LORI M. SCHMIDT
Villa Rica
Summary
Dedicated Addiction Recovery Specialist with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, and program coordination. Skilled in developing recovery curricula; leading individual and group sessions utilizing CBT, DBT, and ACT; and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes for survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and domestic violence. Committed to empowering individuals to pursue recovery, strengthen resilience, and achieve long-term healing.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addiction Recovery Specialist
House of Cherith
01.2023 - Current
- Provide individual counseling for addiction recovery, managing a caseload of 25 residents weekly.
- Utilize CBT, DBT, and ACT principles to tailor treatment interventions.
- Facilitate group recovery classes and peer support groups using evidence-based modalities.
- Collaborate with case management and mental health teams to ensure holistic, integrated client care.
- Partner with GACA, NAADAC, and Georgia Council for Recovery to enhance best practices and develop data-driven reports for grants and compliance.
Experience Coordinator
House of Cherith
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Coordinated trauma-informed programming and volunteer engagement initiatives.
- Trained and supported volunteers to ensure quality and consistency in care.
- Organized monthly volunteer events and maintained all programming schedules.
- Led group recovery classes integrating 12-Step approaches.
- Provided daily support to survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and domestic violence.
Experience Coordinator
House of Cherith West
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Oversaw trauma-informed programming and volunteer engagement.
- Facilitated recovery and wellness classes to support client goals.
- Enhanced residential participation and overall client experience.
Intake Coordinator
House of Cherith
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Conducted intake screenings and behavioral health assessments.
- Developed initial care plans in coordination with case management and clinical teams.
- Maintained intake documentation for grant funding and compliance.
- Improved intake processes to increase efficiency and trauma sensitivity.
Intern
House of Cherith
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Assisted case managers and behavioral health specialists with daily operations.
- Supported intake interviews, medication dispensing, and residential management.
- Developed curriculum and facilitated recovery-focused classes.
- Researched community resources including transitional housing and outpatient programs.
Owner/Operator
Lola Salon
05.2008 - 12.2020
- Managed full operations, staffing, finances, and strategic planning.
- Supervised and developed a team of 6–8 employees.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase clientele and profitability.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards while maintaining high client satisfaction.
Financial Administrator
LifeGate Church
01.2015 - 05.2018
- Managed budgeting, accounting, and payroll operations.
- Prepared monthly and annual financial reports for leadership and board review.
- Oversaw accounts payable/receivable and ensured tax compliance.
Education
M.S. - Human Services Counseling, Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2025
B.S. - Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2021
A.A.S. - Accounting
West Georgia Technical College
Waco, GA12.2013
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Professional: Communication Leadership Team Collaboration Emotional Intelligence Time Management Adaptability Problem-Solving Public Speaking
Certification
- Certified Addictions Counselor II (CACII) — October 2024
- NAADAC — 114 CE Hours
- Niche Academy: Trauma-Informed Safety Planning for Survivors (finance, technology, support animals, and sexual violence recovery)
Timeline
Addiction Recovery Specialist
House of Cherith
01.2023 - Current
Experience Coordinator
House of Cherith
10.2022 - 01.2025
Experience Coordinator
House of Cherith West
11.2021 - 11.2022
Intake Coordinator
House of Cherith
05.2021 - 11.2021
Intern
House of Cherith
01.2021 - 05.2021
Financial Administrator
LifeGate Church
01.2015 - 05.2018
Owner/Operator
Lola Salon
05.2008 - 12.2020
B.S. - Psychology
Liberty University
A.A.S. - Accounting
West Georgia Technical College
M.S. - Human Services Counseling, Executive Leadership
Liberty University