About ME

Rita Fernandes, Coalition Servant Leader

About Me

Rita Maria Fernandes

Email: rfernandes8515@gmail.com
Phone: 617-308-1827

I am a dedicated and compassionate professional with a rich background in family and community advocacy, behavioral health, and case management. Over the years, I have honed my skills in delivering quality services that emphasize each individual's unique needs, while fostering human connections and community integration. My extensive experience in healthcare, support services, and community outreach has equipped me with the expertise needed to develop effective treatment plans and advocate for the most vulnerable populations.

Professional Background

With over 20 years of experience in various support roles, I have worked with diverse populations, including children, families, and veterans. My career highlights include:

• Behavioral Health Specialist: At Boston ABA and Associates, I managed a caseload of over 120 children in public schools and group home placements. I developed and maintained comprehensive documentation and collaborated with adults and children in diverse settings, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction through effective advocacy and resource coordination.

• Personal Support Specialist: At Cerebral Palsy, Inc., I facilitated clients' optimal health by overseeing medication administration and coordinating over 200 doctor’s appointments. I designed nutritious meal plans and engaged patients in mental stimulation activities, contributing to their enhanced health and well-being.

• Family Support Specialist: At Children’s Services of Boston, I identified and reported child abuse cases, conducted over 150 home visits to assist clients in developing essential life and job skills, and fostered community integration by offering extensive physical, emotional, and social support. I also partnered with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible, improving resource utilization by 30% among underserved populations through targeted outreach programs.

• Prenatal and Postpartum Specialist: At Boston Medical Center, I conducted comprehensive health assessments for 100+ mothers during prenatal appointments, monitored vital signs and emotional states, supported over 140 successful births, and provided post-partum counseling, leading to enhanced maternal and newborn health outcomes.

• Social Services Case Manager: At Boston Senior Home Care, I collected and analyzed data to develop appropriate care plans for 50+ clients annually, developed supplemental programs to bridge care gaps, facilitated effective coordination of client information among agencies, and built positive relationships with clients and community providers, improving client outcomes by 25%.

 

Skills and Certifications

My skills and certifications reflect my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Key skills include:

• Case Management: Expert in managing complex caseloads, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and coordinating care among multiple providers.

• Advocacy and Resource Coordination: Strong advocate for clients, with a proven track record of improving resource utilization and accessibility through effective outreach and collaboration.

• Intervention Strategies: Proficient in intervention techniques and strategies to support clients in various settings, from residential facilities to community centers.

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills, adept at fostering human connections and building positive relationships with clients and community stakeholders.

Key certifications include:

• 1998: Formed an in-home postpartum sister support

• 2000: Family Child Care Training and License from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services

• 2001: Family Child Care Training Series from Family Day Care Program Inc

• 2002: Certification for Family Advocacy from Family Leadership Institute

• 2006: Training Community Doula with Birth Sista from Boston Medical Center

• 2014: Series of Training in Family Court Mediation from Vital Village

• 2016: Building Capacities In Trauma Informed Care from Children's Services of Roxbury

• 2017: Create Your Own Job Seminar and Access To Business Law Seminar from Economic Justice Project with Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice

• 2020: Advocacy and Case Management for American Veterans during Covid19 from Volunteers of America

• 2024: Leadership in Community Leadership & Advocacy from Urban College of Boston

• 2024: Breastfeeding Support Specialist from ROSE Breastfeeding Scholars

Commitment to Community

I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in my community. My work with various organizations has enabled me to support and empower individuals and families, helping them navigate complex systems and access the resources they need. As a member of the Greater Boston Birth Equity Coalition’s inaugural Servant Leadership Team, I continue to advocate for equitable healthcare and support services for all.

Through my dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether working directly with clients or collaborating with community partners, my goal is to make a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve.