship: Professional/ Casual

Reflection

Self-Appraisal of Learning

In the several years of study that have been put into earning an

Associate’s & a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology I have grown to

have an understanding, as well as, an appreciation of the human

psyche. Our society has acceptable norms that most believe all

should adhere too; however, the world would not be diverse if

everyone was the same. Psychology is a vast field of study

allowing us to gain more insight into the works of our thought

processes, our actions, and into the way we interact with one

another. I believe that through my work samples I show personal

insight, personal grow, and my personal understanding into the

concepts of psychology and how it applies to the world and

humans individually; and as a whole. The samples I have used, I

believe, show my progress, quality standards, as well as, lending

a broader concept into my performance as a student.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking

and Information Literacy

Research Skills

Communication Skills: Oral and

Written

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Foundations of Psychology

Applied Psychology

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and

Information Literacy

Learning to be a Strong Self-Advocate

Module 8 Assignment 2

PSY420 – Disabilities

Instructor: Joann Benford

Student: Kandy K. Rich

June 28, 2010

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and

Information Literacy

Sample:

As an individual with any type of disability, one must learn how to not only

accept their disability and the way it affects their life, but also, learn how to

become an advocate for self. Facing society with a disability can be difficult due

to the discriminating views of others, along with, the difficulties of trying not to be

looked upon as lesser of a person due to the disability. Disability is any

restriction resulting from impairment or a lack of ability to perform activities

within a range considered normal for a human being (Argosy University, 2010).

Having a disability doesn’t make an individual any less of a person or give a

person any less of chance to succeed in their goal. Goals should be realistic for

anyone. No one can have and succeed at the same goal; each individual should

plan, set, and attempt success at goals that would be considered appropriate for

their self. One must always have realistic expectations that can be achieved

through optimism to continually improve (Argosy University, 2010).

Research Skills

MMPI Project

Psychological Assessment

Part III

June 24, 2010

Instructor Brandhorst

Submitted By: Kandy K. Rich

Research Skills

Sample:

Psychological testing, such as personality testing, assesses and evaluates

information that lends the examiner insight into the mental health of the individual

taking the test (Gregory, 2009). Personality tests are utilized as an attempt at

measuring an individual’s basic personality style. Two well-known personality

tests are the Rorschach Inkblot Test and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality

Inventory Test, MMPI. The Rorschach is composed of inkblot cards that an

individual is merely expected to look at and describe the images and feelings they

experience while viewing the blots. The MMPI is composed of several hundred

true/false questions (Gregory, 2009). The ability of any test to give consistent

results is known as its reliability. Without having reliability a test will not hold any

validity. Validity refers to the legitimacy of a particular test, statement, or

conclusion. The validity of a personality test becomes complicated when factors

involving personality and pathology of the individual completing the test are taken

into account. Pending the mood and emotional state of the test-taker the

personality test scores could vary; any preconceived ideas or issues will affect the

individual test result and scores. An instrument, such as a personality test, is

considered valid if it actually measures what it is suppose to measure. Criticism

surrounds personality testing, because the human psyche is complicated, making

critics question the validity of testing psychopathology (Gregory, 2009).

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Asperger’s Syndrome; A Spectrum

of Autism

Online Support Group

Discussion Module 6 Assignment 1

PSY420 – Disabilities

Instructor: Dr. Benford

Student: Kandy K. Rich

June 16, 2010

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Sample:

The internet has many tools for families, individuals, and medical professionals to utilize

as a means of support. Support groups organized online makes gaining support easier

for those that are too busy with their everyday life circumstances and cannot attend

physical support group meetings (Argosy, 2010). Online support groups also allow for

individuals that may need support at times other than what a physical meeting would

allow. Asperger’s Syndrome is a spectrum of Autism originally described in 1944 by Dr.

Hans Asperger. It is classified in the DSM-IV as an autistic spectrum disorder due to the

distinct profile of abilities that present in the affected individuals in early childhood.

Individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s have an intellectual capacity within a normal

range; however, they suffer impairments in social interactions, communication

skills, and hold restrictive interests (Attwood, 2010). Their social interaction limitations

cause them to fail at developing friendships or interacting on their developmental level.

They can maintain fluent speech; however, have impaired communication skills due to

their difficulties with conversation skills; a propensity to be obscure, having abnormal

prosody and making exact interpretations. Their disability causes them restricted

interests with extraordinary intensity and focus; as they also hold a preference for

routine and consistency, which can lead to extreme agitation if not allotted

(Attwood, 2010).

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

ADA Accommodations

Discussion Question

Module 7 Assignment 1

PSY415 – Psychological Assessment

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Sample:

Having a disability means that the individual has impairment or a lack of ability to

perform activities in the same context considered normal for other human beings

(Argosy University, 2010). The ADA legislation protects the civil rights of citizens

with disabilities from the discrimination that others would put upon them due to their

inability to function as “normal”. It defines disability and gives direction to the

response of social systems within which a disabled individual lives, works, and

functions on a daily basis (Argosy University, 2010). ADA makes it a requirement for

society to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. It does

not specify that unreasonable accommodations be made, so there is not

entitlements occurring, just reasonable accommodations that include things such

as, eliminating physical barriers, giving equal opportunities, addressing public

transportations & services, educational factors, and trying to assure that individuals

with disabilities live in the most less restrictive manner possible, being treated

fairly, and equal to others in society (Argosy University, 2010).

