Arango Guardian Ad Litem Services
Arango Guardian Ad Litem Services
Family Law Guardian ad Litem representing the voice of the child
Academic Background
M.A.Master’s of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology
St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT 2005-2008
B.A. Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Sociology and African Studies
St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 1995-1999
Clinical & Related Experiences
Title 26 Guardian ad Litem, 2010-Present
Providing Guardian ad Litem evaluations for Snohomish, King, & Skagit Counties. Assignments include: dissolutions, modifications, paternity, relocation, third party custody actions, pre and post-adoption studies, and out-of-county home studies. Evaluation experience includes assessments of child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Completed over 200 GAL evaluations to date.
Therapist, private practice, Seattle, WA 2008-2010
Provided individual therapy for children experiencing divorce-related issues and mental health challenges including anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Supervision under a licensed mental health clinician.
Facilitator, Seattle Children of Divorce, Seattle, WA 2009-2011
Created and facilitated a weekly group therapy program for children ages 7-10 experiencing divorce. Researched and applied child-centered techniques to ensure the program was age-appropriate and engaging. Treatment modalities included arts and crafts, movies and talk therapy.
Crisis Clinician, First Call, South Burlington, VT 2005-2008
Provided phone or face-to-face response to children experiencing a mental health crisis. Conducted mental health assessments for clientele in multiple settings and made recommendations for therapy, hospital diversion services, psychiatric hospitalization and other entities. Participated in Individual Education Plans (IEP) meetings with other service providers and school faculty to support the child’s mental health, academic, and social needs.
Counselor, Johnson State College, Johnson, VT 2007-2008
Provided individual counseling to undergraduate and graduate students as part of practicum requirements for a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at St. Michael’s College. Supported students with concerns regarding stress, loneliness, test anxiety, homesickness, adjustment to college, decision- making, alcohol and/or drug issues and self-development.
Program Counselor, CP Stepping Stones, Winooski, VT 2002-2004
Provided individual therapeutic and academic support in an alternative school setting for adolescents with varying social, emotional, learning, and/or mental health challenges. Designed individualized treatment plans maximizing personal growth in youth with challenges involving trauma, anxiety, conduct disorders, attentional difficulties and learning disabilities.
Intern, Global Outreach, Jinja, Uganda Fall 1997
Worked with Ugandan women’s groups in Uganda, East Africa as part of month-long independent study within St. Lawrence University’s 4-month Kenya semester abroad program. Worked with staff throughout various tribal areas helping to devise culturally fitting solutions to malnutrition facing children and their families. Learned and spoke rudimentary Kiswhali.