Andrew Higgins Email & Phone Number

Newark, Ohio, United States

Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States

Serving as a psychoeducational liaison between families and exceptional children services, I consult with neighboring school districts to gather and present data regarding Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) effectiveness, as well as collaborate with treatment centers, clinicians, and legal counsel on providing optimal in-school supports for students of Shaker Heights City Schools. During this year, I also have the privilege of presenting my own research at the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) 2023 Annual Convention, as well as engaging education legislation as a member of the Ohio School Psychologists Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Chardon, Ohio, United States

Monitoring clients in a premier addiction rehab center, facilitating their recreational and therapeutic endeavors. Many clients are dual-diagnosis; accounting for all aspects of client addiction, I help manage their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. I embrace a holistic treatment approach that focuses on community, brotherhood, and the skills necessary to enjoy a sober life.

Managing over 200 registered student organizations (RSOs), providing funding and training for executive members, creating graphics advertising student engagement opportunities, and developing high-end events. Being one of the faces of Student Life, I have made direct impacts on incoming students; from providing welcome week spirit wear, to facilitating equitable events for thousands of students.

Shaker Heights, Ohio

Here, where I had been named Employee of the Month twice, I taught coping skills to youth with behavioral health challenges. Most children come to the center with emotional wounds forged by striking neglect and abuse, and I would tutor them academically and lead coping skills groups.

Highland Hills, Ohio

At Highland Springs, I was the first person an admitted patient meets following their initial assessment. I inventoried patients' belongings, provided living essentials, de-escalated presenting crises, and documented patient behavior every 15 minutes. Each day, I treated patients in one of three units: high-acuity, substance abuse, and mood disorders. Some patients come in with just a gown; some are separated from their loved ones for the first time, and I ensure that all are comfortable and have a general understanding of their timeline in the hospital. Promoted in January 2021, I began to lead community meetings, where I orient new patients and teach coping skills.Having served as a preceptor to several new PCA's, proposed new safety protocols, and receiving praise by over 200 patients via satisfaction surveys, my CEO granted me the Compassionate Care Award (employee of the month) and the annual HOPE award for "putting people first".

Hamilton, Ohio

I provided emotional support and referral information to callers of the non-profit 24/7 crisis hotline serving Butler, Clinton, and Warren County. Trained in suicide risk assessment, prevention, and intervention, I corresponded and collaborated with emergency personnel as needed to ensure the safety and stability of the caller; presenting problems including suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and addiction. My mission necessitated de-escalating immediate crises and finding long-term support for callers within their communities. I also served as a preceptor to new QMHSes through role-playing caller dialogue and creating protocol sheets that illustrated overviews of different call types.This was my first professional role in mental health. Some callers had no social buffers to manage their suicidal thoughts while having an active suicide plan, and my voice was my predominant tool in saving their life. For hundreds of callers, I was able to reframe their high-risk mindset, slow down their impulsivity, and invigorate their reasons to live. I then developed safety plans with them to avoid future escalation, and I followed up with them on a monthly basis to monitor their progress.

Oxford, Ohio

Procuring formal training and real experience in trauma-informed care, I drove across a rural county to support hospitalized survivors, gratified to offer my supportive presence, legal resources, and a listening ear; though I knew I could not reverse their trauma. Moreover, as a male in a predominantly female organization, I gained gender-based trigger awareness and appreciated offering my help to male survivors, facilitating my mission in best serving the most vulnerable.

Master'S Degree (M.A., Psy.S.), School Psychology

Activities and Societies: Treasurer, Graduate Association of School Psychologists (GASP)

Premedical Studies, Music Composition, Neuroscience, Piano Performance, Biology, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Stage Left, Women Helping Women, Mental Health Crisis Hotline, Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality.

Honors Diploma, Gpa: 4.21

Activities and Societies: Marching band (4 years), Varsity tennis (3 years), National Honor Society (1 year)