Agustin J Cruz Resume1

Agustin Joseph Cruz, MPA, MS, LPC 
Midlothian, VA 23112
Email: agustinjosephcruz@gmail.com Cell #: 229-412-8125
1 of 13
Agustin Joseph Cruz, MPA, MS, LPC, Cell # 229-412-8125 
Professional Profile
Transformational leader, policies & procedures expert, astute auditor, educator
and talented Clinician seeking leadership position as Clinical Director.
Professional Licenses/Credentialing Information
LPC in Virginia: 0701006356
LPC in Georgia: LPC007933
NPI Number: 1982004503
CAQH Number: 12746097
Education
Master of Science, Rehabilitation Counseling
Thomas University - Thomasville, GA 2009 to 2011
Master of Public Administration
Valdosta State University - Valdosta, GA 1997 to 1999
Bachelor of Science, Business and Management with Minor in Psychology
University of Maryland-University College - College Park, MD 1992 to 1996
Volunteer Disclosure

2 of 13
Vice Chairperson, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for Richmond,
VA City Schools.
Work Experience & History
Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center, Richmond, VA, (May 2016 –
Present)
Outpatient Therapist
Specializing in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (TF-CBT),
evidenced-based treatment modalities for people with Autism Spectrum
Disorder, (ASD), substance abuse interventions, depression, anxiety,
abuse/neglect, and attention deficit issues with an emphasis on family systems
and outcomes.
Clinical Director
Diamonds In The Rough Youth and Family Services/Ultimate Outcomes
Therapeutic Services. Richmond, VA, (October 2015 – May 2016)
Responsibilities
Responsible for the oversight, coordination, implementation and
administrative functioning of all Clinical Services. Responsible for the training
and supervision of 29 staff members. Responsible for the overall Clinical Case
Management of Clients, to include Medical Records, Counseling, Educational,
Vocational, and Recreational Services. Directs and controls all policies and

3 of 13
procedures and Clinical direction of Intensive In-Home Counseling (IIH),
Mental Health Skill Building (MHSB), Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis,
and Treatment Services (EPSDT).
Accomplishments
Implemented Electronic Health Records (EHR Software) to transform
organization. Reviewed and approved all Initial Assessments, Annual
Assessments, Re-Authorizations, Assessment Addendums, Staff Trainings and
advocating for the Clients/Staff. Led all responses to Licensing and Medicaid
audits. Developed and ensured coordination of care within the community
was continuous and effective. Successfully led company to Triennial License,
Completed ongoing CAP company had prior to my leadership, and
successfully implemented EHR Software (PIMSY) as a solution to antiquated
ways of conducting business.
Clinical Director
Fig Tree Therapy - Midlothian, VA, (June 2015 - August 2015)
Responsibilities
Clinical supervision, training and expansion of Community Based Mental
Health Programs to include community collaboration and marketing. Clinical
leadership to include staff training, feedback to CEO, development and
implementation of systems to ensure best practices. Auditing and reporting of

4 of 13
outpatient and clinical charts.   Facilitation of bi-weekly staff meetings to
include clinical trainings and staff development.   Provide bi-weekly
individual clinical supervision to Staff. Develop and execute marketing plan for
company growth and development. Establish and maintain positive
relationships with outside organizations to promote the agency’s behavioral
program and community collaboration to ensure program growth.   Develop
and deliver community based trainings dependent upon community needs.
  Complete pre-screenings and assessments for Clients that meet the
eligibility requirements.   Prepare monthly meetings for CEO to include
presentation of a monthly report outlining program development and growth.
Participate in panel interviews for prospective team members. Complete 
(Minimum of 20 billable hours, 10 administrative, 10 marketing/program
development).
Accomplishments
Implemented secure HIPAA compliant data protocols utilizing Google Apps
for Business for all employees.  Wrote new contracts for Chesterfield and
Colonial Heights Community Service Boards in order to contract for IIH,
MHSS, EPSDT, and Parental Support Services. 
Developed plan to implement Electronic Health Record Software in order to
help company become Medicaid and HIPAA compliant for all record
keeping.  Subject matter expert on Clinical Compliance, developed one-year
plan of Process Improvement that included a path to CARF Accreditation. 
Developed risk management tools to reduce liability for company in terms of

