Kara M.

Griffin
Curriculum Vitae
kgriffin@arborcircle.org

EDUCATION
Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI
Masters of Social Work
B.B.S. Sociology with a Minor in Legal Studies

Graduation: April 2016

Graduation: April 2012

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Arbor Circle Corporation, Grand Rapids, MI

March 2016 Present

Home-Based Family and Child Therapist

Complete all necessary intake documentation, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans,

and progress notes for individual clients as well as documentation for group therapy
Attend trainings geared towards adolescent mental health and therapeutic practices

Provide therapeutic services from a strengths-based model using cognitive behavioral therapy and
motivational interviewing

Coordinate with schools, courts, foster care agencies, primary care providers, and psychiatric
providers in order to coordinate care for clients

Engage with clients in their homes and in their schools based on their specific needs

Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI

April 2015 April 2016

Family Engagement Therapy Intern

Provide therapeutic services from a strengths-based model using motivational interviewing and
harm reduction
Complete all necessary intake documentation, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans,
service plan reviews, and progress notes for individual clients as well as documentation for
group therapy
Coordinate with recovery coach and case manager on clients specific needs
Facilitate group therapy for clients with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress
disorder
Engage with clients in their homes, at Cherry Health, and in the community
Attend trainings in order to stay up to date on best practices for substance use treatment
Attend bi-weekly individual supervision and bi-weekly group supervision in order to stay up to date
on Cherry Health policies, seek supervision with issues related to clients and practice, and explore
new techniques and philosophies

WORK EXPERIENCE
Arbor Circle Corporation, Grand Rapids, MI

Nov 2009 Present

Community Living Support Worker

Construct support activities using independent research and guidance from therapists, parents,
and case workers
Provide assistance and support to families of many ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds
Work in client homes, offices, and community settings
Organize, lead, and document respite group for clients twice a month during school year and
two times a week during summer break
Communicate with other CLS workers regarding matches, documentation, and respite group
Coordinate with relevant parties (CLS worker, supervisor, and client therapist/case manager) in
order to development initial communication regarding clients services
Assign CLS workers to respite groups and track progress and problems
Complete documentation for individual sessions on a weekly basis using clinical writing skills
Participate in interviewing process of potential staff and training process for new hires
Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Rapids, MI

Jan 2012 May 2012

Encore Program Intern

Coordinated and managed monthly training labs for Encore Learning Community members
Managed communication between the Encore Learning Community members and local leaders
Compiled survey data and conduct individual follow-ups with community partners
Planned and developed programs related to the Encore community
Tracked and recorded performance data of Johnson Center employees in order to fulfill grant
requirements
Promoted events to public and nonprofit sector

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
Stomp Out Stigma
May 2013
Awareness walk dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health stigma and promotes being
mentally fit during National Mental Health Awareness Month
Grand Rapids Red Project
Walk to Stop HIV
Sept 2014 & Sept 2015
Fundraising walk dedicated to helping the Grand Rapids Red Project provide services to those
affected by HIV/AIDS
Cherry Health Services
MIP Program
Aug 2015
Assisted staff member of Cherry Health in presenting material on substance use to at-risk
youth and their parents over the course of three days.
Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Member

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Phi Alpha Chi Epsilon
Social Work National Honor Society
Arbor Circle Ambassador of the Month

March 2015 Present

Oct 2015

Monthly award given to Arbor Circle employees

Inclusionary behavior that is welcoming of diversity
Exemplary customer service-internal or external
An action that brings about a change in thoughts, attitudes, values and assists in creating a
more welcoming environment for all
Positively and proactively bringing forth or addressing an issue/concern that assists the
organizations culture
An action that assisted an individual or group of individuals to have a positive experience at
Arbor Circle

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Kent County Overdose Prevention
May 20, 2015
Stephen Alsum, Grand Rapids Red Project, Grand Rapids, MI
Criteria: for Substance-Related and Co-Occurring Conditions
Sept 30, 2015
Kayleen DePue, Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
DSM-5: Part 1 An Overview of Changes for Clinicians
Sept 30, 2015
Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
DSM-5: Part 2 An Overview of Changes for Clinicians
Sept 30, 2015
Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Motivational Interviewing as a Model of Clinical Practice for Substance Use, Behaviors and
Physical Health Practice
Nov 19, 2015
Susan Bruggink and Margaret Rose, Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Trauma Informed Care for Healthcare Practitioners
Dec 3, 2015
Susan Bruggink, Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Addictions: Adolescent Addiction, Part 1
Dec 17, 2015
Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Addictions: Adolescent Addiction, Part 2
Dec 17, 2015
Cherry Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
First Aid Certification
Dec 2015 Dec 2018
Network 180, Grand Rapids, MI
Bridges to Social Work Conference
Jan 2016
Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI