CHRISTINE ATIENO
Nairobi
Summary
Christine is a dedicated and licensed Counseling Psychologist with a strong passion for providing impactful mental health support for those in need. Experienced in psychosocial counseling, protection matters, Crisis Intervention, PFA, child protection, and safeguarding. Skilled in building compassionate therapeutic relationships, conducting trainings, and facilitating impactful debriefing sessions. Proven track record of implementing effective interventions and promoting holistic well-being within diverse communities and working closely with the Government and Nongovernmental organizations
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Ag. MHPSS Coordinator
Kenya Red Cross Society
2023.11 - Current
- Developed comprehensive MHPSS plans based on the assessment findings, taking into account the cultural and contextual factors of the refugee community.
- Significantly played a key role in delivering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and coordinating emergency response assistance in the Dadaab camps and beyond, demonstrating his expertise in this field.
- Collaborating with a range of organizations, government bodies, and non-governmental entities to ensure a comprehensive and well-coordinated Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) response.
- Support in ensuring sound budget expenditure and adherence to KRCS financial procedures and donor requirements as related to the MHPSS Sector
- Drafts spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans based on MHPSS activities and budgets.
- Working closely with community leaders, local authorities, and other key stakeholders to incorporate mental health and psychosocial support into broader emergency response initiatives.
- Provide training and capacity-building initiatives for local staff, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance their skills in providing mental health and psychosocial support.
- Supervising the implementation of MHPSS interventions, which may involve clinical care, counseling services, community-based activities, and awareness campaigns.
- Effectively communicating MHPSS needs, priorities, and interventions to relevant stakeholders, including affected populations.
- Coordinate and lead other humanitarian actors to ensure a rapid and effective emergency response plan for mental health and psychosocial crises within the camp
- Prepare regular and accurate reports for donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future plans.
- Offering supervision and guidance to MHPSS staff and volunteers engaged in service delivery.
- Gathering and analyzing data related to MHPSS activities to support decision-making processes.
Psychosocial Counsellor
Kenya Red Cross Society
6 2022 - Current
- Conducted trauma-informed therapy sessions using Dialectical Behavior Therapy for survivors, utilizing mindfulness and CBT techniques to enhance emotional management and coping skills
- Ensure provision of professional and confidential psychosocial services to survivors of GBV, Trauma and Torture Survivors, SGBV and other beneficiaries through a survivor-centered case management approach.
- Contribute in design and development of MHPSS sector concept notes and proposals.
- Led impactful Train-the-Trainer (TOT) sessions, meticulously identifying training needs, designing comprehensive content, and fostering a supportive learning atmosphere
- Attending interagency meetings, BID Assessments, Case Conferences and MFT meetings
- Conducting individual and group counseling sessions to address various psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
- Administering psychological assessments and interpreting results to formulate treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Providing crisis intervention and support to clients in acute distress or emergency situations.
- Maintaining accurate and confidential client records in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
- Offering psychoeducation to clients and their families to enhance understanding of mental health conditions and coping strategies.
- Advocating for clients' rights and access to resources within the community, including social services, housing, and employment support.
Education Counsellor
Windle International Kenya-Dadaab Field Office
2017.09 - 2022.05
- Utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to drive positive behavior change among youths and students
- Pioneer peer support groups in schools, creating safe spaces for open discussions.
- Led Child Protection and safeguarding trainings, promoting rights awareness and proactive prevention.
- Champion girls' education, facilitating increased transition rates to higher learning institutions during the KEEP Project
- Provided one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help students cope with trauma and adjust to their new educational settings.
- Assessed students’ academic levels and needs, creating individualized education plans (IEPs) to support their learning.
- Worked closely with teachers to monitor student progress and provide strategies for addressing learning challenges.
- Conducted workshops and training sessions on study skills, life skills, mental health, and emotional resilience.
- Liaised with parents, guardians, and community members to foster a supportive network for students.
- Collaborated with local and international organizations to provide additional resources and support for students.
- Maintain detailed records of counseling sessions, student progress, and any incidents or concerns.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive school environment that respects and values the diverse backgrounds of all students.
Education
BSc in Counseling Psychology -
Texila American University
2013.01 - 2016.05
P1 Certificate in Education - undefined
Egoji Teachers’ College
2007.01 - 2009.05
Skills
Holistic Counseling
Intervention Design
Crisis Intervention
Client Records Management
Collaboration
TOT
Needs Assessment
Behavior monitoring
Key Strengths And Expertise
- Cross-Cultural Sensitivity
- Crisis Intervention
- Program Evaluation
- Conflict Resolution
- Empowerment Approach
- Gender-Responsive Counseling
- Resource Mobilization
- Advocacy and Awareness
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Community Engagement
- Ethical Practice
- Case Management
- Lifelong Learning
- Public Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
References
- Abdirashid Daud, MHPSS Coordinator, Kenya Red Cross Society, daudiabdirashid@gmail.com, +254726869362
- Kathryn Inyani, Safeguarding and Protection Assistant, Finn Church Aid, inyanikate@gmail.com, +254728236362
- Paul Tirimba, Post School Success Associate Manager, Nova Pioneer, tirimbap4@gmail.com, +254725323653
Training
- CMR-IPV WHO Course, 2023-02-06, 2023-02-10
- TOT Training, 2023-05-15, 2023-05-19
- MHPSS Training on SGBV, PSEA, 2023-05-15, 2023-05-19
- Child Online Protection, 2023-05-22, 2023-05-26
- Mental Health Training on SGBV, PSEA, Torture and Trauma Psychological First Aid
- Adolescent Counseling
- Suicide Counseling and Intervention
- PSEA Training online through Kaya Safe Guarding Essentials online Kaya
- Child Protection in Conflict Setting online Kaya
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Kaya
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) E-Learning - Level 1,2, 3 UNHCR Learning Portal
Accomplishments
- Successfully establishing and operationalizing a recovery center for trauma and torture survivors within the refugee camp, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery.
- Implementing evidence-based interventions that lead to measurable improvements in the mental health and well-being of survivors, such as reductions in symptoms of PTSD and improved coping strategies.
- Building a strong and resilient team of MHPSS professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to survivors, fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and professionalism within the recovery center.
- Strengthening partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of MHPSS services, ensuring that survivors have access to a comprehensive continuum of care.
- Advocating for the rights and needs of trauma and torture survivors, raising awareness about their experiences and promoting policies and practices that support their recovery and rehabilitation.
Timeline
Ag. MHPSS Coordinator
Kenya Red Cross Society
2023.11 - Current
Education Counsellor
Windle International Kenya-Dadaab Field Office
2017.09 - 2022.05
BSc in Counseling Psychology -
Texila American University
2013.01 - 2016.05
P1 Certificate in Education - undefined
Egoji Teachers’ College
2007.01 - 2009.05
Psychosocial Counsellor
Kenya Red Cross Society
6 2022 - Current
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