5 of 13
potentially  out of compliance areas of Medicaid billing by developing and
pushing forward all Policies & Procedures for company.
Developed CAFAS Based Risk Assessment tool for Suicide and Homicide
Reduction Planning.
Expertly wrote Magellan Service Authorizations, Annual Assessments,
Treatment  Plans, Individual Service Plans, and led the review of all
documentation, contracts and clinical modalities.
Subject matter expert on Trauma, EPSDT, ASD, and Evidenced-Based
modalities.  Assertive, strong and talented leader with a transformational
presence and vision to promote company and motivate employees at all
levels.
Skills Used
Transformational Leadership.   Provided direction to assist company with
complying with the law, meeting Medicaid standards, and elevating the
clinical effectiveness of counselors for a small company seeking Clinical
Direction.  Provided a path to EHR Software implementation, secured data
distribution to comply with HIPAA, and increased client base.  Provided a
vision to become CARF Accredited.
Program Director
Kenbridge Youth Academy - Kenbridge, VA, (March 2015 - June 2015)

6 of 13
Responsibilities
Responsible for the treatment, care, and recovery of children in a 44-bed
Level C RTC facility caring for residents ages 8-19 years old.   Supervised 25
employees in assisting residents with mental health issues, with an emphasis
on Evidenced- Based Trauma Focused interventions to prevent suicide,
homicide and self-injury.
Subject matter expert in accreditation, auditing, policies/procedures,
compliance and complete intake to discharge planning by utilizing multi-
dimensional teams and community resources.   Talented leader and
advocate for ensuring plans, programs and direct treatment of children was
reflected in the clinical and administrative aspects of treatment.
Expert in task scheduling, clinical leadership, and development and
mentorship of employees. Uncompromising ethical leader with a talent
inspiring and motivating employees and clients.
Accomplishments
Expertly managed scheduling, discharge planning, records keeping, and
insurance billing. Wrote, developed and gained Magellan authorization/re-
authorizations for 21 Treatment Plans with 100% approval rate.   Led a staff
of 25 employees for 24-hour shift coverage. Pushed to transform culture of
organization to value and comply with state, federal and Medicaid licensing
standards.

7 of 13
Skills Used
Corporate compliance,   ethical & truthful leadership skills,   expert writing
& presentation skills, professional correspondence, billing and treatment
planning.
Licensed Professional Counselor
PeaceWay Counseling & Mediation Services, Inc. & Child & Family
Guidance of Georgia, Inc., Valdosta, GA, (August 2008 - February 2015)
Responsibilities
Responsible for developing treatment plans and making clinical
recommendation for clients involved with Department of Family & Children’s
Services (DFCS), the Court System, including Department of Juvenile Justice
(DJJ).   Intensive Family Intervention (IFI) Team Member; part of team that
achieved and maintained over 90% on all Medicaid Audit Scores for 6
consecutive years.
Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (TF-CBT). Trained in
Trauma Assessments used in the Comprehensive Child & Family Assessment
(CCFA) process.   Certified in Prime Solutions Level I & II Motivational
Interviewing.   Bilingual, (Spanish), attended and passed Interpreter Training
with a score of 96%.
Adept computer skills, able to use all Microsoft and Apple Office Suite
Programs and websites critical in the education and mental health fields,

8 of 13
including Clinical Assessment Tools such as the CAFAS, Adult Adolescent
Parenting Inventory, (AAPI-2), the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening
Inventory, (SASSI), Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), the Michigan Alcohol
Screening Test (MAST) and The Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment.
Provided mental health services, including Individual, group, and family
therapy for children and adults with mental health issues. Specialized
certification in evidenced-based trauma & PTSD interventions. Rehabilitation
Counselor, coordinated local, state, and federal employment, and
rehabilitation services for veterans and their families. Created local database
to track Veteran’s progress.
Accomplishments
Developed company’s approach to implementing Vocational Rehabilitation
Services, (VRC) in coordination with legal system, psychiatric services, and
other helping agencies that included engagement, assessment, job placement,
and follow-up supports.
Conducted Substance Abuse Assessments, Parental Fitness Evaluations, and
Domestic Violence Assessments (conducted with clients using empirically-
based assessment tools).
Developed and implemented Treatment Plans individualized to client’s needs
in conjunction with multi-disciplinary team approach to maximize outcomes.
Provided ongoing review of Client’s progress and treatment compliance,

