Melika Baghapour
Toronto
Summary
Dedicated and passionate psychology graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, concentrating in Counseling and Mental Health. Experienced in clinical, research, and outreach roles, including working directly with clients facing diverse mental health challenges, facilitating workshops, and contributing to psychology-focused initiatives. Possess a strong foundation in psychological principles, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based interventions, with a focus on trauma, cross-cultural mental health, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Eager to contribute to Nova Southeastern University's PsyD program, leveraging academic excellence and extensive field experience to further develop clinical skills and advance the field of psychology.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer
Dr. Mani's Mental Health Clinic
09.2024 - Current
- Gained firsthand insights into evidence-based therapy techniques, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), by observing sessions conducted by a licensed psychologist
- Strengthened knowledge of ethical guidelines and confidentiality practices crucial to clinical psychology
- Learned practical applications of CBT principles in real-world clinical settings, contributing to a deeper understanding of cognitive and behavioral interventions
- Supported clients in navigating intake processes and prepared them for therapy sessions, fostering interpersonal communication skills and empathy
- Acquired knowledge about treating a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal challenges, through practical observation and discussion
Health Educator
York University
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided support to a diverse spectrum of clients, including racially and culturally diverse domestic and international students, mature students, students with disabilities, and first-generation students
- Facilitated group discussions and workshops on various health topics to encourage positive lifestyle changes
- Connected individuals with healthcare services to meet stated needs
- Advocated for improved health policies and resources to prioritize collective wellness practices
- Articulated sensitive health subjects tactfully to educate on stigmatized topics
- Researched continuously for up-to-date, factual health studies
- Evaluated existing literature on public health trends in order to inform program design decisions
Volunteer
Better Together Club York University
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted new immigrant and refugee students in navigating mental health challenges through one-on-one support and group discussions
- Organized activities and workshops to help students adapt to university life and build a sense of belonging
- Connected students with on-campus and external mental health services, fostering awareness of available support systems
Annual Fund Ambassador
York University
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Company Overview: Toronto
- Engaged with York University alumni across diverse age groups, ranging from their twenties to their eighties, fostering meaningful and respectful connections
- Built strong interpersonal relationships through empathetic communication and active listening, enhancing alumni engagement
- Demonstrated advanced communication skills to encourage alumni participation and support for university initiatives, reflecting an understanding of individual motivations
- Represented York University with professionalism and enthusiasm, strengthening alumni relations and fostering a sense of community
- Applied psychological principles to effectively navigate conversations, address concerns, and build rapport with individuals from varied backgrounds
- Maintained detailed and accurate records of interactions, demonstrating organizational and analytical skills
- Contributed to team success by meeting and exceeding outreach goals, showcasing collaboration and commitment to shared objectives
- Toronto
Facilitator Team Lead
York University
05.2023 - 06.2023
- Organized and supervised a team of facilitators for various events during the Congress
- Provided guidance and support to participants throughout the conference
- Collaborated with event organizers to ensure smooth execution of activities
- Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills in a fast-paced environment
General Ambassador
Undergraduate Psychology Student Association
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided academic support to students by organizing study groups and tutoring sessions to help them excel in psychology courses, promoting academic success and mental well-being
- Connected students with psychology and mental health resources on and off campus, including counseling services and support groups, to enhance their overall well-being
- Facilitated events such as 'Meet with Profs' to foster mentorship opportunities and academic guidance, promoting a positive learning environment and psychological support
- Organized distressing sessions before exams to help students manage test anxiety and stress, promoting mental health awareness and coping strategies
- Coordinated calming and relaxing activities such as mindfulness workshops and yoga sessions to promote stress relief and mental wellness among students
- Collaborated with faculty members and staff to advocate for mental health initiatives and resources on campus, contributing to a supportive and inclusive university community
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills in building relationships with students, providing emotional support, and fostering a sense of belonging within the psychology student community
Pharmacy Technician
Beverly Med Pharmacy
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Provided excellent customer service to patients, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in a professional manner
- Demonstrated empathy and active listening skills while interacting with customers, showing sensitivity to their healthcare needs
- Managed confidential patient information in compliance with healthcare regulations, demonstrating respect for patient privacy and confidentiality
- Provided support to patients experiencing mental health crises by connecting them with appropriate resources and services
- Participated in mental health awareness campaigns and initiatives within the pharmacy setting to promote mental health education and destigmatization
Head Lifeguard & Swimming Instructor
Schwartz/Reisman Centre
03.2019 - 04.2021
- Implemented positive reinforcement techniques to boost swimmers' confidence and self-esteem, contributing to their mental well-being
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate individual learning styles and address psychological barriers to swimming progress
- Fostered a supportive and encouraging environment for swimmers, promoting mental resilience and stress management skills
- Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing feedback to swimmers, helping them overcome fears and anxieties related to water activities
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to address psychological concerns and encourage open communication regarding swimmers' mental health and well-being
- Supervised a team of 10+ lifeguards to ensure quality performance standards were met
Education
Honours Bachelor Of Science - Psychology
York University
Skills
- Clinical and Counseling Expertise
- Research Proficiency
- Interpersonal Communication
- Psychoeducational Workshop Development
- Cultural Competency
- Crisis Management
- CBT and Evidence-Based Interventions
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
- Critical thinking
- Computer Literacy
- Bilingual in English & Farsi
Certification
- York University Concentration Certification in Counseling & Mental Health
- York University Outstanding Students awards 2023
- Workplace Harassment & Violence Prevention Certificate
- LivingWorks Start Certification: Suicide Intervention Skills
- Activity Bystander Training - Sexual Violence
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
- 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course - Rainbow Health Ontario
- Advanced Peer Leadership Training (APLT)
- Sexual Violence Response and Awareness Certification
- CPR, First Aid & Naloxone Certification
Publications
Tabatabaei, E., Baghapour, M.A., Hoseini, M., Fararouei, M., Abbasi, F., & Baghapour, M.
(2021). Assessing BTEX concentrations emitted by hookah smoke in indoor air of residential
buildings: health risk assessment for children. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. [DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00721-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-021-00721-x)
Timeline
Volunteer
Dr. Mani's Mental Health Clinic
09.2024 - Current
Volunteer
Better Together Club York University
09.2023 - 12.2023
Health Educator
York University
06.2023 - 06.2024
Annual Fund Ambassador
York University
05.2023 - 08.2023
Facilitator Team Lead
York University
05.2023 - 06.2023
General Ambassador
Undergraduate Psychology Student Association
10.2022 - 05.2023
Pharmacy Technician
Beverly Med Pharmacy
04.2021 - 04.2023
Head Lifeguard & Swimming Instructor
Schwartz/Reisman Centre
03.2019 - 04.2021
Honours Bachelor Of Science - Psychology
York University
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