Maria Scruggs | Aspiring Clinical Psychologist
MARIA G. SCRUGGS
EDUCATION
Governors State University University Park, IL
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling 4.0 current GPA
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2027
Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
B.A. Psychology w/conc. in Mental Health 4.0 GPA
May 2023
University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
Certificate in Data Science and Analytics 3.8 GPA
May 2023
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
MARCH 2024 - Present - Women Veterans Coordinator | Thresholds, Veterans Project
Coordinate assessment, treatment planning, and case management for a caseload of 20 veterans with mental health and substance use disorders.
Plan events and groups to help enhance social skills and mental health symptoms.
Maintain EHR for caseload.
JUNE 2004-MARCH 2010 - Hospital Corpsman Third Class | United States Navy, USN
• Provided emergency medical care and conducted physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data.
• Administered medical care for a range of conditions and health concerns.
• Provided leadership, delegation, and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations.
• Maintained treatment records and reports for over 120 injured and sick individuals per week.
APRIL 2005-MAY 2009 - Web Designer | Shoplocal | Chicago, IL
• Designed user interface to meet client specifications,
• Troubleshot technical issues and optimized websites for search engine optimization, performance, and accessibility.
• Enhanced functionality and appearance of websites.
FEBRUARY 2004-MARCH 2005 - Training and User Support Specialist | Secured Funding | Costa Mesa, CA
• Followed up with clients to verify optimal customer satisfaction following support engagement and problem resolution.
• Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
• Worked with the software development team on reported errors and bugs on newly released software and assisted in the deployment of release fixes.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
MAY 2009 - OCTOBER 2018 - Peer support counselor | Vet to Vet Chicago | Chicago, IL
• Led groups on mental health topics and recovery twice weekly. The group leader position entailed understanding recovery mechanisms and practices, stress management, and research on health and mental health topics pertaining to veterans returning from active duty. There was a short presentation and discussion on the subject, always focusing on techniques to enhance well-being and quality of life.
JUNE 2012 - JUNE 2015 - Council member | Reveille Veterans Council, JBVA | Chicago, IL
• Acted as a bridge between patients and doctors to improve mental health services and programs at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
• Conducted basic research on various topics related to access to health care for veterans in the community, from transportation to safety to a review of ancillary practices that promote access and benefit from mental health services and programs.
• Secretary (June 2012 - December 2013)
• Sargent at arms (January 2014 – Jun 2015)
NOVEMBER 2018 – SEPTEMBER 2022 - Bereavement Minister | Most Holy Redeemer Parish | Evergreen Park, IL
• Help families of the deceased plan a dignified memorial liturgy for their loved ones.
• Lend a listening ear in the beginning stages of grief.
AWARDS & ORGANIZATIONS
• National Society for Leadership and Success honor society inductee (2022)
• Alpha Lambda Sigma honor society inductee (2022)
• Phi Theta Kappa honor society inductee (2001)
MEMBERSHIPS
• American Psychological Association (2021 - present)
Illinois Counseling Association (2023 - present)
LANGUAGES
• English – Fluent (can read, write, and speak.)
• Spanish – Native Speaker (can read, write, and speak)
• French – Proficient (can read, write, and speak)