Experience

With nearly 20 years in the mental health field, I’ve been fortunate to work across a range of settings, from the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) to the Federal Defenders of New York, where I also provided crucial mitigation and re-entry services. My journey has included roles at Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare (PSRB), the Department of Youth Services, New York City Criminal Court, Legacy Emanuel Emergency Department (Trauma One Medical Center), and MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York and hold an LCSW in Oregon. I completed my Master’s in Social Work at Columbia University with a minor in Law and earned my Bachelor’s in Literature from Chapman University. My studies in film and literature have fostered a deep appreciation for diversity and creativity in therapy.

During the pandemic, my time in the Emergency Department and working in the jail inspired me to become a yoga teacher, a pursuit that allowed me to manage stress creatively and make constructive use of the extra time.

CV

Michelle Montgomery, LCSW, RYT
me.montgom@gmail.com

Education
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, New York, NY
Master of Social Work, Law Minor, 2013

Study Abroad: Cuba

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, Orange, CA
Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature, 2006

Study Abroad: London, England (University of London)

Yoga Teacher Training @ Firelight Yoga Teacher Training, June 2021
Vinyasa, Hot Power Vinyasa, RYT

Professional Experience

Michelle Montgomery, LCSW, Private Practice
Psychotherapy & Yoga Philosophy (First Responders and Crisis Workers)
Jun 2021 – Present

Legacy Health, Clinical Social Worker II
April 2021 – Present
Unity Center for Behavioral Health, Emanuel Emergency Department, LMG South Family Medicine.
Portland, OR

Collaborated with a diverse clinical team to provide transitional and clinical support for patients with acute mental health needs.
Conducted comprehensive assessments, crisis management, patient advocacy, and transition planning.
Worked with law enforcement and EMS to gather vital information for “Doe” patients in the Emergency Department.

Multnomah County, Corrections Health
Lead Mental Health Consultant & Transition Planner, May 2016 – April 2021
Portland, OR

Provided crisis intervention and assessment for clients experiencing severe mental health issues.
Developed treatment plans based on DSM-5 criteria; utilized SOAP/Epic charting.
Managed a team of mental health consultants, providing training and developing policies and procedures.
Collaborated with the Forensic Diversion Program and Mental Health Court to support client reentry into the community.

As the Lead Mental Health Consultant my tasks were the following:
Assigned each Mental Health Consultant (MHC) their daily client list / coached MHC’s on quality client care and policy & procedure.
Trained new hires / assisted with developing and writing new Policies and Procedures.
Attended management meetings in the event that my manager was not able to attend. This included several meetings with corrections staff, the courts and local hospitals.
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As the Transition Planner I:
Assisted counsel and the Honorable Nan Waller regarding Aid and Assist proceedings, including magistrates holds and director designee holds on behalf of clients. I also provided testimony for the court and coordinated testimony when warranted.
Worked directly with the Forensic Diversion Program and Mental Health Court regarding client releases and follow-up care. Facilitated a weekly meeting with Forensic Diversion, Corrections Health, and Corrections Counselors regarding how to best serve individuals returning from the Oregon State Hospital.
Attended the weekly Behavioral Health Unit meeting facilitated by Portland Police where myself and stakeholders from the County Health Department, Cascadia and other service organizations collaborated on how to best address and care for clients that were at risk out in the community.

Multnomah County, Sheriff’s Office, Instructor
March 2017 – April 2021

Developed and taught curriculum on suicide prevention, emphasizing risk factors, motivations, and effective intervention strategies.
Collaborated with organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in curriculum development.

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Portland, OR
Mental Health Counselor / PSRB Case Manager
February 2015 – April 2016

Facilitated therapy and developed mental health curricula for various therapeutic groups.

New York City Department of Probation, New York, NY
Project Coordinator
June 2013 – October 2015

Implemented and monitored assessments for sex offenders; coordinated training sessions for probation officers.

Federal Defenders of New York (Southern District), New York, NY
Social Work Intern
September 2012 – May 2013

Conducted assessments for clients charged with federal crimes, facilitating reentry and support services.

Skills
Strong knowledge of criminal justice and health systems
Experience in curriculum development and instruction
Crisis intervention and assessment expertise
Collaborative team member who routinely consults with law enforcement to solve social issues
Proficient in using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and electronic medical records systems
Cultural competence and commitment to inclusivity

Professional Affiliations
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Yoga Alliance, Psychotherapy & Yoga Philosophy, RYT