Melissa Fregozo
Yuma, Arizona *****
360-***-**** ********@*******.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced instructor, behavioral health technician, and community outreach specialist and paraeducator with over 10 years of dedicated service to special education students, adults with disabilities, and SMI clients. Passionate about providing trauma-informed support, life skills education, and case management services to individuals and families. Strong background in behavior de-escalation, advocacy, classroom support, and family counseling. Known for being organized, compassionate, and deeply committed to the personal and academic growth of youth and community members. Trained in suicide prevention through the GATEKEEPER program.
SKILLS
Verbal & Written Communication
Crisis Management & De-escalation
Client Needs Assessment
Case Management & Advocacy
Family & Individual Counseling
Community Relationship Building
Cultural Sensitivity
Organization & Time Management
Creative Teaching Strategies
Compassion & Empathy
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Incident Response & Documentation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Emoticare-RMBHS – Yuma, AZ
Behavioral Health Technician / CBOS Community-Based Outreach Specialist / Case Manager
October 2024 – Present
Provide direct support to youth ages 5–17 in school, home, and community settings.
Deliver life skills training and therapeutic support for emotional regulation, academic focus, and social interaction.
Offer individual and family counseling, respite care, and family support services.
Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop case plans, and manage caseloads.
Collaborate with schools, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure positive outcomes.
Implement trauma-informed care approaches and crisis intervention strategies.
ZAREPATH – Yuma Az. Life Skill Specialist/Life Skill Coach
February 2022 – October 2024
Provide direct support to youth ages 5–17 in school, home, and community settings.
Deliver life skills training and therapeutic support for emotional regulation, academic focus, and social interaction.
Offer individual and family counseling, respite care, and family support services.
Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop case plans, and manage caseloads.
Collaborate with schools, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure positive outcomes.
Implement trauma-informed care approaches and crisis intervention strategies.
Horizon Health and Wellness – August 2021-February 2022
Provide direct support to adult SMI clients in court, home, and community settings.
Deliver life skills training and therapeutic support for emotional regulation, academic focus, and social interaction including but not limited to all adult living aspects ( housing, employment etc.).
Offer individual and family counseling, and family support services.
Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop case plans, and manage caseloads.
Collaborate with community stakeholders, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure positive outcomes.
Implement trauma-informed care approaches and crisis intervention strategies.
North Beach School District #64 – Ocean Shores, WA
Substitute Teacher / Paraeducator/SPED
January 2019 – June 2021
Supported students with IEPs and 504 plans in both academic and behavioral development.
Designed and introduced a new Life Skills (LS) curriculum that enriched special education programs.
Promoted inclusion through engaging and adaptive instruction.
Provided one-on-one academic and behavioral support in classroom settings.
Attended IEP meetings and collaborated closely with parents and school staff.
Mentored student teachers and created a cohesive school environment even in virtual settings.
Achieve Human Services – Yuma, AZ
Client Liaison / Lead Job Coach
October 2017 – August 2018
Provided vocational counseling and job readiness training for individuals with disabilities.
Conducted assessments, developed care plans, and advocated for clients' needs in legal and medical settings.
Supported crisis intervention and provided emotional support to vulnerable populations.
Coordinated referrals, maintained accurate documentation, and worked cross-functionally with service providers.
Facilitated community workshops and collaborated on strategic planning for direct services.
Desert Choice Schools – Yuma, AZ
Behavioral Health Technician
August 2016 – May 2017
Delivered behavior support and de-escalation strategies in a school setting.
Encouraged participation in therapeutic and educational activities.
Maintained incident documentation and followed safety protocols during crises.
Supported clients' social-emotional development and academic engagement.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Suicide Prevention: GATEKEEPER Program Certified
Trauma-Informed Care
Crisis De-escalation & Safety Planning
Special Education (SPED) Advocacy and Support Strategies
All certifications in Relias.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Survivor of a 20+ year abusive marriage, I have chosen to transform personal adversity into purposeful advocacy and service. My mission is to empower youth and adults through compassion, education, and healing. I believe deeply in the strength of faith, the power of community, and the importance of nurturing the whole individual—mind, body, and soul. I am committed to creating environments where others can rise above trauma and thrive.
INTERESTS
Sports • Dancing • Roller Skating • Working Out • Watching Movies • Laughing • Community Engagement