Natalie Russo
Belton
Summary
Crisis services specialist with extensive experience at Easterseals Midwest, focusing on behavioral intervention and client advocacy. Proficient in medication administration and effective communication, enabling individuals with complex needs to reach their goals while ensuring compliance and fostering social integration. Committed to enhancing lives through dedicated support and innovative solutions.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Crisis Services Specialist
Easterseals Midwest
Kansas City
08.2024 - 11.2025
- Delivered high-level positive behavioral interventions for individuals with complex needs.
- Supported advocacy efforts for individuals with disabilities in local initiatives.
- Supported clients in developing and revising individual support plans and behavior support plans.
- Captured and documented timely, accurate behavioral data to meet agency compliance standards.
- Provided educational assistance, mentoring, and support to individuals within program.
- Assisted with daily living activities, including bathing, hygiene, meal preparation, and transportation.
- Promoted social integration while maintaining community connections for clients.
- Administered medications and medical care per physician orders while monitoring health changes.
- Participated in ongoing staff meetings and training to enhance person-centered care quality.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources and support services.
Direct Support Professional
Compass Health Network
05.2023 - 06.2024
- The duties include providing direct care for those who come into our crisis center and are experiencing a mental health or drug crisis.
- This includes conducting proper search and inventory of personal belongings as well as, monitoring those who are admitted to the unit and completing proper documentation.
- Working directly with the onsite nurse and therapist to ensure proper care as well as communicating effectively as needed for the client.
Digital Advocate
Alliance Against Family Violence
02.2022 - 06.2023
- The duties included: Marketing and managing the domestic and sexual violence organization's social media, events, presentations, and as needed, picking shelter advocate shifts.
Shelter Operations Manager
Hope Haven of Cass County
04.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed daily operations to ensure effective service delivery for clients.
- Coordinated staff schedules to maintain adequate coverage and support.
- Oversaw inventory management to ensure availability of essential supplies.
- Monitored compliance with safety and regulatory standards throughout operations.
- Supervised day-to-day workflow of employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Directed operations staff by providing guidance, training, and support in order to meet company objectives.
- Collaborated with executive director to ensure effective operations of domestic and sexual violence shelter.
Shelter Support Advocate
Hope Haven of Cass County
02.2020 - 04.2021
- Duties included: Providing support, advocacy, resources, and referral services to survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
- Maintained a safe environment for shelter residents.
- Performed crisis intervention and managed hotline calls for those needing shelter.
- Provided on-call hospital advocacy coverage for survivors of sexual violence.
- Collaborated with local hospital systems and law enforcement agencies.
- Maintained grant compliance documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
Education
High School Diploma -
Blue Valley North
Leawood, KS05.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Metropolitan Community College
Lee's Summit, MOSkills
- Behavioral and crisis intervention
- Medication administration
- Health monitoring
- Individual support planning
- Client advocacy
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
Additional Trainings And Certifications
- Supporting Client Rights for Paraprofessionals in Behavioral Health, 12/20/23
- CPR and First Aid Skills (In-Person), 11/22/23
- Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention (In-Person), 09/19/23
- OEND: Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution, 02/14/26
- Level 1 Medication Aide, 08/03/25
- Supporting Persons with Serious Mental Illness toward Recovery, 06/30/23
- CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, 06/02/23
- Trauma Informed Care 101, 06/02/23
- Strategies for Preventing and De-escalating Hostile Situations, 06/02/24
- CPR and First Aid, 09/13/24
- Advanced Mandt, 10/22/25
- Registered Behavior Technician, 11/01/24
- Missouri Mandated Reporter, 05/26/25
- Peer Support Specialist, 02/26/26
Timeline
Crisis Services Specialist
Easterseals Midwest
08.2024 - 11.2025
Direct Support Professional
Compass Health Network
05.2023 - 06.2024
Digital Advocate
Alliance Against Family Violence
02.2022 - 06.2023
Shelter Operations Manager
Hope Haven of Cass County
04.2021 - 01.2022
Shelter Support Advocate
Hope Haven of Cass County
02.2020 - 04.2021
High School Diploma -
Blue Valley North
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Metropolitan Community College