9 of 13
monitored with the use of data management tools to establish and maintain
accurate case records. Consistently given the most challenging and severe
cases, working with people who cycled in and out of a life of substance use,
PTSD disturbances, adjustment issues and family violence problems.
Trained and assisted staff with developing strength-based, evidence-based
interventions to benefit families in crisis. Assisted families with helpful
community services and resources for treatment, employment and medical
services to meet their needs.
Provided individual therapy and group counseling as needed, recently
developed and completed Substance Abuse Prevention Group Counseling
Curriculum for Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) committed clients.
Coordinated intake and discharge procedures. Assisted with official
correspondence on state projects, such as the Commission on Accreditation
and Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation, Intensive Family Intervention
(IFI) Audits, and state training requirements and licensing for Medicaid.
Provided substance abuse & anger management group counseling. Authored
treatment plans as therapist for a Core Provider and a Private Provider.
Conducted sexual offender classes and domestic violence classes for
individuals and family members.
Selected as drug panel member for Chamber of Commerce to help Chamber
members implement drug testing in the workplace and help decrease workers
compensation claims.

10 of 13
Skills Used
Clinical skills,   leadership,   group counseling,   individual and family
counseling, TF-CBT, UCLA PTSD Index Tool, Motivational Interviewing, SASSI
Tool, and SI/HI Prevention Tools.
Lowndes County Special Education Teacher
Lowndes County Board Of Education, Valdosta, GA, (September 2006 -
September 2008)
Responsibilities 
Special Education Teacher for middle and high school students. Taught at
Horizon Academy (psychoeducational school) for two years, serving children
with Emotionally Behaviorally Disturbed backgrounds in underserved areas of
the community.
Accomplishments
Troops-To-Teachers Program recipient for two years.   Earned Special
Education Teaching License while seeking professional credentials as an LPC.
Wrote Individual Education Plans (IEP), Behavior Intervention Plans, (BIP), and
Vocational Rehabilitation Plans.
Developed system to help identify physical, emotional, intellectual, social,
logistical, training, and other factors that may impact a person’s ability to
progress educationally and with employment.

11 of 13
Autism Spectrum Disorder Special Education Teacher. Developed Training to
enhance knowledge level of fellow educators and school administrators.
Skills Used
Technology implementation skills, effective communication skills, transforming
organizations to comply with ADA, and leadership skills.
Additional Positions and Experience
Retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant, selected as Base Realignment
& Closure Trusted Agent for Moody Air Force Base, GA, answering technical
questions posed by the US Congress and certifying results to Congress.
Traveled and lived in various overseas environments, including England,
Germany, Italy, Diego Garcia, Qatar, Israel, and Bahrain. Knowledgeable and
respectful of all cultures, religions and customs. Willing to travel for
employment purposes that benefit client, training of staff and others as
needed.
Academic Director, Park University, Moody AFB, GA. Responsible for
curriculum implementation that included policies, standards, and guidelines
for educators to implement.
Adjunct Professor, Political Science, Valdosta State University, taught Cuban
Politics, American Government, and Implementation of Americans with
Disabilities Act, (ADA).

12 of 13
Technology Instructor, Valdosta Technical College, (now called Wiregrass
Technical College). Taught technology implementation to displaced workers
and new students.
Knowledge Base & Recent CEU Training/Education
June 10-12, 2016: Fourth Annual Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute
“Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy Certification (TF-CBT)”.
RCE 685 (Summer 2015), Marriage and Family Counseling, Master's Level 3
Semester Hour Course at Thomas University to fulfill Virginia & Georgia LPC
Continuing Education requirements.
RCE 640 (Summer 2015) Mental Health Issues and the DSM-5, Masters Level 3
Semester Hour Course at Thomas University to fulfill Virginia & Georgia LPC
continuing education requirements.
RCE 603 (Summer 2015) Substance Abuse Counseling Methods (Masters Level
3 Semester Hour Course at Thomas University to fulfill Virginia & Georgia LPC
Continuing Education requirements.
CARF Accreditation Expert.
DSM-5 Training.
Narrative Therapy.
Certified in Family Centered Practice in Family Preservation Programs.

13 of 13
Family Crisis Planning and Safety Planning.
Programming Implementation for Children and Adolescents.
Personality Disorder Training.
Ethics Training.
Treatment and Management of Youth who Engage in Sexually Abusive
Behavior Track Training by the Association for the Treatment of Sexual
Abusers (ATSA).
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Training by Methodist Home.  
Current on First Aid & CPR Training.  
Sexual Addiction Training.  
Current CPI and Crisis Wave Trained.
Military Awards
2005 & 2006, USAF Meritorious Service Medal(s).
2003, Commander In Chief Installation Excellence, Special Recognition Award.
2002, April – June, Employee of the Quarter, 347th Supply Squadron.
2002, US Air Force Commendation Medal.
2001, National Image Inc. Meritorious Service Award.

