Debra Freeman-Larrea (773) 975-7353

1448 W. Addison Street

Chicago, IL 60613

Objective:

Secure a counselor position in a middle or secondary school setting that provides opportunities for individual and group counseling. Seeking a varied experience working with adolescents and their families.

Career Summary:

Over 21 years of proven experience in operations, marketing, strategic planning, quality and human resource assignments in start up organizations in the global telecommunications industry. Unique combination of conceptual thinking competence and ability to deliver results. Excels in unstructured environments that require creativity and comfort with ambiguity. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate people individually and in teams.

Internship Experience:

Interned at Thresholds Young Adult Program for adolescents dealing with severe behavioral disorders and chronic mental illness. (September 2004-March 2005)

·  Developed and led clinical and psycho educational groups, leveraging group facilitation and conflict resolution skills.

·  Guided clients in their self discovery and goal setting in their transition to independent living arrangements and job placement.

·  Held caseload of four clients, developing case conceptualizations and treatment plans through individual therapy sessions.

·  Advocated for clients with collateral resources through case management.

·  Collaborated with Thresholds’ psychiatrist by providing clinical case presentations and implementing the prescribed medicine management.

·  Reinforced new level system and created a more positive milieu environment in a high paced, challenging social services agency.

·  Implemented effective crisis management interventions to deescalate volatile situations.

Education:

·  Masters of Education in Human Services and Counseling-DePaul University. To be conferred Spring 2005, GPA 4.0

·  International Business Certificate Program– New York University, 1982

·  MBA– Market Management– Rutgers Graduate School of Management, 1980

·  BA– Business Administration– Rutgers University, 1978

Skills/Professional Development:

·  ISO 9000 Quality Auditor

·  Myers-Briggs Preferences Type Indicator Certification

·  Project Management Fundamentals

·  Group/Team Skills

·  Intermediate Spanish at the University Level

·  Psychopharmacology

·  Motivational Interviewing

·  Non-Violent Crisis Prevention

·  Sand and Play Therapy

·  Grief Counseling/Hospice skills

·  Aggression Replacement Training

Volunteer Experience:

·  Career Beginnings, mentor for a low socioeconomic, inner city Latina student, 1989.

·  Teen Living Programs, Fund Development Committee Board Member, 1994.

·  Timeline Theatre Company Board Member, January 2001 –Present.

·  Children’s Memorial Hospital Family Support Services. September 2001-Present.

·  Sacred Heart Schools Parents Organization’s Executive Committee. June 2003-Present.

·  Host to a foreign exchange student from Mexico, August 2002- July, 2003.

·  Lived in Belgium and worked for Belgian company, June 1996- June, 1998.

Recognition:

·  Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the National Honor Society, February 2004.

·  Two President Team Awards for outstanding leadership.

Professional Affiliation:

·  American Counseling Association, Student Member

·  Chicago Council of Foreign Relations