Susan Derby, Msw, Asw Email & Phone Number

Ventura, Ca, Us

Ventura, California, United States

Marina Del Rey, Ca

[MSW role maintained through September 2021; served as VC and BC until March 2024]· Provide counseling and emotional/logistical/practical support to individuals who are navigating end stages of life, as well as support to patients’ families and caregivers. Assist with advance planning, community referrals, etc., as needed.· Create Plan of Care for psychosocial concerns of patients and families; coordinate with and communicate with medical team, including RN Case Managers, about patient-specific needs.· Document clinical assessments, visits, communications, and Plan of Care updates in a timely manner, adhering to Medicare guidelines.· Coordinate bereavement program, ensuring that loved ones are supported in their grief processes, as needed, through in-house or outside providers/groups.· Oversee volunteer program, managing a team of committed volunteers, who assist hospice with administrative work and, during fully operational times, provide companionship, pet therapy and music visits, Reiki and other services for patients.

Through support groups, talks, workshops, and one-on-one consultations, I help parents strengthen their connections with their young children. In addition to assisting families with difficulties like sleep issues, bed-wetting, fussy eating, and limit-breaking, I enjoy meeting with working moms to offer specific strategies that can support their whole family's emotional well-being, as they navigate the often-challenging work-life balance.

Compton, Ca

I administered biopsychosocial assessments and provided individual and group therapy services for students ages six to 14 (special education and general education). I utilized evidence-based interventions and models in my sessions with students, including CBT, TF-CBT, and motivational interviewing. In addition, I facilitated support groups for parents of elementary school students; co-facilitated discussions among high school students at a one-time event related to school safety and gun control; and created a program supportive of child wellness and attendance at the elementary level.

Venice, California

I conducted psychosocial assessments and provided therapy and case-management services for formerly chronically homeless adult clients (mostly older adults). I maintained clinical documentation as well as participated in trainings on topics including co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and Seeking Safety.

* Numerous articles published in the Travel section of Los Angeles Times' Sunday edition.* Among other publications, contributed to Continental Airlines Magazine; DaySpa Magazine; Yogi Times; Vision Magazine; nonprofit-organization publications; various websites.* Family Vacation Critic destination/hotel reviewer* Jetsetter correspondent

For Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), an international nonprofit spiritual organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi and many other books and teachings), I wrote press releases, articles, and other publicity material; communicated with media; and worked in many other aspects of PR related to SRF book releases and organizational events.

Provided articles on travel news, deals and topics of general travel interest at least six times per week for the Los Angeles Times Travel & Deal Blog.

Public Relations* Led a range of projects at VirtualTourist.com, one of the largest travel social-networking websites.* Responsibilities included press release production; liaising with media; member communication; broadening the membership base; creating ad copy for major partners; moderating forums; and writing and editing of monthly newsletters and other materials.Managing Editor* Supervised a team of editors and interns in the production of five international-city guidebooks.* Created and coordinated production schedules, guided staff and freelancers and worked closely with director of business development to achieve aggressive goals.

* Editorial for newsletters and other publications for nonprofit healthcare organizations.* Development-related tasks, including grant research and writing, for various nonprofit clients.* Assisted in the production of board-development trainings for a Los Angeles human services nonprofit organization.

Master Of Social Work (Msw)

Instructor Certification Program

B.A., Psychology