14 of 13
2001, January – March, Employee of the Quarter, Logistics Squadron.
2001, Distinguished Graduate Award, Robins Air Force Base Training Academy.
1999 - 2000, Airlifter of the Year, Air Force Association of Georgia.
1999, October – December, Employee of the Quarter, Logistics Readiness.
1999 Employee of the Year, Logistics Readiness.
1993 – May 1993 - November 1994, NATO Medal.

15 of 13
Biography
Gus is a Licensed Professional Counselor (in Georgia and Virginia), experienced in working with
children, adolescents, adults and families. He has worked in various aspects of the mental health
field since 2006 and is currently doing research on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Trauma
Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Gus received his B.S. in Management with minor in Psychology from the University of
Maryland, European Division. He has a Masters degree in Public Administration from Valdosta
State University and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University.
Gus has a talent for working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, anger management
issues, peer difficulties, trauma, substance use issues, ADHD,learning difficulties,
avoidance/withdrawal, oppositional behavior, divorce and sexuality issues. Gus also enjoys
working with families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder and with families impacted by
trauma.
Gus is a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant who served all over the world during his
20-plus year career. He was also a Licensed Special Education Teacher,Adjunct Professor at
Valdosta State University, and also served as Academic Director for Park University. Gus also
served as the Trusted Agent for Moody Air Force Base,Base Realignment & Closure
Commission. Gus believes in living a healthy and well balanced lifestyle and is a Vegetarian
who has completed two 100-plus mile bike rides and also completed the full 26.2 mile Space
Coast Marathon in Florida. Gus is originally from Jersey City, NJ and enjoys playing chess,
fitness activities, and spending time with his family.
Gus feels the traditional outpatient setting can sometimes be a barrier to effective therapeutic
work with families and therefore embraces alternative forms of therapy, such as the outdoors or
expressive therapies to optimize the potential for meaningful change and personal fulfillment.
Gus embraces experiential learning; motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, cognitive
behavior therapy, collaborative and solution focused therapies from the Family Systems
perspective. Gus believes it is important for the entire family to play a role in therapy and the
healing process when possible and in the best interest of the client.

16 of 13
References
Full Name: Tirrell Andrews, LMFT
Phone Number: 229-333-2351
How does this reference know you? Owner of PeaceWay Counseling &
Mediation Services, Inc., who I worked for from 2013 - 2015.
Email: tandrews@peacewaycms.com
Full Name: Angel Jones, LPC
How does this reference know you? Regional Director who supervised me
through my Licensure for LPC at Child & Family Guidance, Inc., from 2008 –
2014.
Email: angjones@bellsouth.net
Full Name: Dr. James Walter Peterson, PhD.
How does this reference know you? Mentor and Director of Political Science
Department at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA who was my college
Professor and later hired me as an Adjunct Professor.
Email: jpetersn@valdosta.edu
Full Name: James Galloway, COL, USAF (Retired) Executive Director/Airport
Manager at Valdosta, GA Regional Airport.

17 of 13
How does this reference know you? Commander and Mentor when I was in
the USAF who was my Commander from 2004-2006.
Email: jgalloway@flyvaldosta.com
Full Name: Dr. Pauline Patrick, LCSW, CRC, who is the RSA Grant Project
Director, Assistant Professor, and Director of Disability Services at Thomas
University, Thomasville, GA.
Phone Number: 229-226-1621 (EXT 1149) and Cell: 850-933-5521
How does this reference know you? Mentor and Professor who taught me
at Thomas University from 2009 – 2011.
Email: ppatrick@thomasu.edu
References (continued)
Full Name: Cherodnicker Brown, MA, Program Director, Diamonds in the
Rough Youth & Family Services/Ultimate Outcomes Therapeutic Services,
Richmond, VA.
How does this reference know you? Worked as colleagues for seven months
at the same agency Oct 2015 to May 2016.
Email: cherodnickerbrown@gmail.com
Full Name: Ann Diem, LMFT, Outpatient Therapist at Lighthouse Behavioral
Health Center, Richmond, VA.

18 of 13
How does this reference know you? Colleague, we work together at
Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center and also worked together at Ultimate
Outcomes Therapeutic Services.
Email: anndiem@att.net

Agustin J Cruz Resume1

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (19)

Similar to Agustin J Cruz Resume1

Similar to Agustin J Cruz Resume1 (20)

Agustin J Cruz Resume1