Samantha Nielsen
(***) *** – **** ************@*****.*** Columbia, CT
Professional Summary
Compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with expertise in counseling, psychology, and crisis intervention. Experienced in supporting youth and families in high-stress clinical and community settings. Skilled at building rapport with diverse populations, managing emergencies calmly, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver client-centered care. Education
Post University — Master’s in Counseling & Human Services 2022 – Present
University of Connecticut — Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 2018 – 2021
Manchester Community College
2017 – 2018
Hopatcong High School
2013 – 2016
Professional Experience
Hospital for Special Care
Unit Secretary Per-Diem
October 2025 – Present
• Provide administrative support to the Medical Rehab Unit inpatient clinical team.
• Coordinate communication between staff, patients, and families.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure smooth unit operations.
• Assist nursing staff with clerical tasks during high-acuity situations, including behavioral emergencies.
• Manage intake and discharge paperwork; maintain confidential patient records using Epic electronic health systems.
CHR Roots to Recovery, Willimantic, CT
Therapist Intern
August 2025 - Present
• Provide individual and group therapy services to clients in a community-based behavioral health setting.
• Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and facilitate therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support client recovery and wellness. CHR – Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS) Family Support Specialist
2023 – Present
• Deliver immediate, community-based crisis intervention and stabilization for children, adolescents, and families.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for families in crisis, offering emotional support, de- escalation, and guidance in-person and via telehealth.
• Collaborate with clinicians to assess risk, develop safety plans, and prioritize client well-being.
• Support families through acute psychiatric episodes and coordinate continuity of care. Hartford HealthCare – Natchaug Hospital
Child & Adolescent Unit Clerk
September 2023 – October 2025
• Provide administrative support to the adolescent inpatient clinical team.
• Coordinate communication between staff, patients, and families.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure smooth unit operations.
• Assist nursing staff with clerical tasks during high-acuity situations, including behavioral emergencies.
• Manage intake and discharge paperwork; maintain confidential patient records using Epic electronic health systems.
Hartford HealthCare – Natchaug Hospital
Mental Health Worker
2021 – 2023
• Provided direct care to patients with mental health and co-occurring disorders in inpatient units.
• Supported patients’ structure and engagement through daily activities, therapeutic groups, and skill-building.
• Monitored behavioral and emotional states; reported observations to clinical staff.
• Applied verbal de-escalation and trauma-informed methods to manage crises safely.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for treatment planning and care coordination.
• Assisted with intake and discharge processes; maintained compliant clinical documentation. Mansfield Community Center
Before & After School Counselor / Teen Center Supervisor / Summer Camp / Fitness Assistant 2017 – 2022
• Designed and led educational and recreational activities for children and teens.
• Supervised staff and ensured a safe, engaging environment.
• Promoted health and wellness through fitness programs. Hopatcong Borough – Day Plus Program
Before & After School Care Staff
2015 – 2016
• Facilitated enrichment activities for elementary-aged children.
• Ensured safety and supported behavior management. Courtyard by Marriott
Hospitality Staff
2015 – 2016
• Delivered high-quality guest service in a fast-paced environment.
• Managed customer inquiries and maintained welcoming surroundings. Certifications
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Instructor Certification — March 2025 Trained to teach trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies for safely managing disruptive or assaultive behavior.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential — 2016 Nationally recognized credential in early childhood development and child-centered teaching strategies for ages birth to five.