Sleek. Modern. Concise. Precise: My Resume

I'd like to invite you to peruse my resume. See something of interest? Feel free to shoot me an email and I'd be happy to go into details. To download a copy, please click HERE.

Quick De-Stressor

Anyone feeling a bit stressed out lately? I included this quick and easy visualization relaxation technique in my group therapy manual for women with breast cancer (see October, 2011 entries for more details). It's funny how adults get out of practice in the imagination department. When we're kids it seems so easy to daydream, make-believe, and pretend we're somewhere else. I've found that using visualization techniques to relax can be very effective, but it takes some practice. So let's give it a shot here. Basically you just have to use your imagination. When you get to the fourth step try to really experience being in a beautiful and peaceful environment. Try to see, hear and smell your surroundings. It's also fun to try to switch up your vista.

Big Screen Visualization

1) Imagine a TV 

 2) Visualize a beautiful vista

3) Place yourself on the TV screen amongst the beautiful surroundings

 

4) Hear, See, Smell, and Feel your surroundings

A Plug for Organ Donation

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ. The gap between need and organ availability is well-documented. But I wanted to know more about the organ procurement process and the factors that influenced a family's decision to donate.

I had the opportunity to work with Eileen Burker, PhD, CRC (the rehabilitation counselor on the UNC Heart and Lung Transplant Unit) on this paper about organ donation and the organ procurement process (click HERE for my complete findings).

There are several legitimate questions surrounding the process. For example, will donating a family member’s organs cause him or her pain? How much does it cost to donate? Will the patient be disfigured and how will donation impact funeral arrangements? Do physicians stop trying to keep the patient alive once they discover he or she is an organ donor? Is the family member responsible for the patient’s death if they consent to donation? These are but a few of the concerns, ambiguities, and questions experienced by family members of donor-eligible patients. Considering the misconceptions, lack of reliable information, and state of crisis surrounding the organ donation decision, it is little wonder that families often refuse to consent to donation.

In a nutshell, I discovered several internal and external factors that influence a family’s decision to donate: Research on a family’s decision about organ donation paints a picture of a highly complex, emotionally-charged conundrum for healthcare professionals and grieving families. The families of the recently deceased carry a diverse and varied level of attitudes and values related to organ donation that can be a major factor in predicting their decisions. In addition to these familial factors, there are several situational factors surrounding the donation request, such as the timing and location of the request as well as who is involved, that can also impact a family’s decision about donation. More research is needed to determine to what extent families’ pre-set values about donation can be changed, and whether increased sensitivity, improved timing, and more careful assessment of the family’s position in the grieving process can lead to an increase in consent rates. One thing is certain: It is essential to promote organ donation and prepare patients, families, and healthcare providers alike with the tools to face this weighty task.

Interested in becoming a donor? Visit http://www.organdonor.gov/Default.asp to register today.

My Research Resume

My dream job would allow me to balance individual therapy, group therapy, presentations, advocating for disability rights and research. It's invigorating to learn evidence-based practices and set up research designs to study those newer ideas. This is a very brief overview of some of my research experience. Click HERE for a pdf version.

Hillary Jackson Little

hillary_little@med.unc.edu

704.724.6429

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Novel Oncology Study of Antidepressants (NOSAD) Clinical Research Coordinator, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, 2011                                                                                                      

• Collaborated on research design criteria, interviewed patients, administered test measures and marketed the trial, while maintaining rigorous ethical standards.
• Partnered with pharmacists, psychiatrists and the primary investigator to develop, coordinate and oversee the logistics of a double-blind procedure.
• Conducted clinical trials using good clinical practices principles with a focus on informed consent, confidentiality, documentation and other ethical concerns as outlined by the Declaration of Helsinki.
• Presented to medical faculty and clinicians explaining the objectives, measures, anticipated barriers, and overall design of the multi-stratum double-blind antidepressant trial.

 Lab of Dr. Kevin Pelphrey, Duke University, Research Assistant, 2004 – 2005

                                                                                                                                          

• Neuroimaging Research Assistant in a study examining neurological differences in perception between children with autism and typically developing children.
• Worked with participants and parents, preparing them for the experiment, and ran mock functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) trials and practice sessions to acclimate participants with experimental procedures.

