Victoria Christensen, M.A., M.S.W.
Education
Bachelors of Science, 1996. Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon. Majored in Sociology, 3.5 GPA, Honor roll student.
Masters in Applied Sociology, 2001. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Emphasis in social theory, sociology of gender, women’s studies, psychoanalytic sociology, sociology of art, and sociology of spirituality. 4.0 G.P.A
Thesis research: Women Artists and Identity Formation in a Postmodern Society
(reformatted and compiled in to an e-book and E-Course).
Masters in Social Work, (2015). Portland State University. Emphasis in social work, social
change, social policy, various therapeutic modalities for individual, group, and family counseling. 3.8 G.P.A.
Received a scholarship from the school of social work at PSW for academic excellence.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. 11 week course, 2009.
Professional Experience
Sociologist, Social Work Consultations, Community Bridger, Workplace Evaluations, Communication and Conflict Resolution trainings, Research, Social Policy, Social Justice Advocate, Speaker, Writer, Podcaster, E-Courses, Webinars, and Activist-------Victoria Christensen LLC, 2022 - current.
Please see website for biography, endorsements, Published articles, Blog, social work therapeutic modalities, Publications, E-Courses, and Podcast : www.guanyinhealingarts.com
Duties Include: Knowledge of Social Theory, Social Systems, Social Change, Various Therapeutic Modalities, Social Service Organizations in Jackson and Josephine Counties, Program Evaluation, Program Management, Communication Styles, Myer Brigs Personalities, Conflict Resolution training, Mindfulness Modalities, Somatic Modalities, Trauma Informed Approaches, Community Alliances, research methodology, Microsoft Office, familiar with two medical software programs.
Professional Artist, Writer, and Independent Publisher: Awakening Soul Wisdom, DBA, 2015– current.
I have over 10 years as a business adminstrator. I started painting when I was in highschool, which inspired me to purse an art major at Southern Oregon University. However, I decided to change my major to Sociology, but continued to pursue my passion for painting. I got an art studio in college, which provided a safe container to explore and experience various mediums. However, I am a self-taught fine art painter. I was fortunate to get various murals in my twenties, such as Mt. Rose Ski Lodge. I continued to paint a portfolio, which can be viewed on my website. I also enjoy writing about art —whether it be my own personal subjective experience, or, the functional role the “Artist” plays in our larger culture. Over the years, I have been involved in Collective Artist Cooperatives, and, curating art shows at various sacred music and art festivals. I started an independant publishing DBA as I was selling various products at wholesale retail outlets, and, via my website. I also have a profound passion for transcendental art, which inspired me to pursue an anthology and DVD, which documents the work of 65 writers, artists, and musicians. I am the head editor and contributing writer and artist for a double award winning art book and animated DVD titled “Feminine Mysticism in Art: Artists Envisioning the Divine . For more information about the book and DVD, as well as, my art gallery, please visit the website: www.mysticspiritart.com
Medical Social Worker, Signature Home Health, LLC, 7/15-2017- 8-19-2018
Duties: Bio-psycho-social assessments of patients, patient centered treatment planning and implementation of short term therapy, assisting patients in acquiring various social services, advocating for patients, conflict resolution, trauma informed care, referring out for various social services, end of life counseling, geriatric concerns, displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served, psycho-education about various mental health and gerontology topics, progress notes, charting, scheduling appointments, proficiency on medical Software program, setting up care-plan meetings with patient and family member, attending case conference meetings with other staff members, multi-tasking, self care practices, stress reduction techniques. .
Medical Social Worker, Healing Living Home Health LLC, 7/2015- 01/15/2017
Duties: Bio-psycho-social assessments of patients, patient centered treatment planning and implementation of short term therapy, assisting patients in acquiring various social services, advocating for patients, conflict resolution, referring out for various social services, end of life counseling, geriatric concerns, displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served, psycho-education about various mental health and gerontology topics, progress notes, charting, scheduling appointments, proficiency on medical Software program, setting up care-plan meetings with patient and family member, attending case conference meetings with other staff members, multi-tasking, self care practices, stress reduction techniques. .
Internship, Mental Health School Counselor at South Medford High School, through Family Solutions, Medford, Oregon, 9/2014-06/2015.
Duties: conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions, involved clients' family members in planning social service programs, observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment, developed and implemented treatment plans and modified when needed, directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments with children and families, displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served, developed goal-oriented psycho-educational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Internship, Mental Health School Counselor at Phoenix Elementary, through La Clinica, Medford, Oregon, 9/2014-06/2015.
Duties: conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions, involved clients' family members in planning social service programs, observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment, developed and implemented treatment plans and modified when needed, directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments with children and families, displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients and families served, developed goal-oriented psycho-educational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Geriatric Case Manager and Caregiver, Barbara Bean Trust, 4/2010-10/2011.
Duties include: organized and managed Barbara’s total care needs, conducted needs assessment-- including medical, legal and financial, hiring and coordination of caregivers, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication skills.
Special Education Instructor, part-time, Northland Preparatory Academy, 9/01/2005-6/06/2006.
Duties: Knowledge of teaching practices for adolescents with severe learning disabilities and emotional disorders, patience and compassionate approach to learning, communication skills, interpersonal relations, assessment reports and paperwork.
Sociology Instructor, Coconino Community College, Flagstaff, AZ., 8/2002- 8/2003.
Duties: design and implementation of curriculum, knowledge of teaching practices and procedures, effective research skills, written and oral skills, editing, grading, student mentoring, computer literacy, leadership skills, collaboration with other staff, knowledge of community college bureaucratic structure. Taught sociology 101, sociology of gender, and race/ethnic relations.
Director of Social Services, full time, The Peaks Senior Living Community, Flagstaff, AZ., 8/ 2001- 05/2002.
Duties: design and implementation of social service and activity programs for elders, managerial experience, psycho-social assessments and arrangement of social services for seniors, bereavement counseling, discharge planning, care plan meetings, Medicare paperwork and progress notes, interpersonal communications.
Recreation Coordinator/Mountain Bike Guide. Molokai Ranch, Molokai, Hawaii, 10/1998-4/1999.
Duties: coordinated recreation activities for clients, guided biking tours, customer relations, publicity, promotion, planning, organization, communication and writing skills, basic bike mechanics, instructed clients on how to ride a bike.
Lithia Springs Girls Home, Community Works, 1995-1996.
Duties: life skills training, group counseling, mentorship, progress notes, compassionate listening, healthy boundaries and self-esteem building.