Mercedes H, LSW
Senior Therapy Case Manager, Licensed Social Worker
Blue Bird Day Employee Since 2020
Education
Masters of Social Work
University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
Credentials and Certification
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Certificate in Evidenced-Based Mental Health Practice with Children
- CPR/First Aid Certification
Clinical Expertise
- Evidence-based mental health practice in children and adolescents
- Attachment and relationship-based approaches to behavioral interventions and caregiving
- Trauma-informed care
- Family dynamics and its impact on behavior and mental health
- Person in environment approaches related to behavior and mental health
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness
- Collaborative and proactive solutions
- Crisis management and de-escalation techniques
- Zones of regulation
- Individual, group, family therapy
My Story
I am blessed to be working in a field that allows me to constantly learn. Social work looks at the many entities that affect an individual or a group and allows collaboration to problem-solve, advocate, and empower them. My interest in working with children and families stems from wanting to do exactly that for them and with them. It’s amazing to witness and celebrate the growth and change within an individual, even more so in a child! I’ve worked in many clinical settings such as behavioral residential homes for children under DCFS care, an inpatient psychology unit for children and adolescents, partial hospitalization programs for adolescents, outpatient therapy work with children and families, and community-based mental health organizations. Each of these experiences has contributed to my growth and learning in the field of social work. I focus on the effects of a person within their environments, how their experiences shape their individuality and the effects of their interactions with others and their world.
My Blue Bird Day
Although I am newer to the Blue Bird Day team, it’s been so great to work with a multidisciplinary team in order to provide the best care to our children and their families. I always look forward to working with the kiddos and my colleagues as I see each moment as another opportunity to learn and grow. I’m a believer that the early years of your life make an impact so it’s been amazing to see the growth and change in my kids and their families!
My Blue Bird Day Goals
- I want to learn more about sensory integration and how that plays a part in our children’s viewpoint of the world. I always want to explore multicultural and generational factors that contribute to caregiving and family dynamics.
