Goal Statement

Michelle Blau

1/18/2017

Professional Goal Statement

It has been said that in order “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” -Anatole France

Personal, Academic, and Professional Goals/Personal Qualities

It is my ultimate ambition to find, pursue, and labor diligently at all great things that ignite excitement and enthusiasm. I believe that meaningful goals can be found in not only leisure activities but also in vocational pursuits. My hope in attending Walden University is to gain the necessary education and experience in order to fuse both personal interest with my ultimate employment endeavors. This integration of passion and planning will create a springboard for the realization of my dreams - obtaining employment in a field that I hold unending passion and devotion.

Academic Experience

I have extensive education and professional practice in the social services field as well as a broad range of management and supervisory experience. Shortly after graduating from Brigham Young University Idaho with an A.A. in Psychology (emphasis in neuro-anatomy), I continued my education through hands-on learning via case management for clientele experiencing a dual-diagnosis of both Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities. Herein, I managed member’s individualized plans of care and collaborated with a variety of agencies and businesses including the State of Oregon and/or the State of Arizona.

 In 2013, I enrolled at Grand Canyon University to pursue graduate studies in General Psychology. This transition and evolution of my life’s path, led me to accomplish and realize goals I never thought possible. I graduated with honors in January of 2016 after being inducted into Psi Chi Honors Society. Shortly after graduation, I sought national certification as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. Currently, I am the Executive Director of Developmental Disability Services wherein I manage and oversee 96 employees, 35 members, and 11 group homes.

Work/Other Experience 

As a case manager and direct care worker, it was imperative that I utilized my creative problem solving skill set to identify community resources and informal natural supports to better manage the customer’s state appointed funding for services which provided independence and autonomy. During my 10 plus years of experience, I developed the necessary skills which are required to adequately provide and manage clients’ mental and physical needs; including but not limited to communication skills- both oral and written, organization and time management skills, and a greater understanding and appreciation for self-determination.

Management over personnel has been a unique change in focus and has allowed me to combine my direct care/case management work experience with my passion of leading and inspiring others through various teaching and training methods. If goals and dreams require action and planning, then pursuing a Masters of Science in Marriage Couple and Family Counseling with an emphasis in Forensic Counseling at Walden University will be the preparation I need to accomplish the great things I have set in motion.  By pursing a Masters in Family Counseling, I seek to take this broad and versatile degree, and obtain my independent counseling license. I hope that by pursing this as my area of study, I can expand my professional interests to include all things joyful and great.

Why Walden?

I have always been drawn to expanding my academic enterprises, which led me to Walden University in 2010. In February of 2012, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Walden University with my Bachelors of Science in Communication. I took my earnings and knowledge from such and furthered myself through community service. Since I was a sophomore in High School, I have made it my life long mission to speak to and motivate adolescent girls and at-risk youth. Though, in order to fully understand my passion for encouraging and inspiring adolescents, you might first need to know the struggles I have survived.