Headshot of OBH

I have been described as... honest, intelligent and motivated.

Olivia-Beth (Name/She) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Olivia-Beth earned a Bachelor of Social Work (Cultures and Identities, emphasis in Sexuality and Gender Identity) in 2006 and Master of Science in Social Work (Clinical Concentration) at The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work in 2011.

Olivia-Beth loves being a therapist. Olivia-Beth loves the experience of seeing a person walk away lighter, freer, and excited to live their own personal journey after healing from wounds and obstacles in their path. There is nothing better than seeing a human being alleviated from emotional, psychological, spiritual or relational pain.

Olivia-Beth has over 15 years of social work experience working with adolescents through adulthood in various settings, including a drop-in center, camps, schools and a therapy office.

Olivia-Beth specializes in emotional regulation, life transitions, depression, anxiety, spirituality, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ Issues. Olivia-Beth has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults. Olivia-Beth's goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment that is both sex- and kink-positive. Olivia-Beth utilizes EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy to achieve measurable results with clients.

Olivia-Beth has excellent communication skills including writing, desktop publishing, websites, presenting, and social media. Additionally, Olivia-Beth has over seven years experience as an agency spokesperson for various non-profits, excelling in fundraising and providing community outreach regarding agency initiatives.

This portfolio showcases some of Olivia-Beth's job experiences, international experience in London, and academic experience including several internships and trainings.

