Leisy V. Rodriguez

I am a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey and a nationally certified counselor. I am bilingual with Spanish being my first language. I have a masters degree in school counseling. I am committed to supporting individuals couples, and families through the path of becoming self aware, setting achievable goals, and learning coping skills that will help manage the daily challenges of life with evidence based treatment. 

I graduated from Rider University with a Master’s degree in counseling services. I am experienced with prevention, intervention and helping children, adolescents, and adults cope with a variety of mental health challenges. I help treat the most common mental challanges including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, trauma, and other mental illnesses. My diverse experience spans a full spectrum of gender, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Some of my current affiliations include the American Counseling Association, the American Mental Health Association, New Jersey School Counseling Association, Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling and other reputable organizations. I continuously engage in professional development and training to stay abreast with current trends and research to best support my clients’ mental health needs. 

With a collaborative approach between myself, the individual, families, schools, and community organizations, I incorporate eclectic methods to counseling that help me meet individuals where they are and remain flexible throughout the counseling relationship. Together, we explore effective strategies available to address my client’s needs and help achieve treatment goals. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Therapist, LifeStance Health February, 2022- 2023

Provide comprehensive mental health services to LifeStance Health clients via high quality and evidence based intake, psychotherapy & assessment. Provide individual, couples, family counseling to achieve short and long term treatment goals. Collaborate with care providers including psychiatrists, neurologists, Intensive outpatient programs, psychologists to coordinate care and deliver an integrative care experience to clients. Collaborate with school counselors and families of children and adolescents in spirit alignment across multiple settings. Record and update clients’ notes and reports.  

Therapist, Mainstreet Counseling, April 2022- May 2023

Provide virtual individual therapy to clients aging from 6-65 yrs old. Establish rapport with clients through empathy, unconditional positive regard and nonjudgement. Develop and discuss treatment plans with clients to help achieve mental health and wellness goals. 

Associate Director of Counseling Services, Christina Seix Academy July, 2021-present

Oversee counseling department including counseling staff, internship program, SEL programs and community engagement. Collaborate with the Senior directors and head of school to expand counseling initiatives & services within the organization. Continue to provide individual and group counseling services to students and families using a cultural humility perspective and evidence based best practices. Provide crisis intervention and consultation services. Plan, develop and facilitate Social Emotional Learning programs and professional development for students, families, faculty and staff. Develop and facilitate Mental Health Education Curriculum for primary and middle school students and for the  9th & 10th grade alumni. Manage and coordinate referrals with community resources including The Center for Integrative Wellness at TCNJ. Establish and maintain strong partnership with local organizations including Good Grief, PEIkids, NAMI NJ, Mercer County Division of Mental Health and more. Coordinate care with intensive outpatient programs as needed including Princeton House, High Focus Centers, the CARES Program. 

School Therapist, Christina Seix Academy (July 2018- July, 2021)

Provide counseling services  including intakes, assessment to students and families using a cultural humility perspective and evidence based best practices and collaborate with teachers, parents and students to achieve their counseling goals. During the Pandemic 2020-201, provide resources and consultation to the community to help cope with the stress levels and mental health challenges associated with Covid-19. 

Residential Lead Educator & Counselor, Christina Seix Academy (July, 2016- July, 2018)

Develop, lead and evaluate student programs within residential life. Establish and promote a community environment among students, faculty and staff. Assisting both day and boarding students. Promote a positive atmosphere at the residential  house. Interpret and enforce the boarding program agreement, policies and routines. 

School Counselor Internship, Christina Seix Academy (August, 2015-May, 2016)

Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions with  students, family interventions. Make observations and write down reports to meet internship requirements.  

School Counseling Practicum,  Christina Seix Academy  (January, 2015)

Observe as well as facilitate individual, group, and family counseling sessions with supervisor’s assistance to meet practicum requirements.  

Lead Teacher, Christina Seix Academy (July, 2013- July, 2016)

Work with the Primary School Director and faculty members to create a nurturing, effective learning community and ensure the safety and well-being of all  students. 

Associates Teacher, Christina Seix Academy (July, 2012- July, 2013)

Work collaboratively with CSA faculty, families and instructional staff to design/facilitate activities, learning experiences, and field trips.  

Admissions Associate, Christina Seix Academy (July, 2011- July, 2012)

Administer Brigance Assessment to 2-3 year old  preschool applicants, perform home visits and make recommendations for admissions  based on objective and observations.

Home Health Aide, Easter Seals, 2010-2012 

Substitute Teacher the LEAP Academy Rutgers Charter, Camden NJ, 2010

Cashier Rhong Tiam Restaurant, Plainsboro NJ, 08536 2010 

Customer Service Penang Restaurant, Princeton NJ, 08540 2008-2010 

Customer Service Mercer Conference Center, West Windsor NJ, 2009 

Rider University- 8/2013- 5/2016

 Master's Degree In Counseling Services

Rutgers New Jersey State University 1/2010- 1/2012

Bachelor’s in Arts Degree, Political Science Major

Double Minor: Psychology/ Women and Gender Studies 

Mercer County Community College (MCCC)- 8/2007-1/2010 

Associate in Arts Degree, Liberal Arts Major Concentration: Political and Legal Studies