Monica Leon

Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

The Healing Lotus Partners LLC. Las Vegas, U.S.

07/2024 to present.

Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

 Vegas Cares LLC. Las Vegas, U.S.

02/2021 to  01/2024

Provided support and assistance to individuals with mental health issues. 

• Conducted admissions and initial assessments to determine clients' mental health needs, strengths, and challenges. 
• Effectively implemented treatment plans.
• Facilitated interventions that led to significant positive changes clients' behaviors, especially children, such as returning to school and decreasing aggressive behaviors.
• Helped clients develop coping skills and methods to deal with their mental health problems, learning to implement calming and self-regulation techniques, effective communication skills, as well as cognitive-behavioral strategies, among others. 
• Responding to and managing crisis situations.
• Assisting clients with medication adherence, monitoring for side effects, and communicating with healthcare providers about medication concerns.
• Assisted clients in accessing appropriate services, resources, and supports, and engaging in community activities.
• Maintained accurate and timely documentation, such as weekly and quarterly Progress Notes. 
• Collaborated with other members of the treatment team (mental health professionals) to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care. Attended case conferences, supervision sessions, meetings, and departmental and external training as requested.

Private Practice Psychologist.

(Self-mployed) Maracaibo, Venezuela. 

1/2008 to 07/2018.

• Assessment of cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional-social functioning, and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults.
• Psychotherapy or counseling for individuals or groups using a diverse approach, with a special emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy. 
• Psychoeducational support for students with developmental disorders, including learning disabilities, ADHD, as well as behavioral issues and other conditions, providing them with personalized assistance and connecting them with specialists.

College Professor /Psychological Counselor.

 Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín University, Maracaibo, Venezuela.

08/2010 to 08/2017.

• Professor of the Faculty of Humanities and Education, teaching courses in subjects such as General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychobiology and Developmental Pathology, Self-esteem and Human Development, and Sexual Education. 
• Various instructional methods were employed, including delivering lectures, facilitating debates, and conducting seminars or workshops to teach students knowledge and skills, while also designing assignments and assessments that corresponded with the learning objectives.
• Special dedication to motivating students using learning techniques such as setting learning objectives, analyzing current contrasting viewpoints in the field of study, and researching practical applications of the material, among others.
• Providing counseling, and support to students as part of the University's Psychological Services to improve students' mental health well-being.
• Participation in departmental meetings, serving on committees, and contributing to decision-making processes.
• Engagement in professional development activities to stay updated with advancements in the fields of psychology and education, developing teaching and research skills.

School Psychologist.

Alfredo Armas Alfonzo Institute of Education.   Maracaibo, Venezuela.

09/2003 to 08/2008.

• Observation, exploration, and psychological approach to students to identify needs and challenges, as well as references and interdisciplinary work with other specialists, with the aim of improving behavioral, socioemotional, or learning aspects.
• Monitoring and assessing students' advancement concerning psychological interventions, while ensuring ongoing communication with parents, educators, and specialists concerning the effectiveness of intervention strategies. 
• Providing guidance and emotional support to individual students or groups. 
• Developing and implementing intervention initiatives adapted for children and adolescents, encompassing effective learning techniques, behavioral regulation, and self-esteem, among others. 
• Counseling teachers and parents through workshops aimed at strengthening students' socioemotional and academic development.                 

School Psychologist.

 I.D.E.A School (Institute of Active Education). Valencia, Venezuela.

 11/1996 to 08/2003.

• Observation, exploration, and psychological approach to students to identify needs and challenges, as well as references and interdisciplinary work with other specialists, with the aim of improving behavioral, socioemotional, or learning aspects.
• Monitoring and assessing students' advancement concerning psychological interventions, while ensuring ongoing communication with parents, educators, and specialists concerning the effectiveness of intervention strategies. 
• Providing guidance and emotional support to individual students or groups. 
• Development and implementation of workshops for children, covering topics of values, self-esteem and discipline, among other topics.        

Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín University, Maracaibo, Venezuela. M.Sc. in Educational Sciences, Educational Management. 09/2013 - 01/2017. GPA of 4.0. Honorable Mention: Exceptional Grade in Research, maximum grade of 20 pts. achieved.   

 Rafael Urdaneta University (U.R.U.) Maracaibo, Venezuela.  B.S. in Clinical Psychology.  09/1988 - 10/1993.  GPA of 3.89. Recognition of Outstanding Graduate Thesis by the Department of Psychology.

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Remote. Acquired updated diploma in Teaching Skills and Pedagogy.Completed coursework in Teaching Skills 05/2000.