Resume

Printable Documents
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Experience Highlights
Waterloo Counseling Center Therapist, Austin, TX	2022-present
Provides affordable long-term individual and group mindfulness-based psychotherapy to LGBTQIA+ clients and the general population. Conducts trauma-informed initial assessments and diagnostic evaluations. Develops and monitors treatment plans. Provides referrals to clients as needed.
Communities In Schools of Central Texas Program Manager at LBJ Early College High School, Austin, TX	2020-2022
Planned, implemented, and evaluated effective intervention with an active caseload of 110 clients and their family units. Interviewed, selected, and provided ongoing supervision and support to BSW/MSSW interns and CIS team members; conducting evaluations, and helping them establish goals while maintaining agency cultures, standards and systems. Partnered with various non-profit organizations to bring mentors, restorative circles, peer sex education and emotional support to the campus.
Program Manager at Bastrop Intermediate School, Bastrop, TX
Assessed client strengths with accuracy to implement service plans for 75 active clients and their family units. Provided individual counseling to clients, conducted crisis management as needed, conducted outreach to parent and family units. and facilitated 15 ongoing groups varying in subject matter, from Relationship Building to Grief & Loss. Documented clinical services in accordance with CIS and professional standards. Formulated appropriate treatment plans utilizing the DSM-5.
American Cancer Society Remote Case Manager, Austin, TX	2014-2020
Conducted need assessments, developed short-term financial plans, and facilitated access to care by connecting clients with appropriate resources; maintaining an active caseload of up to 100 patients. Trained, coached, and provided feedback to new employees to ensure agency performance measures were met. Advocated for patients in a multidisciplinary team of oncology social workers, nurses, family members, treatment facilities, and social service professionals. Successfully problem-solved and deescalated difficult cases and often was asked by leadership to intervene during crisis situations and with escalated patients; this led to several Employee Awards for Outstanding Work.
Community Violence Prevention Program Mentor & Facilitator, Chicago, IL	2014
Trained and utilized MHA 21st Century Skill "The Building Blocks", used to increase success factors for youth in social, emotional, and cognitive skills critical for college, career, and life success. Facilitated multiple trainings with at-risk youth in job readiness, skill building, and career development on topics such as monthly budgeting, college scholarships, 30-second interview pitches, and resume building.
Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park Youth Director & Sunday School Teacher (Non-Paid), Chicago, IL	2013-2014
Transformed a large youth program, of 60+ children, to include intergenerational retreats and meditation classes. Created, taught, and implemented family education programming and curriculum for ages 3-18. Coordinated and coached youth on how to fundraise for causes of their choice.
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Circulation Manager & Assistant Housing Manager, Chicago, IL	2013-2014
Oversaw guest housing including scheduling and maintaining the property. Managed front office operations including coordinating events, bulletin boards, activities, and newsletters. Coordinated review and production of Currents in Theology and Mission journal and book reviews.
American Cancer Society Cancer Information Specialist, Austin, TX	2007-2012
Assisted patients through crisis, delivering cancer information and working with families through grief & loss. Provided the public with comprehensive education regarding cancer prevention and cancer treatment. Obtained extensive leadership and quality assurance training.
Spirit Pride Project Curriculum Planner & Facilitator, La Grange, TX	2009-2012
Co-founded and implemented a camp for LGBTQ youth as an open place to explore spirituality through team-building, community-building, and identity-forming games, workshops, and activities. Served on the committee that created a board of directors to sustain the camp. Trained educators, behavioral health professionals, and clergy about working with and on behalf of LGBTQ youth. Created all Being an Ally curriculum to support clergy and co-created all student programming for the camp for two years.
Out Youth Social Worker Intern, Austin, TX	2010-2011
Facilitated long-term support groups and individual therapeutic services for adolescents and young adults (12-23) with a variety of topics including gender affirmation, meditation & mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Coordinated ongoing events for the Youth Drop-In Center; including creating a beautiful moveable walking labyrinth. Conducted crisis intervention with suicidal clients.
American YouthWorks Social Worker Intern, Austin, TX	2008-2009
Facilitated long-term support groups and individual therapeutic services for adolescents and young adults (14-22) with a variety of topics including LGBTQ, teen pregnancy, self-esteem, grief & loss, and teen survivors. Independently created, organized, and administered a school-wide health fair for 300 high school students.
AIDS Services of Austin Social Worker Intern, Austin, TX	2006
Supported clients living with HIV/AIDS, included helping find financial assistance resources, medical referrals, and psychological assessments. Developed & presented a 5-week educational series for practitioners related to HIV & the transgender community. Evaluated outcome studies to aid in the application of a national housing grant for HIV patients.
The Gender and Sexuality Center Intern Researcher & Graphic Designer, Austin, TX	2006
Trainings Attended
Student Ethics and Leadership Conference LBJ School of Public Affairs and Center for Ethical Leadership, one week, 2005 Training Processes in Intergroup Dialogue (related to Social Justice Issues) University of Texas at Austin, weekly for ten months, 2004-2005
Publish Materials
Horak, O. (2006, September 9). Do you have to come out to God?: Exploring Christianity and Homosexuality. The Gender and Sexuality Center: Austin, Texas. Horak, O. (2006, August 1). The Women's Way. The Gender and Sexuality Center: Austin, Texas.
Invited Presentations
Horak, O. (2014, March 5). Understand the LGBTQ Alphabet, Pastoral Care, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago: Chicago, IL. Horak, O. (2013, March 4). Pastoral Care with LGBTQ Couples, Pastoral Care, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago: Chicago, IL. Horak, O. (2012, February 25). Caring for Youth, ReconcilingWorks: San Marcos, Texas. Horak, O. (2009, July 14). Interprofessional Case Analysis: Social work specific information additions as part of the Interprofessional Case Event Series, Loss & Grief, University of Texas: Austin, Texas. Horak, O. (2005, December 29-30). What does it mean to be 'Reconciling in Christ?'. Lutheran Student Movement National Convention: San Diego, California. Horak, O. (2005, November 22). Heterosexism, who is affected?. Foundations of Social Justice, University of Texas: Austin, Texas. Horak, O. (2005, March 30). A Look into Transgender Issues. Formal Seminar Course, University of Texas: Austin, Texas. Horak, O. (2004, December 30-31). Being an Ally: Bridging the Gaps between Gay and Straight. Lutheran Student Movement National Convention: Houston, Texas.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin Master of Science in Social Work, Clinical Concentration The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Social Work, Educational Psychology Minor Certification, Bridging Disciplines Program, Cultures & Identities Study Abroad Maymester Studied an international perspective of social care and social justice	Austin, Texas 08/2011 Austin, Texas 12/2006 12/2006 London, England 2005
Community Service & Affiliations
Social Work Alumni Network (SWAN) Board Board Member for Steve Hicks School of Social Work	2022-present
Living Word Lutheran Church Council, Youth Educational Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher	2014-2021
National Social Work Association Member	2010-2012
ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation National Board Member of Intersections of Oppression	2010-2012
Lutherans Concerned of Austin & Central Texas Board Member & Presenter	2004-2012
Lutheran Campus Ministry Served on hiring committee, Council, & Webmaster	2002-2011
Sun Dragon Martial Arts and Self Defense, NFP Student, Fundraiser, & Volunteer	2009-2011
Lutheran Student Movement Regional & National Council: Advocate for Diversity & Service-Learning	2003-2010
Longhorn Scholar Mentor Mentor	2003-2006
Awards
President's Achievement Scholarship (2002-2006) Bridging Disciplines Scholarship (2004, 2006) Kohn-Hutter Lutheran Scholarship (2004- 2006, 2008- 2011) HATCH Scholarship (2005-2006) Beaumont Foundation of America Technology Program (2005-2006) George K. Herbert Endowed Scholarship (2006)