Margaret Samuels
Peaks Recovery Center
Colorado Springs
18
years of professional experience
Professional animal care specialist prepared for this role with extensive experience in animal husbandry, enrichment, and welfare. Strong team collaborator known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments. Skills include animal nutrition, habitat maintenance, and behavioral observation. Known for calm demeanor and strong problem-solving abilities.
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
5 Months- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to support client mental health needs.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive client assessments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for clients.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate client progress and recovery.
- Documented client interactions and treatment outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and resources to enhance their well-being.
Mental Health Therapist
5 Years 5 Months- Provided crisis intervention and support during critical moments for clients in distress.
- Participated in ongoing training and professional development to improve therapeutic skills.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness regularly, adjusting intervention strategies based on client feedback and clinical judgment as required.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, effectively communicating with other healthcare providers as necessary.
- Implemented behavioral modification techniques for clients struggling with unhealthy patterns of behavior or thought processes contributing to their mental health challenges.
- Tailored therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse client populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and trauma histories.
Intake Clincian
10 Months- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments to evaluate patient needs and ensure appropriate service recommendations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Maintained accurate documentation in electronic health record systems to support compliance and continuity of care.
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions, providing immediate support and resources to patients in distress.
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute distress, stabilizing their conditions and connecting them with appropriate resources.
- Maintained confidentiality while handling sensitive client information according to HIPAA regulations, safeguarding patient privacy rights.
Veterinary Technician/Front Desk Receptionist
9 Years 4 Months- Administered vaccinations and medications under veterinarian supervision to ensure optimal animal health.
- Assisted in surgical procedures by preparing instruments and ensuring sterile environments for safe operations.
- Monitored patient vitals and behaviors, documenting changes and reporting findings to veterinarians for timely interventions.
- Effectively managed time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality patient care through multitasking abilities during busy shifts at the clinic.
- Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
Zookeeper
1 Year- Managed daily care and feeding of diverse animal species, ensuring health and well-being.
- Developed enrichment programs to promote natural behaviors and enhance animal welfare.
- Oversaw habitat maintenance, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on animal handling techniques and best practices.
- Led educational presentations for visitors, fostering awareness of conservation efforts.
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
Zoo Aide
4 Years 3 Months- Assisted guests with inquiries, enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in assigned areas, ensuring safety and hygiene standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline operational processes and improve service efficiency.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Took guest out on guided tours offering chance to feed giraffes, antelope. Provided Conservation and animal education talks.
- Took guests on private tours of the park.
- ensured availability of food for guest and animals
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Skills
Grief counseling
Suicide prevention
Individual counseling
Self-harm prevention
Depression treatment
Child and adolescent therapy
fast learner of computer programs
ability to work all different types of animals
Animal care expertise
Conservation awareness
Animal training
Animal enrichment
Public education
Animal handling
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Peaks Recovery Center
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Intake Clincian
Peak View Behavioral Health
03.2025 - 01.2026Read More
Mental Health Therapist
Centerstone of Florida
01.2021 - 06.2026Read More
Veterinary Technician/Front Desk Receptionist
Palma Sola Animal Clinic
01.2014 - 05.2023Read More
Zookeeper
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
01.2013 - 01.2014Read More
Zoo Aide
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
03.2008 - 06.2012Read More
University of Central Florida
Master of Social Work from Social Work
Read More
University of Central Florida
Master of Science from Clinical Psychology
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