Nicola Ingram, MS, MSW, LCSW

*** **** ***** ******

Springfield, PA 19064

610-***-**** (H) 610-***-**** (W)

PROFILE

Licensed, clinical social worker, creative psychotherapist and educator, with experience as a college instructor. Skilled in traditional techniques and alternative strategies. Main areas of expertise are developmental and transitional issues, childhood and adolescent disorders, serious mental illness and coping with chronic pain and illness. Additional specialties include depression and anxiety, stress management, compulsive behaviors, victims of violence, and relationship and communication skills. My experience with community outreach has included promotion of nonviolence and development of social action projects related to welfare to work initiative and self-sufficiency.

EDUCATION

Masters in Social Work, West Chester University, May 1999; GPA: 3.96

Masters of Science in Counseling and Human Relations, Villanova University, 1992.

Major: Counseling; GPA: 3.75

Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, St. Joseph’s University, 1985.

Major: Information Systems; GPA: 4.0; Member of National Honor Society.

Received University Information Systems Award, 1985.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Proprietor Better Life Solutions, PC, a private mental health and psychotherapy practice, Springfield, PA

June 1992 – present.

Provide individual, couples and family counseling.

Perform case management: work with other professionals, agencies, organizations and concerned others to provide optimum service for clients.

Present community, clinical and corporate educational and training programs.

Provide corporate human resources consultations.

Market and financially manage the company.

Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Counselor, contract affiliate, Life Counseling, Radnor, PA

December 1991 - 2000

Provided individual, couples and family counseling.

Performed case management: work with other professionals, agencies, organizations and concerned others to provide optimum service for clients.

Instructor, Delaware County Community College, Media, PA

September 2001 – May 2004

Developed and presented course material in the areas of Psychology and Sociology.

Advised students regarding course selection and career development.

Intern at Children’s Choice Foster Care Agency, Chester, PA

September 1998 – May 1999

Provided in-home support and family therapy for foster parents and children.

Performed developmental assessments of foster children.

Prepared legal documents used in placement hearings.

Presented foster parent trainings.

Represented needs of foster families as member of Weed and Seed Child Care Initiative.

Participated, through PA Communities that Care, in development of self-sufficiency programs.

Acted as liaison between agency and other community organizations.

Intern at Domestic Abuse Project, Media, PA

September 1996 – July 1997

Provided individual case management.

Developed curriculum for and facilitated support groups.

Researched demographic information and performed needs assessment used in program development.

Formulated and implemented community education programs.

Behavioral Consultant, Riddle Hospital Nutrition Center, Media, PA

August 1996 – July 1997

Screened patients for mental health issues that could influence participation in weight management program.

Facilitated behavior modification groups.

Provided individual consultations.

Psychology Instructor, Cabrini College, Radnor PA

August 1993 – May 1995

Developed and presented course material in the areas of General and Developmental Psychology.

Selected texts and educational materials.

Advised students regarding course selection and career development.

Provided individualized instruction for special-need students.

EMT Instructor, Delaware County Community College, Media, PA

May 1991 – August 1993

Presented lecture material for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program.

Demonstrated and monitored practice of skills.

Assessed student performance and knowledge acquisition.

Provided individualized instruction for special-need students.

Information Services Manager, West Philadelphia Electric Supply Company, Philadelphia, PA

August 1980 – December 1982

Oversaw computer system and software applications.

Supervised maintenance of inventory and pricing structure records.

Coordinated project completion for all corporate departments.

Established priority schedules and delegated tasks to support staff.

Instructed employees in system usage.

VOLUNTEER POSITONS

Special Projects Coordinator, Unity Center, Media, PA

June 1998 – June 2000

Assessed needs for community support services in low income and urban neighborhoods.

Participated on a panel that administered grants received for development of these services.

Collaborated with community associations to organize a volunteer service work force.

Served as a member of a coalition of community service organizations.

Community Educator for the Domestic Abuse Project, Media, PA

January 1998 – October 1997

Presented programs on violence prevention to adolescents at the Juvenile Detention Center in Delaware County, PA.

EMT for Springfield Township Ambulance Corps, Springfield, PA

April 1988 – December 1998

Provided emergency medical services.

PROFESSI0NAL INTERESTS

Developmental and behavioral disorders of children and adolescents.

Serious mental illness and self-sufficiency.

Psychological and social support needs for individuals in life transitions.

Inter-dependence of mental and physical health.

Integration of spiritual beliefs with life skills and decision-making.

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