Lab of Gary Mesibov, UNC-Chapel Hill, Research Assistant, 2004 - 2005

• Gathered, organized and coded data for a meta-analysis investigating executive function in individuals with autism.

 Lab of Dr. Bruce Bartholow, UNC, Research Assistant, 2003 - 2004

• Prepared participants for, and conducted experiments using electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback equipment. 
• Obtained consent, debriefed participants and ran experiments.

 

Think Pink! Breast Cancer Group Therapy Manual

After my practicum counseling patients at the NC Cancer Hospital, I created this Think Pink! Group Therapy Manual for women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer. It includes session outlines, group activities, homework assignments, ideas for guest speakers and lots of resources both for group leaders and members alike. Here is the table of contents for and idea of what it includes.

Table of Contents

Welcome                                                                                          

          Objectives        

Think Pink! At-a-Glance Guide  

Introduction to Breast Cancer      

          Estimated New Cancers Diagnoses

          Article on Fatigued Breast Cancer Survivors                              

Session 1: Breast Cancer Basics – Physical

          What is Cancer?                             

          Types of Breast Cancer                  

          Treatment Modalities                      

          Activity: Picture Expression            

Session 2: Breast Cancer Basics – Emotional

          A Note on Staying Positive                

          Activity: Cancer Stories Index Cards  

          Diagnostic Criteria for Adjustment Disorders

Session 3: Anxiety

          Waiting, waiting and more waiting                                                  

          Activity: Big Screen Visualization                                                   

          Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script                                             

          Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder                       

Diagnostic Criteria for Anxiety Disorder due to General                   

Medical Condition

Session 4: Depression

          Note for the Leader: Complications with Cancer                             

          Activity: Pleasant Activities List                                                     

Session 5: Employment

          Family and Medical Leave Act Overview                                       

          Disclosing Medical Status                                                             

          Activity: Role-Playing                                                                   

          Article on Cancer Survivors & Employment                                  

Session 6: Body Image

          Activity: Self-Affirmations                                                           

          Guest Speaker: Breast Cancer Survivor with Mastectomy             

          Article on Beauty Treatment Therapy                                           

Session 7: Sexuality

          Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment          

          Activity: Brainstorming & Processing               

          Communication, Be Romantic, Switch it Up, Get Advice 

          Article on the Effects of Treatment on Sexuality               

          Sexuality & Intimacy after Breast Cancer, Brochure         

Session 8: Caregivers

          Guilt              

          Sentence Completion Task

          Caregiver Skills Form        

Session 9: Resources & Closing

          Note for the Leader: On Closing

          Skills Learned

          Activity: “Gift-Giving”                 

Appendices

Resources    

Evaluation Form    

Think Pink! Flier  

Miscellaneous Resources

Treatment Manual PowerPoint Slides                                 

          Breast Cancer Dictionary

         

Transforming Attitudes about Mental Illness in the Workplace II

If you're in the mood for a longer read, feel free to take a look at my master's paper: Transforming Attitudes about Mental Illness in the Workplace (click the link below the abstract). It's remarkable how daunting writing a long paper can seem before you get started. If you're interested in the topic however, it can really fly by.

Abstract

Negative stereotypes and attitudes are major risks for mental healthcare consumers and their families. From employment to receiving medical treatment, the negative effects of stigma are well-documented, extending into most domains of a person’s life. This study reviews the mechanisms through which stigma is upheld and highlights the need for further research on reducing stigmatizing attitudes, especially in the workplace. Before discussing the causes and potential mediating factors for reducing stigma, a review of mental illness prevalence rates and problems associated with a mental illness diagnosis is given. Recommendations for maximizing vocational success are made.

Keywords: stigma, mental illness, vocational rehabilitation

Transforming Attitude about Mental Illness

Transforming Attitudes about Mental Illness in the Workplace

I won second place in a program-wide poster competition for my poster on discrimination against individuals with mental illness and ways to mitigate it. Too small to see? For Windows users try hitting "ctrl and +" a few times. Mac users can hold down "command" instead of control. This is a nifty tool for individuals with seeing impairments. To return your screen to your preferred size, hit "ctrl (or command) and -."