Foundations of Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Online

Exam II (Chapters 7, 8, 10 & 11) – 150 POINTS

November 24, 2004

Foundations of Psychology

Sample:

Case 7

The patient was a 28-year-old woman whose attacks of anxiety were triggered by the

terrifying sensation of impending death. This feeling was so horrifying that she would clutch

passers-by and beg them for help. These episodes were acutely embarrassing to

her, because no physical illness could be found. In an interview, it was discovered that her

anxiety attacks occurred in situations where she felt trapped, such as in a crowded

restaurant. Finally, her fear of experiencing these symptoms in public reached the point

where she was unwilling to leave her home unless accompanied by her husband.

Axis I Diagnosis Social Phobia

Case 8

Emily D., a recently separated 19-year-old woman, was referred to an outpatient mental

health service by her physician because she had experienced several “spells,” in which her

mind left her body and went to a strange place in another state. The first instance had

occurred 2 months earlier, a few days after her husband had left her without explanation.

Since then, she had had four episodes of “traveling” that had occurred during her waking

state and had lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes. She described her experiences as a

dreamy feeling in which her arms and legs were not attached to her body and other people

around her were perceived as zombie-like. Typically, she felt dizzy and had pains in her

stomach for hours after each spell.

Axis I Diagnosis Depersonalization Disorder

Applied Psychology

FINAL EXAM – Abnormal Psychology Online

December 22, 2004

Applied Psychology

Sample:

8) Methadone maintenance has been considered a controversial treatment for opiate addicts. Please visit the

following websites, read the information provided, and write two paragraphs in order to outline your views on

this topic. Your answer should refer to information provided in the websites in order to receive full-credit. You

need to demonstrate to me that you read the information and understood the various issues discussed.

When evaluating all the factors involved with methadone maintenance treatment I would have to agree

that they are beneficial. Methadone maintenance treatment has been developed to reduce the illegal and

harmful threats of certain drug use. Methadone can be used to assist with overcoming the addiction of

drugs such as, codeine, oxycodone, and the most common, heroin. The methadone eliminates the body’s

physical craving for the drug without producing the euphoria. Eliminating the body’s physical cravings is

what helps the addict to stabilize their lives and return to normal daily functioning. Methadone has proven

to be the most effective treatment for heroin addiction; although, treatment must be continuous and long

term. If the program is not followed through with long term the rate of relapse is very high. What needs to

be taken into regard is that addicts have other problems and issues besides their addiction. The

challenges of their everyday life is stricken with the need to maintain housing, food, and other everyday

needs, including a job to provide income to stabilize themselves. Methadone maintenance programs have

counseling that adds to their effectiveness. Having the counseling as an open component allows the

individual to work through the complexity of their issues. Another added benefit of the methadone program

is the decrease in IV heroin users which can add to reducing the risk of HIV infections and the spread of

AIDS. Because the methadone prevents the withdrawal symptoms and the drug cravings studies have

shown a 90% reduction in IV heroin use among the methadone maintained patients. Between of this and

the free testing for HIV and AIDS, the program is adding to reducing the risk for spread of the disease. The

methadone programs have shown a great benefit for the need for support and funding.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Discussion Question

Module 4 Assignment 1

Psychological Assessment

PSY415

Kandy Rich

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Sample:

When exposed to cultural diversity it is always important to have an understanding of the

other cultures. Having an acceptance and understanding doesn’t mean that you must know

the details of each culture and how it functions, but it does mean that you are able to

present yourself without being guarded. Just as we can determine when someone is

anxious, guarded, or tense when exposed to us; individuals from other cultures can identify

with the same. The best way to overcome the difference is to identify with the presence of

the difference, allow yourself to be open and learn from each experience, and don’t be afraid

to ask the individual a question if you don’t understand something. I never try to pretend to

comprehend something from another culture, if I truly don’t grasp the concept. Just as I

accept and expect my patients to ask me a question to further their understanding; I make it

a point to do the same. This allows me to present to the patient of another culture as their

equal and not as someone trying to demean or discriminate against them. I believe this to

be an essential aspect of my position as an intake counselor, as well as, someone working

in the field of mental health and drug & alcohol treatment.

My Future in Learning

Behavioral health is ever changing and educational

maintenance will continue to remain an important factor

within all of my career goals. As a lifetime learner, I

envision that my future will enable me to remain in touch

with trends and changes as they occur within the field of

behavioral health. My objective as a lifetime learner is to

remain within an educational program throughout the

entirety of my career, so that I will continuously remain

connected within the aspects of behavioral health involving

abnormal psychology, as well as, substance abuse

disorders.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my

ePortfolio.

For further information, please

contact me at the e-mail address

below.

Kandy.Rich@hotmail.com