Meet our TCM staff at Essential Family & Community Services
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Michelle Rodriguez
Mental Health Targeted Case Manager Supervisor
18 Years of Experience in Mental Health Services
With over 18 years of experience in providing comprehensive and compassionate mental health targeted case management services, Michelle has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and families facing mental health challenges. Having worked extensively with both adults and children, Michelle possesses a diverse skill set in managing complex mental health cases, advocating for clients, and coordinating multidisciplinary care teams to ensure optimal outcomes.
Michelle’s career began in 2006 when she relocated from Puerto Rico to Connecticut. She transitioned from a nine-year career as an elementary school teacher to a direct service role as Family Support Case Manager Level II at Wheeler Clinic, a nonprofit organization providing critical support to children and families living with severe mental illnesses. In 2011, Michelle moved to North Carolina, where she worked as an Intensive In-Home Qualified Professional for four years, gaining further expertise in addressing a wide range of mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ASD, ADHD, and more.
In 2015, Michelle relocated to Florida and began working as a Targeted Case Manager (TCM) for a Tampa-based organization, where she primarily served clients in Polk County, particularly Haines City. After years of honing her skills and expanding her expertise, Michelle decided to take the next step in her career by founding her own mental health targeted case management agency. Her mission is to assist individuals and families by empowering them to achieve a brighter, more stable future.
Core Areas of Expertise:
- Case Management Services: Conducting assessments, service planning, resource coordination, and monitoring to ensure clients access necessary services such as housing, medical care, and educational support.
- Advocacy & Support: Representing clients in healthcare settings, school systems, and community agencies to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
- Crisis Management & Intervention: Providing emotional support, connecting clients to immediate services, and de-escalating challenging situations effectively.
- Family Support & Education: Guiding families of children and adolescents through mental health systems and helping them understand treatment plans.
- Collaboration with Providers: Building strong partnerships with mental health professionals, schools, social workers, and community organizations to ensure integrated care for each client.
- Group Facilitation: Teaching behavioral skills to adolescents dealing with challenges such as anger management, self-identity, low self-esteem, and legal issues, helping them develop coping strategies and reduce negative outcomes.
Education & Certifications:
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. She has completed numerous professional development courses in areas such as mental health, case management, trauma, ASD, cultural competency, motivational interview, Anger management, etc. and family dynamics.
She is certified by the Florida Certification Board as a Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager Supervisor (CBHCM-S), Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) and as Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager/Supervisor Training Instructor
ensuring she remains current with industry standards and best practices.
Commitment to Empowerment:
Over the years, Michelle has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underserved populations, and has developed a deep understanding of the unique barriers faced by those living with mental health challenges. Her approach is rooted in empowerment, emphasizing self-sufficiency and promoting long-term mental wellness.
Whether supporting adults managing chronic mental health conditions or helping children navigate emotional challenges, Michelle takes pride in providing tailored care that meets the unique needs of each individual. Her passion for improving lives continues to inspire her work every day.
Angel Rios, MA, TCM
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Angel Rios was born in Puerto Rico. Graduated from High School while on the US Army in Germany. Decides to leave the Army to go back to Puerto Rico to complete a BA and MA degree in Education at the Pontificia Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Mr. Rios worked for 14 years with the Puerto Rico school system as a Math Teacher and School Principal. Moved to Orlando, Florida in 1994 with his family where with the help of his wife establishes Mission of Love Christian Church, Inc. It is in Orlando where Mr. Rios becomes a writer. As a writer publishes two books: Arbustus and Anghel and currently is working as a compositor with some new projects.
In 1991 Mr. Rios started working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), where he gets certified as a Children Specialist, and worked here for 8 years as a Family Foster Care Counselor. Leaves DCF to become the Director of Refuge of Love, Inc. This agency is a Non-for-profit entity that provides referral services and social work to the local community. Mr. Rios worked for three years as a Regional Manager for Esperanza USA, a national Non-Profit Agency. Here Mr. Rios was responsible for identify and empower Non-profit organizations to better serve their surrounding community getting approval for Grants a local and national level. Among those successful programs Mr. Rios developed the Orlando Mentor Initiative to serve the youth and children in need.
In addition to this, Mr. Rios is approved to receive financial support via Grants to establish The Children of Prisoner Mentoring Program, The MP3 project to offer free music lessons to the community, and the Caregivers project.
Among some awards and financing support for his social service Mr. Rios received the following recognitions:
>The Hispanic Capacity Award, Washington DC 2005.
>Vision Award for outstanding community Services Agency, Pennsylvania.
>The Army Commendation Medal
>Golden Medal for his books.
>Julia de Burgos award.
Yenis Feliu, BA, CBHCM-P
Michelle Rodriguez, BA, CBHCM-S, CTP, CEO
Yenis Feliu, BA, CBHCM-P
Yenis Information coming soon.
Announcement
We are hiring Certified Behavioral Health Case Managers and Office staff!
NEW: CBHCM and CBHCM-S Training by EFCS!!!!