Paola S. Venegas-Fernandez
Colorado Springs
Summary
Dedicated social worker with proven success at CPCD, specializing in positive behavior support and crisis intervention. Expertise in fostering community partnerships and implementing effective outreach strategies. Bilingual professional skilled in case management, advocating for diverse populations, and enhancing children's social-emotional development. Six years of specialized experience in mental health and three years serving the homeless population.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Consultant
CPCD giving children a head start
Colorado Springs
03.2025 - Current
- Collaborates with Child Development staff to deliver effective intervention strategies for staff and parents, utilizing Pyramid approach for Social Emotional programming.
- Facilitates implementation of universal social-emotional supports and strategies through relationship-based mental health consultation, modeling, and coaching in assigned classrooms.
- Formulates and supports implementation of strategies for Positive Behavior Support Plan addressing children with persistent and severe behavioral challenges.
- Coordinates team efforts in data collection, strategy execution, and Positive Behavior Support Plan formulation.
- Offer in-home consultation to families and childcare settings beyond CPCD
Outreach Coordinator
CPCD giving children a head start
Colorado Springs
10.2023 - Current
- Develop and execute comprehensive outreach and marketing plans for CPCD early education programs.
- Collaborate with Community Relations and Enrollment teams to track program success.
- Create partnerships with agencies throughout El Paso County.
- Maintain a flexible schedule to attend community events.
- Support Enrollment by contacting referred families and answering inquiries.
Intake Coordinator
Parkview Behavioral Services
Pueblo
08.2019 - 10.2023
- Responded to customer requests and completed psychosocial assessments.
- Coordinated outpatient care with psych liaisons and discharge planners.
- Assisted psychiatrists with M1 process and crisis intervention.
- Supported team members and handled insurance verification.
- Provided support for crisis calls and followed HIPPA regulations.
MSW Internship
Willow Tree Counseling - La Junta Elementary School
La Junta
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided individual therapy to children in kindergarten to second grade under supervision.
- Conducted initial assessments and developed treatment plans incorporating CBT and DBT.
- Maintained detailed session documentation and supported children and families.
- Assisted children in transitioning from Elementary to Intermediate school.
- Collaborated with clinical supervisors and therapist team.
Case Manager
Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado
Colorado Springs
05.2018 - 07.2019
- Engaged and interviewed families for program enrollment and needs assessment.
- Managed a caseload of 10-18 families, providing resources and advocacy.
- Assisted with family goal progress and offered case management services.
Site Coordinator
Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado
Colorado Springs
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Implemented program objectives and maintained accurate program data.
- Built positive relationships with clients and maintained confidentiality.
Records Technician
Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
Pueblo
10.2012 - 06.2017
- Organized inmate records and case reports.
- Scanned and uploaded records to the county database.
- Trained deputies on light duty and supported records clerks.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, CO08.2023
Bachelors of Social Work -
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, CO05.2018
Associates of Arts -
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO06.2016
High School Diploma -
East High School
Pueblo, CO05.2014
Skills
- Bilingual
- Strong work ethic
- Leadership
- Working with Diverse Populations
- Problem Solving
- Case Management
- Organizational Skills
- Conducting Psychological Evaluations
- Community Outreach
- Positive behavior support
- Crisis intervention
- Client advocacy
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
References
- Elizabeth Quevedo, Senior Vice President of Community Impact, Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center, Elizabeth@ppunitedway.org, 423-333-4431
- Marty Kemmer-Contreras, Chief Development Officer, CPCD giving children a head start, martyc@cpcd.org, 719-271-8854
- Cris Menz, LCSW, MBA/HRM, LotusOm, LLC, Lotusom.menz@gmail.com, 719-696-0910
- Mario Rodriguez, LCSW, MPA, PH.D, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Mariorod86@hotmail.com, 720-220-4538
- Erin Ashby, PsyD, Parkview Behavioral Services, Erin_ashby@parkviewmc.com, 719-351-7329
Timeline
Behavioral Health Consultant
CPCD giving children a head start
03.2025 - Current
Outreach Coordinator
CPCD giving children a head start
10.2023 - Current
MSW Internship
Willow Tree Counseling - La Junta Elementary School
08.2022 - 08.2023
Intake Coordinator
Parkview Behavioral Services
08.2019 - 10.2023
Case Manager
Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado
05.2018 - 07.2019
Site Coordinator
Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado
06.2017 - 06.2019
Records Technician
Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
10.2012 - 06.2017
Masters of Social Work -
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Bachelors of Social Work -
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Associates of Arts -
Pueblo Community College
High School Diploma -
East High School
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