2. Personal Statement
My name is Elizamar and was born in Brazil, in
the North Amazon Region city of Belem. I see
myself as a loving, caring, and
compassionate person with a high respect for
all humans. Growing up I learned from my
father, good family values, a respect for
nature, and an extreme respect for animals.
3. Personal Statement (con’t)
In my early life I was introduced to books, I
love non-fiction, reading being a favorite
activity of mine. I learn about people from
various cultures, religions, and political
backgrounds, which is essential to learn
about peoples individuality.
4. Personal Statement (con’t)
As a third world learner, I can speak two languages
fluently, Portuguese and English while being able to
communicate in several other languages, such as
Spanish, Italian and various Portuguese languages
which are spoke in the African region.
5. Personal Statement (con’t)
My long term career goals are to continue to study
psychology in mental health. I am extremely sensitive
about people who suffer from mental disorders. I view
that the mental health field needs to be studied more
precisely to provide accurate diagnosis and helpful
treatment plans. I would like to work in mental health
hospitals or clinics and work with a diverse
population.
6. Resume
OBJECTIVE
My career objective is to work with people within the healthcare system who suffer from Dementia,
Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As Certified Nurse
Assistant and Home Health Aide, I found that in order to be of greater assistance to my clients, I
must increase my knowledge base in various counseling treatments techniques, so that I can support
those who need personal care on more sensitive level.
EDUCATION
Argosy University, 1005 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 2012
Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo CA, 94806,
Certificate Medical Terminology and Advance Medical Terminology West Contra Costa Unified District (west
Contra Costa Adult Education 2006)
Certificate Community Care License State of California Department Of social Services 1995
Certified Nurse Assistance and Home Health Aide, Oakland Unified School District (Pleasant Valley School District,
1995
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Present
Home Health Care Aid – Corte Madera, CA 94025
Assisting patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I am responsible for taking vital signs,
apply cough later and suctioning, transferring patients using the Hoyer lift, and administering
Enterogastric tube (feeding tube).
7. Resume (con.t)
SKILLS
Very ambitious and able to take on any responsibility
Excellent communications
Strong interpersonal skills
Able to work independently and as a part of team
Able to multitask and complete projects within given deadlines
Works well under pressure
ACHIEVEMENTS
Fall 2005 received from Marin Community Foundation “Thanks for Caring Award” Honoring
Marin’s caregivers and services provides for seniors and the disabled.
AFFILIATIONS
Marin Center for Independent Living, 710 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901-3213
8. Reflection
I use everyday to learn something new. My continuous education will help me help
others as they face the tribulations of life. I especially want to help those
struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. I hope to apply my
learned skills towards everyday problems of those suffering and help them learn
ways to move from a life of substance abuse that could isolate them and lead
them to a life a crime, that would find them deep into the Criminal Justice
System. To work with client’s to help them understand the various triggers and
environmental influences that can make it difficult, if not impossible to recover
and become substance free. To provide alternative lifestyles that will promote a
life free of substances.
Those with mental health issues deserve compassion, understanding, and
sensitivity without prejudice. I want to move forward to increase awareness and
explore positive treatment plans that will deal with those suffering with mental
illness. To understand the uniqueness of each clients story and relate that to the
distinction between the person’s thoughts and ideations. To use effective
counseling grounded in a theoretical framework that will assist the client to live a
fulfilling life.
9. Table of Contents
Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and
Information Literacy
Research Skills
Communication Skills: Oral and Written
Ethics and Diversity Awareness
Foundations of Psychology
Applied Psychology
Interpersonal Effectiveness
10. Cognitive Abilities
Critical thinking
One of my weaknesses in understanding cognitive abilities and using critical thinking is that
I take longer to understand and respond to ideas of critical thought processes. I am still
learning about how to understand the various psychological perspective and theories are
limited.
One of my strengths in relating to critical thinking is that I approach ideas from a diverse
perspective. With my Brazilian background, and having connections with others of
diverse backgrounds, can related to ideas from a perspective not seen by others. I can
relate to cultural difference as I have worked through cultural biases throughout my
educational and professional career.
https://www.box.net/s/oykqsqxy5mxmeydcz8x0
Information Literacy
This idea takes me longer to read, research due to my understanding of English language
concepts. I take extra time in finding key word for research to find the idea that fits into
the concept I am researching and accessing information. A strength is that once I have
chosen a topic and found information, I can arrange and describe how my research
applies to my topic.
I use my experience from educational and professional sources to help me gain better
understanding of the subject and make connections to projects.
https://www.box.net/s/oykqsqxy5mxmeydcz8x0
11. elizamard@yahoo.com
Research Skills
Research: Understanding research Methods
From previous classes, I have learned a great deal about research
methodology. I have had several courses that have asked me to use
qualitative and quantities research to evaluate statistical results. I have
evaluated several journal articles that have researched various
psychology questions and evaluated the data and analyzed the results
of the studies.
