Ria (Rebecca) Warner
Professional Summary
Innovative and tenacious educator on a mission to teach techniques and strategies for mental wellness. Experience working with diverse populations in both traditional and non-traditional settings has sparked a desire to continually learn, research and develop effective ways to build connectedness and improve access to mental health services. Special interest in working with individuals and groups who have experienced trauma utilizing nature-based methods.
Education
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, Graduating December 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, May 2011
Associate of Arts in Fine Arts St. John’s River Community College, Palatka, Florida, Cum Laude,
June 2006
Associate of Science in Theatre Performance St. John’s River Community College, Palatka, Florida
Cum Laude, June 2006
Experience in Mental Health
Mental Health Counseling Intern: Veteran’s Health Administration, Bay Pines, August 2021-Current
- Participate in group therapy sessions including Dialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills, Anger Management, Mindfulness, and Relapse Prevention
- Co-facilitate individual trauma focused therapy sessions utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Written Exposure Therapy
- Complete referral assessments to determine and explore program and treatment options
- Provide individualized supportive therapy to veterans with diagnosed trauma related disorders
Counseling Intern: Phoenix House, January 2021-May 2021
- Conducted intake assessments to determine appropriate program placement for substance abuse treatment
- Collaborated with clients to develop meaningful treatment plans and provided support and guidance toward achieving goals
- Led group therapy sessions focused on recovery, coping skills, and relapse prevention
- Maintained client electronic health records on Welligent
Wellness Volunteer: USF COVID Wellness Team, May 2020-December 2020
- Provided telehealth wellness support to individuals who were at increased risk for depression or anxiety as a result of being diagnosed with COVID-19
- Completed brief assessments to gather information regarding client symptomology related to COVID-19, anxiety, and depression
- Utilized active listening skills to assist clients in processing their thoughts, feelings, and needs
- Collaborated with clients to develop goals for self-care while offering psychoeducation regarding coping strategies as needed
- Linked clients to additional services and supports within the community
Jail Diversion Program Intern: Public Defender Sixth Judicial Circuit, January-May 2020
- Interviewed inmates in order to gather information to complete a psychosocial history report
- Reviewed information gathered from inmates to create a diagnostic impression
- Utilized psychosocial history and diagnostic impression to determine appropriate placement recommendations for treatment
- Provided client-centered psychotherapy to clients in an outpatient setting
Experience in Education and Training
Director of Education: Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, March 2015-Present
- Develop and oversee the maintenance of organizations online presence, informational materials, and public communications
- Identify the severity of injuries and conditions of concern to decide if treatment is appropriate
- Assist in treatment and stabilization of critical cases
- Provide care and monitor growth and recovery of wildlife while maintaining detailed records
- Aid in the recruitment, training, placement, and management of volunteers
- Develop standard operating procedures and resources including manuals, scripts, and videos
- Create and lead engaging and meaningful environmental education programs
- Implemented a digital system to maintain records and analyze data to determine our impact
Graduate Teaching Assistant: University of South Florida, January 2021-August 2021
- Assisted course instructor in grading student assessments to verify content understanding
- Provided students with timely and insightful feedback to help develop their content related skills
- Communicated with course faculty and assistants to ensure consistency in student experiences
- Collaborated with faculty, assistants, and students to problem solve as needed
Exceptional Student Educator: Hillsborough County Public Schools, August 2015-May 2020
- Developed differentiated and appropriately rigorous academic, behavioral, and social lessons based on student’s individual needs
- Maintained student records related to attendance, performance, and behavior
- Ensured all students make gains through the implementation of scaffolding techniques
- Verified understanding using continuous assessment and flexible teaching strategies
- Recognized and addressed behavioral concerns in a timely and appropriate manner
- Assisted in researching and securing resources such as experts, funding, and supply donations
- Worked cooperatively with stakeholders, including students, to provide students with a safe and successful learning experience
Zoological Educator: SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Busch Gardens, March 2008-May 2011, May-November 2014, May-November 2015, May-November 2016, May-November 2017, May-November 2018, May-November 2019, November 2020-Current
- Design and execute educational curriculum and materials for a variety of programs and
on-the-job training experiences - Supervise and support seasonal staff as well as residential students
- Host educator-only events to facilitate networking and provide resources and idea-sharing
- Provide families and children with safe, easy, quality, and memorable educational experiences
- Lead public presentation while delivering key educational and conservation points
- Assist Lead Animal Care Staff with husbandry and training using positive reinforcement techniques based on operant conditioning
Senior Trainer and Naturalist: City of Largo, February 2016-April 2019
- Worked with recreational therapists to provide nature-based, eco-therapy services
- Guided the development and delivery of facility-wide experiences and presentations for both education and therapy programs
- Supported and developed new volunteers who have an interest in working with wildlife
- Transformed volunteer training process by creating materials and standard operating procedures
- Led the training team to develop, execute and oversee training plans using traditional falconry techniques and operant conditioning
- Fostered a growth-mindset culture by providing constructive feedback and individualized coaching to several of our 60 plus volunteers while further seeking professional development
- Assisted in managing and training multiple species of raptors in our bird of prey program
- Provided care to the avian collection including prepping and distributing diets, tracking food intake, monitoring weights and behavior, and adjusting diets as needed
Additional Experience in Leadership
Special Events Stage Manager: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Busch Gardens,
September- November 2009, September- November 2010, September- November 2011
- Assisted in training and supervision of seasonal staff, ensuring a consistent, quality, and safe immersive theater experience
- Effectively communicated needs and concerns to the appropriate teams so that they may be addressed quickly
- Monitored staff and guest behaviors, respectfully addressing concerns to maintain safety
- Inspected and maintained costume, props, set pieces, and personal protective equipment.
- Tracked attendance and request additional coverage to fill vacant positions when needed
Extracurricular
Media Officer, USF iLINC, 2020-2021
- Assist with managing the social media platforms in order to communicate with stakeholders
- Collaborate with club administrators through the creation of infographics for events
Peer Mentor, USF Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, 2020-2021
- Provide guidance as needed to first year students within the graduate program
- Foster a sense of community through communication and shared experiences
Certifications
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern Eligible
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Pending Graduation
Certified Educator with Endorsements in
Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and Prekindergarten Education
Florida Department of Education, Expired June 2021
Basic Life Support, American Heart Association, Valid through October 31, 2023
Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED, American Red Cross, Valid through July 1, 2023
Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid, American Health and Safety Institute, Valid through
February 2023
Professional Affiliations
Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association
Qualifications
Computer Skills
▪ Microsoft Word- Advanced ▪ Microsoft Publisher- Advanced ▪ Microsoft Excel- Intermediate
▪ Microsoft PowerPoint- Intermediate ▪ WordPress- Intermediate ▪ Adobe Photoshop- Intermediate
▪ Adobe Lightroom- Intermediate ▪ POS Systems- Intermediate ▪ Microsoft OneNote- Beginner
▪ Microsoft Outlook- Beginner ▪ OBS Studio- Beginner
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills
▪ Written and Verbal Communication ▪ Nonverbal Communication ▪ Time Management ▪ Active Listening ▪ Advocacy ▪ Empowerment ▪ Cultural Awareness ▪ Growth Mindset ▪ Empathy ▪ Emotional Awareness
▪ Behavior Management ▪ Coaching ▪ Instructional Design ▪ Procedural Development ▪ Public Speaking
▪ Media Management ▪ Public Relations ▪ Branding ▪ Strategic Thinking
Honors and Awards
Calvin M. Pinkard Scholarship, University of South Florida, College of Behavior and Community Sciences, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, June 2020
Susan D. Kelly RMHC Textbook Scholarship, University of South Florida, College of Behavior and Community Sciences, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, June 2020
Superhero of Science Nominee, Hillsborough Association of Elementary Science Teachers, 2016-2017
Project PATH Grant Recipient, Hillsborough County Public School District, May 2015
Ria Warner 