My Resume

Hillary Jackson Little

hillary_little@med.unc.edu

704.724.6429

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill                                                                                               

Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology, 2011 (3.91 GPA)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2005                                                                          

POSITIONS HELD

Board Member, 2009 - 2011

Student Liaison to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, NC Chapter

President, 2010 - 2011

UNC Rehabilitation Counselors Association

Volunteerism, Fundraising, Outreach, Professional Networking

EXPERIENCE

UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, Internship, 2011

• Provided services that revolved around empowering and assisting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (primarily schizophrenia) and another co-occurring disorder (primarily substance abuse disorders and intellectual disabilities).
• Assessed clients’ mood, mental health status, suicidal and homicidal ideations, degree of psychosis and conducted individual counseling sessions.
• Advocated for client rights and protection and provided case management services.
• Co-led a Wellness Management and Recovery therapy group and a group based on the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT) model.

 Comprehensive Cancer Support Center, Practicum Site, NC Cancer Hospital, 2010

• Provided on call, emergency and regular counseling for cancer patients and their caregivers (in-patient and out-patient).
• Assessed for depression, anxiety, suicidality and other mental health diagnoses while utilizing reflection, empathy, confrontation and other counseling skills.

Environmental Educator, McDowell Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County Park & Rec., 2009

• Developed and taught the curricula for outdoor adventure classes and environmental education programs, including water ecology stream hikes, kayaking, campfire cooking courses and live animal shows. Designed budget for the programs.  

Advanced Cognitive Skills Trainer, Learning Rx, LLC, 2006-2009

• Provided one-on-one training to individuals ranging in age from middle childhood to adulthood, to improve cognitive and auditory processing skills such as short term memory and attention.
• Coached parents to create a dynamic and intense training environment for the student. This included designing behavioral plans targeting selective and fixed attention, hyperactivity and low self-esteem.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) certified, 2011
• Second Place in the Rehabilitation Counseling & Psychology Poster Project: Transforming Attitudes about Mental Illness in the Workplace, 2010
• South Asia Regional Conference on Autism Volunteer, New Delhi, India, 2008
• Inaugural Recipient of the Charlotte Women's Political Caucus Summer Fellowship, 2005

Roots, Travel & Adventures: A Self Portrait

Roots, Travel & Adventures: A Self Portrait

Is there anything better than an adventure? Here is a quick look at some of the places I have traveled and the different meanings they hold for me. It makes an interesting snapshot of my interests and experiences.

1. Charlotte, NC, USA: Where I was born—I’m a 5th generation Charlottean.

2. New Delhi, India: I volunteered at the Southeast Asia Regional Conference on Autism. It was inspirational to see parents from different cultures unite over a common cause.

3. Gulfport, MS, USA: I volunteered with the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. Words don’t describe the destruction—I saw a car at the top of an oak tree and a boat 120 miles inland. I met a man and a dog he just adopted - the dog saved his life by helping him stay above water after his home flooded.

4. Tucson, AZ, USA: I volunteered on a state senatorial campaign in Tucson – advocating takes on a whole new meaning walking door to door in the desert.

5. Wellington, New Zealand: Here, I met my namesake Sir Edmund Hillary at the Te Papa Tongewera National Museum. He signed my book “To Hillary, from Hillary.”

6. Paris, France: My first international choir concert - we sang in the Notre Dame Cathedral!

7. Kathmandu, Nepal: The Royal Family had just stepped down, paving the way for a fully democratic government. While there, I heard Buddhist monks singing at the Syayambhunath Stupa and flew over Mt. Everest

8. Jackson Hole, WY, USA: I drove more than 2,000 miles to help my cousin move “Out West.” There’s no better way to see America.

9. Chapel Hill, NC, USA: I got my BA in psychology, MS in rehabilitation counseling and psychology and wrote my master’s paper “Transforming Attitudes about Mental Illness in the Workplace.”

10. Brattleboro, VT, USA: Attended the High 5 Adventure Training Camp—ropes courses, trust falls, teambuilding activities? I’m in!

11. Sydney, Australia: Started at the Opera House and traveled down the coast as student ambassador.

12. Carrboro, NC, USA: The “Paris of the Piedmont” and my current home. I co-led group therapy for folks with severe mental illness and substance abuse problems. I also completed EMT training here with Orange County’s finest.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my website. I invite you to peruse the different posts and check out some of my writing samples, research, projects and photos. I hope you enjoy taking a look at what I've been up to. Thanks for visiting.