There are many additional tools involved in understanding the various
research methods available for gaining information on research
questions. I hope to gain more experience in learning about other
methods for studying, identifying and interpreting psychological
journals articles.
https://www.box.net/shared/likq54h1tyrxo7jty4eo
12. Communication Skills: Oral and Written
Communication skills: Oral
I have become more comfortable in relating psychological concepts orally to an audience. I
excel when the subject matter is one that I am passionate about and am excited to present
my knowledge to others. In some cases, where my interest levels are less than desire
able, I struggle with creating and organizing my thoughts around the topic, thus I have a
harder time conveying the subject matter to others. It is at this time my command of the
English is less clear and my ability to communicate is harder for others to understand. I
work everyday on increasing my English skills to allow me to communicate better with
others regarding psychological and social issues.
https://www.box.net/shared/791fgifdro3huqehbpvp
Communication Skills: Written
My understanding of using computer software has helped me be an effective writer. In my
general Psychology studies I became aware of APA formatting and have been getting
better with using those skills with every paper I write. I can identify general levels of
organization and content when constructing papers. I can identify and discuss various
psychological concepts, yet still struggle with putting my thoughts on paper using correct
English grammar and sentence structure. I understand that this is an area that I need
improvement on and use resources available to assist me in being a better written
communicator.
https://www.box.net/shared/0t4zjuk0hnfdm2duud74
13. Ethics
Ethics:
I approach all my studies with an eye on ethical standards. I strive to be an ethical
person in both my professional and personal life. I continually study ethical
concepts and relate them to the project at hand. I ask myself as I complete
projects, if the paths towards the outcomes have been reached via the best of
ethical standards. I study the subtle breaches in psychology ethical practices to
assure I have presented myself with the best of my abilities to maintain high
personal ethical standards for the work I do for myself and others. I point out
flaws in ethical thinking and practices to my classmates when I feel they are
walking a thin line of ethical thinking or actions. My goal is to continue the
study of ethics across other professions and use their standards to increase my
understanding and commitment to higher ethical thinking.
https://www.box.net/shared/fop432urfvpztj5mrjcr
14. Diversity Awareness
Diversity:
Diversity is a major issue for me within the field of psychology. As a person who
comes from a diverse background, I see first hand the biases others show
towards me and other people who are outside the “norm”. I understand and can
recognize how diversity can affect outcomes when dealing with psychological
theories, thoughts, and beliefs. This is a world of multi-cultural diversity and
that diversity has an impact on how someone relates to situations. It is in that
diversity that we must learn and grow as psychologist to have a better
understanding of people and their relationship to psychological outcomes.
Everyday, I analysis my responses and how I might approach a subject with my
own biases and work hard to allow others to show me how their individuality
affects their decisions and respect their diversity as a part of what makes them
who they are.
https://www.box.net/shared/6ibdo9pqucb2pj17xjqm
15. Foundations of Applied Psychology
Applied Psychology Foundation:
I have grown in my recognition of psychological concepts, theories, and
analytical findings that have provided me with the ability to apply that
understanding to everyday events and experiences. I can relate
psychological theories to behaviors around me and analysis how those
behaviors can be used within the study of psychological study. I
continue to grow and learn about historical trends in psychology but
will use my next phase educational to expand my knowledge of
psychological history that spans the various fathers of psychological
theory and application.
https://www.box.net/shared/5lcjvhvhbehhol9qpp2q
16. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal Effectiveness:
I pride myself in my effective listening skills, where I take the time to
understand what is being said to me. I relay back to the speaker my
understanding of what was said, so as to communicate that I understood
what they said and then provide my answer in and empathetic and
respective manner. I ask for feedback that will develop interpersonal
relationships that will promote growth and effective change in those I
work with. I use what I have learned from a technical aspect that will
help others continue their personal growth.
https://www.box.net/shared/24vgv1p2z7ytvca1cul1
17. My Future in Learning
I plan on continuing my education by completing my Bachelors degree in Psychology at
Argosy University. I am exploring other educational options of improving my English
language skills in both oral and writing presentations. I am fast tracking through other
courses that interest me, such as world religions, via Dante Testing.
My future is bright and I look forward to using my knowledge in the country of my birth,
Brazil. There I hope to help my people with the opportunity to get better mental health
care. I want to help people have better lives both in Brazil and the U.S., thus my degree
will help me attain that goal.
People around the world deserve the best in mental health care and I want to be a part of this
growing profession. I look forward to the time when I will be an asset to my community
and a psychologist that help people live a more fulfilling life.
18. Contact Me
Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.
For further information, please
contact me at the e-mail address
below.
elizamard@yahoo.com
